Sundial Winter 2012

THE

SUN DIAL Winter 2012

The Magazine of The Ethel Walker School

Centennial Celebration!

Campus News • Centennial Weekend • Reunion • Out & About • Take Note

S AV E T H E D AT E S Jan 26-29, 2012 Long Winter Weekend Feb 16 & 17, 2012 Upper School Dance Concert

May 2, 2012 Margaret Bonz Distinguished Speaker Series presentation

March 1 & 2, 2012 Middle School Play

June 8, 2012 Middle School Promotion

March 3-March 18, 2012 Spring Break

June 9, 2012 Prize night

April 2 & 5, 2012 Admitted Student Days

June 10, 2012 Commencement

April 7-9, 2012 Long Spring Weekend

July, 2012 ALUMNAE EVENT: Ravinia Festival, Highland Park, IL

April 13-14, 2012 Board of Trustees meeting

August 5, 2012 ALUMNAE EVENT: Saratoga Race Track and Yearling Sale, Sarasota Springs NY

April 15-27, 2012 Faculty Staff Art Show April 27, 2012 Grandparent’s day

Winter 2012

Dogswood Day – Shh, it’s a surprise!

August 29, 2012 ALUMNAE EVENT: The U.S. Open, Flushing Meadows, NY

April 27, 2012 ALUMNAE EVENT: The Cake Boss, Hartford, CT Please email alumnae@ethelwalker.org or eleanor_barnes@ethelwalker.org to RSVP or learn more about these events.

PUBLISHED BY The Ethel Walker School 230 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 860.658.4467 | www.ethelwalker.org HEAD OF SCHOOL

Bessie Speers

EDITORIAL BOARD INTERIM EDITOR

Mara Braverman CONTRIBUTORS

Wendy Allerton, Sandra Baker, Eleanor Barnes, Kathleen Battiston, Kim Blanchard, Margy Foulk, Kitty Friedman, Lee-Ann Harris, Michele Harris, Heidi McCann, John Monagan, Ken Poppe, Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Dr. Sheri Schmidt, Diane Thomas, Abigail Trafford ’57 TAKE NOTE, OUT & ABOUT

Eleanor Barnes, Kitty Friedman, Michele Harris, PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Bergen Photography, Kim Blanchard, Liss Couch-Edwards ’07, Vivian Elba, Jill Harrington, Allison Harris ’13, Genie Lomba, Jacinta Lomba ’13, John Monagan, Dr. Sheri Schmidt, Tom Speers, Jessica Windhurst, Windhurst Photography ADDRESS CLASS NOTES TO:

2011-2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Donya Nagib Sabet ’90

Sarah Gates Colley ’75

Letitia McClure Potter ’55, P’85

PRESIDENT NEW YORK, NY

CROSS RIVER, NY

TRUSTEE EMERITA GREENWICH, CT

The Development Office The Ethel Walker School 230 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury, CT 06070 Or submit via email to: alumnae@ethelwalker.org

Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90

SEND ADDRESS AND EMAIL CHANGES TO:

CONCORD, MA

alumnae@ethelwalker.org

Lisa Pagliaro Selz ’69

DESIGN

E. Kay Cowan Margot Campbell Bogert ’60 VICE PRESIDENT BEDFORD HILLS, NY

Elizabeth Sivage Clark ’67, P’04 TREASURER CHICAGO, IL

Christopher L. Brigham, JD SECRETARY HAMDEN, CT

ACTON, MA

Harriet Blees Dewey ’60, P’86 RIDGEFIELD, CT

NEW YORK, NY

Clive DuVal III P’09 SHARON, CT

Gail Shelton P’12

Kathanne Fowler P’12

EX-OFFICIO, PRESIDENT, PARENTS ASSOCIATION, ENFIELD, CT

WEST HARTFORD, CT

Elizabeth Cromwell Speers P’16

Kate Crichton Gubelmann ’67

HEAD OF SCHOOL SIMSBURY, CT

PALM BEACH, FL

Deborah Williams MacKenzie ’55 Lynn Allegaert ’64

LAKE FOREST, IL

EDGARTOWN, MA

Lynn Sheppard Manger ’59 Sue Cesare

NEW YORK, NY

TRUSTEE EMERITA SOUTH NORWALK, CT

Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64 EX-OFFICIO, PRESIDENT, ALUMNAE BOARD LYNNFIELD, MA

PRESIDENT

Amanda Pitman ’90 VICE PRESIDENT

Nancy Hathaway Steenburg ’68 SECRETARY

Jordana (Monet) Clarke ’12

Elizabeth Borland Blodgett ’91 Leander d’Altifois Dolphin ’95 Mary Lotuff Feeny ’83 Nancy Flanagan ’93 Ailsa Veit Foulke ’87 Katherine Hypolite ’04 Tracy Himmel Isham ’85

STUDENT ALUMNAE BOARD REPRESENTATIVE

PRINTING

Lithographics, Inc.

Abigail Trafford ’57

THE SUNDIAL MAGAZINE IS PRINTED WITH VEGETABLE

BOSTON, MA

BASED INKS ON FSC CERTIFIED 10% POST-CONSUMER

Carol L. Watson, M.D. ’90

FIBER CHLORINE-FREE PAPER STOCK.

PLAINVILLE, CT

Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60 CHICAGO, IL

William Wrigley, Jr. P’14 CHICAGO, IL

ALUMNAE BOARD 2011-2012 Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64

John Johnson Art Direction & Design

Molly Love ’64 Carter Margison ’07 Mary Beth Rettger ’81 Deborah Rush ’77 Catherine Terry Taylor ’79 Gwendolyn Wood Wisely ’96

230 Bushy Hill Road Simsbury, Connecticut 06070 p 860 658 4467 f 860 658 6763 www.ethelwalker.org The Ethel Walker School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origins in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other School-administered programs.

NOTE FROM DONYA SABET ’90, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES: I’m still overjoyed by our beautiful Centennial Weekend Celebration! It was great fun seeing the Ethel Walker family come together for our momentous occasion. I loved every minute of it. Some of my most favorite minutes were listening to the fascinating life stories of the speakers on the alumnae panel, meeting the first woman board chair, and, of course, when Sigourney Weaver ’67 spoke about how meaningful Walker’s is to her. I think we all felt like the gangly spider making our way down the halls at some point, and I know we all have a teacher who changed our lives.

The Ethel Walker School changed mine, and I am forever grateful.

The lives we’ve led and the lessons we learn from each other make Ethel Walker unique and its legacy enduring. We all are a part of the School’s history, and the students of today and tomorrow will add to our story and the story of the School’s next 100 years. I hope you will join me in continuing to celebrate Walker’s and help plan for her future, so she may always be competitive, strong, and thriving. I sincerely hope to see many of you in the months to come at the Walker’s gatherings around the country. Please join us in supporting the next 100 years of The Ethel Walker School.

9

IN THIS ISSUE

7

Message from the Head of School

2

New Trustees

3

On Campus & Beyond

4

Opening Days

5

Family Weekend

7

Julia Sheldon named to Rooke Teaching Chair

8

Athletics Update Equestrian Update

10

9 10

Food for Thought Symposium

12

Centennial Weekend

16

Student Centennial

16

Friday

20

Saturday

24

Keynote Address – Sigourney Weaver ’67

28

Sunday

32

Reunion 2011

34

Alumnae News

39

Walker’s Out and About

40

Centennial Golf Tournament

44

Take Note Updates and news from your Walker’s classmates and friends

47

Supporting Walker’s

85

On the cover: Alumnae look on as Dance Workshop students perform a Gilbert and Sullivan piece, “How Beautifully Blue the Sky” from Pirates of Penzance.

16

34

44

47

Photograph correction In the Summer 2011 Sundial, we erroneously omitted a photo credit. Jenna Teti Photography provided the photo of head equestrian trainer Hillary Rheinheimer on page 20.

EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO AVOID ERRORS, MISSPELLINGS, AND OMISSIONS IN THE SUNDIAL. IF, HOWEVER, AN ERROR COMES TO YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE ACCEPT OUR SINCERE APOLOGIES AND NOTIFY US. THANK YOU.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

A

s we approached October 1, 2011, 100 years to the day when the Ethel Walker School began, campus was a hive of activity. I have never seen a team of administrators, teachers, students, trustees, alumnae, friends, and staff pull together as they did in the weeks and months preceding Centennial. It was an honor and privilege to work with our Centennial Co-Chairs and my colleagues who made Centennial all that it was and will continue to represent for the School. The Co-Chairs were Eve Chilton Martirano ’79, Maureen Margolis P’11, Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Leslie Hailand Newman ’66, Elizabeth Nash Muench ’55, Donya Nagib Sabet ’90, and Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60.

I woke at 5:30 a.m. on Centennial morning and heard sheets of rain pelting the windows. Alas, we love our Dials but “Suns, we need you today,” I muttered to myself. Connie Bell ’48 was staying in the Head’s House.

Umbrellas in hand, we both left bright and early for the first event of the day — the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated barn, which was great fun, complete with a beautiful white horse who proudly walked through the ribbon after it had been cut. It was still raining as we went to the Walker’s Today session in our theater, where Miss Walker and her sister, Evangeline, greeted us in costume and treated us to a brief vignette, from whence the vision for our School came. I was then able to share what Walker’s is all about today: a school proudly rooted in academic excellence for girls; a school with a public purpose, partnering and supporting various local initiatives and international exchanges; a school committed to diversity and to our local and world communities; and a school proud in mission and confident in its future.

Centennial Chapel slated for that morning under the enormous tent next to the Chapel, was to happen after the Centennial parade and Maypole dances in the Beaver Brook circle. A colleague said to me that morning in the rain, “Shall we move the Maypole dances into the theater?” I said stubbornly, “No, we’ll just do them in the rain.” However, when we came out of the Walker’s Today session, the rain had miraculously stopped; 1,200 people had gathered in front of Beaver Brook and were finding their way to seats inside the Centennial Tent; and a bright purple truck with student Suns and Dials waving from the back led the parade of classes along with the bagpiper. I could see Heublein Tower

and the hills beyond. That view and horizon was one of the first things I remember about walking onto this campus. It was there again. I breathed and…Centennial weekend unfolded like magic before all of us!

The Academic Procession leading into Centennial was majestic, brass playing, regalia in beautiful hues, and Suns and Dials flags held high, along with the American flag. I was the “caboose” and followed the academic procession into the massive tent that was brimming with an absolutely extraordinary energy that truly took my breath away. It was the energy of students, teachers, parents, trustees, alumnae, staff, friends, colleagues, and families — all who understood viscerally the significance of this Centennial moment for The Ethel Walker School.

As Willy MacMullen, Head of Taft, wrote so eloquently in his letter, one of hundreds we have received about Centennial: “One can tell a lot about a school from how it ‘does’ public events. At Centennial, I saw a thriving, proud, vibrant, and confident school. And for someone not particularly familiar with the ethos of an all-girls school, I was struck by the sense of kinship between women and girls. Boarding schools always have a bit of this…But there was something more profound, more subtle, more powerful in the tent on Saturday. The energy was potent; the sense of obligation the elders had to the next generation was palpable; the shared spirit — across all ages, all races — was electric. I’ve been around schools my whole life and come from a family of educators, and I drove off on Saturday feeling that Ethel Walker was a great school.”

I hope you enjoy this commemorative issue and get a sense of the extraordinary pride and deep love so many of you have for this gem of a school. Thank you for your support, your loyalty, and your investment. Your belief in what is truly possible for Walker’s during this Centennial chapter is what will make it a reality. It is our time; it is Walker’s time. I have great appreciation for each of you and for the extraordinary legacy of our Founder, as it was she who knew that the minds and hearts of girls and women matter greatly to the world.

Centennial weekend unfolded like magic before all of us!

2

THE SUNDIAL

Elizabeth C. Speers HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome New Trustees Lynn Allegaert ’64 attended Connecticut College where she received her bachelor’s degree in English in 1968. After working as a copy editor at Newsweek, Lynn attended New York University Business School where she received an M.B.A. with Distinction in 1976. She joined Morgan Guaranty Trust Company (now JP Morgan) where she rose to the title of vice president responsible for the bank’s corporate business in Ohio and Kentucky. In 1991 Lynn joined Credit Suisse First Boston where she was responsible for the bank’s business in the six New England states. She lives in Edgartown, MA, New York City and Palm Beach, FL. She has been on the boards of the Farm Institute and the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust. For seven years she served on the board of a project to bury telephone lines on North Water Street in Edgartown, which was completed in 2010.

Lynn Allegaert ’64

William “Beau” Wrigley, Jr., P’14 Beau Wrigley, as the fourth generation leader of the Wrigley family, began his career working for the company in 1985 and eventually held the positions of President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chairman, and Executive Chairman of the Board of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company between 1999 and 2008.

Currently, Beau serves in a number of professional capacities and is involved in numerous business initiatives as a private investor, as well as through philanthropic programs in Chicago and around the world.

Beau is a member of the Senior Advisory Council of BDT Capital Partners LLC. BDT Capital Partners LLC is a Chicago-based investment firm which offers long-term capital and advisory services to its family business clients. Beau is also a Director of The Economic Club of Chicago and serves on National Geographic Society’s Council of Advisors. He also serves on the Board of the not-for-profit North Shore University Healthcare System.

Additionally, as a Trustee of Conservation International, Beau supports their mission to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity. Beau is also a Co-Chair for their Ocean Health Council. The Ocean Health Council was established to create a global marine strategy and collaboratively work towards the improvement of ocean health.

Beau is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization and a William Wrigley, Jr., P’14 former member of the Business Council.

Beau was born in Chicago, is married to Heather Wrigley and has four children. He is a 1985 graduate of Duke University with a B.A. in Economics and attended the Wharton School of Business Advanced Management Program in 1994. Additionally, he was in the 1997 inaugural class of the Aspen Institute’s Henry Crown Fellowship Program.

Academic Procession for Centennial Chapel O

ur extraordinary Academic Procession during Centennial Weekend included faculty, trustees, First Selectman of Simsbury Mary Glassman, keynote speaker Sigourney Weaver ’67, former Board Chairs, former Heads of Ethel Walker, and university and college presidents and delegates: President Pam Reid of St. Joseph’s College; Secretary Ruth Lindeborg of Bryn Mawr College; President Walter Harrison of The University of Hartford; Carrie Hammond, an alumna delegate from Wellesley College; President Jimmy Jones of Trinity College; Tracy Isham, alumnae delegate from Middlebury College. Joining us were former Heads of School: Dick Flood of Salisbury School; Burch Ford of Miss Porter’s School; Don Werner of Westminster School; and George Troutman of Avon Old Farms School. Also in the procession were current heads and my colleagues: Willy MacMullen, Head of Taft School; Ken LaRoque, Head of Avon Old Farms School; and Trudy Hall, Head of Emma Willard School.

Winter 2012

3

Peace was the theme ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

of summer for many Ethel Walker students, whether working on initiatives on campus, in Hartford, or around the country. Jacinta Lomba ’13 and Hannah Fasano ’12 represented Walker’s at the World Scholar Athlete Games and the World Youth Peace Summit at the University of Hartford.

Jacinta wrote, “My most unforgettable experience would be my meeting with General Colin Powell. I was given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share my pathway to peace initiative…He listened to my presentation and gave me some thoughtful feedback.”

Hannah said that remarks by Brad Corrigan, Founder of “Lacrosse the Nations” and lead singer in the band Dispatch, “made me realize that small me from Somers, Connecticut, can make peace within the world.”

Grab the Torch Philanthropy camp

S U M M E R

4

Jacinta Lomba ’13 and General Colin Powell

hosted students from around the country on our beautiful campus. Carly Giddings ’13 learned that “the people who give all of themselves for bettering the lives of others are so incredibly aware of the world in need around them and care so deeply about the causes they

support, that they cannot imagine themselves doing anything else.” Two of our students, Kate Richardson ’14 and Dele Odumosu ’12 received scholarships to attend the camp at the Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The students gained valuable leadership experience, participated in discussions of ethics, gained knowledge of outreach programs by their peers and learned ways they can help with their own philanthropic work.

Bessie Speers and panelists at World Youth Peace Summit

E X P E R I E N C E S

The 8th grade went to Camp Chewonki

The Varsity Field

in Maine just before school began. The purpose of the trip was to develop leadership skills and to think about their role as leaders of the Middle School. The experience also brought the girls closer together as a class, while providing a lot of fun! The girls had a wonderful time as they slept in yurts and cooked meals on campfires. Highlights included tackling a high ropes course inside a very tall barn, a half-day canoe trip in and around the bay’s many inlets, and telling stories and playing games around the campfire each night.

traveled to Lake Winnipesaukee and learned that anything is possible, even conquering a fear of heights!

THE SUNDIAL

Hockey team

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

T

he first day of school, as always, was full of hugs and laughter. New students and their families were greeted in Beaver Brook by Old Girls and Cicerones, dressed conspicuously in bright pink T-shirts.

In the first chapel of the year Head of School Bessie Speers told the girls, “You are now part of The Ethel Walker School’s history. You will grow tremendously, and so will your parents.”

The word for the year is, “Believe.”

Faculty speaker and history teacher Carol Clark-Flanagan encouraged students by telling them, “When I challenge you, it means that I care. I care about what you think, what you are now, what you want to become and what you are becoming.”

Student body President, Kayla Monroe ’12 advised girls, “Learn to ask questions; learn to work as a team — collaboration is a necessity; learn to fail — there is a lot to learn from failure.”

The opening days of school included a remembrance of the victims of 9/11 on the tenth anniversary of that tragic

day. At morning meeting students and teachers shared memories and commentaries. Carol Clark-Flanagan talked about “lives lost, lives changed” and “out of ashes arose a sense of community.” Roger Cantello of the English Department read from his journal entry of 9/11 in which he expressed anger and horror — as well as the hope that peace and tolerance would prevail.

Erin Ross Moses, Director of International Outreach and Summer Programs, talked about a project that resulted in the planting of millions of daffodils in New York as a symbol of hope and renewal. Marquita Amoah ’12 shared the pain of lives lost in New York, her home city, and said, “We’ve never forgotten.”

Sophomore Emily Begleiter ’14 talked about the pain and sorrow of the event, while sophomore Sajia Darwish ’14 shared her thoughts on being Muslim during the anniversary. It was a somber, respectful and dignified time to reflect on the past.

Opening Days

Winter 2012

5

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

Women of Distinction Speakers E

ach year Walker’s invites a woman of graduate schools are invited to join distinction to speak to the community.

85 Broads from every part of the This year we are fortunate to have Janet globe and every career path. They Hanson from 85 Broads, who will speak make up the most powerful, on “Beyond Facebook: The Value of intellectually savvy network of women Creating a Powerful Relationship in the world who work for thousands Network for Life.” Hanson is the of for-profit and not-for-profit founder and CEO of the global companies in over 90 countries. network of over 25,000 women. The Hanson became the first woman Margaret Huling Bonz Women of at Goldman Sachs promoted to sales Distinction Speaker’s Series is made management. Following her 14-year possible by an endowed fund created career there, Hanson founded through the generous contributions of Milestone Capital Management, a donors in recognition of Margaret $2-billion, institutional moneyJanet Hanson Huling Bonz upon her retirement in June management firm. From 2004 to 2007, 1999 after 11 years as head of school. she was a managing director and senior The women who founded 85 Broads in 1997 worked adviser to the president of Lehman Brothers. together at Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the firm’s New York headquarters. Today women who are alumnae or Please join us for this exciting event on May 2, 2012 at students of the world’s leading colleges, universities and 11:15 a.m. in the chapel.

ServCorps Cape Cod

Front: Kim Blanchard P’06. Back: Ellie van Gemeren ’09; Betsy van Gemeren ’77, P’07, ’09; Jacinta Lomba ’13; Genie Lomba P’13, ’16, ’18

The mother-daughter build was held this spring in Craigsville, Massachusetts.

The two teams spent four days working alongside other ServCorps volunteers and repairing old homes. They scraped paint, repaired and built decks, installed new flooring, painted interior and exterior walls, cleaned shrubs and made other home repairs. Although they were exhausted by the end of the each day, this was a wonderful experience for everyone. The mother-daughter teams were Genie and Jacinta ’13 Lomba and Elizabeth “Betsy” Smith van Gemeren ’77, P’07, ’09, and her daughter Eleanor “Ellie” van Gemeren ’09.

Community Farm of Simsbury The Middle School orientation trip to the Community Farm of Simsbury allowed students to work together on a service learning opportunity. Girls collected eggs, mucked stalls, brushed rabbits, fed a baby goat and studied the ecology of various areas around the farm. They discussed the plant life by the creek versus the plant life by the barn, and they also learned how the Community Farm of Simsbury supports members of our community who cannot afford fresh food. The farm was rebuilt by a partnership of EWS, the town, and Hartford’s Billings Forge Community Works.

6

THE SUNDIAL

2 0 1 1

Family Weekend afforded 275 parents and special guests the opportunity to gain insight into the value of a Walker’s education by attending an array of classes spanning the curriculum. Faculty members introduced parents to the academic rigor of daily campus life, experienced through courses such as AP Biology, Women, Health and Culture, English: The Individual in Society, AP Statistics, Shakespeare, and Ethics.

During a parent meeting in The Ferguson Theater, Head of School Bessie Speers shared Walker’s vision for the next 100 years and presented the Centennial video, narrated by alumna Sigourney Weaver ’67, with tributes from generations of Walker’s women. The meeting concluded with the introduction of Annual Fund Parent Chairs Tracey and Bruce Backman P’16, ’18 and Ethel Walker Parents Association President Gail Shelton P’12. All have shown a commitment to Walker’s through their strong leadership.

In the afternoon, parents gathered to rekindle old friendships and meet new acquaintances at an afternoon reception, generously hosted by the Parents Association and featuring an energetic performance by our own a cappella group, the Grapes. The weekend included several traditions, including the Walker’s Bazaar, which highlighted the creativity of 28 extra-curricular student clubs, among them the Ski Team, Habitat for Humanity, the Asian Club, the Math Club and the Garden Club. Another annual event enjoyed by all was the Halloween Ride in the Henderson Riding Ring, where students performed with grace and style while sporting original Halloween costumes.

F A M I L Y

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

W E E K E N D

Who wouldn’t relish spending the day with their daughter?

Winter 2012

7

Julia Sheldon named to Rooke Teaching Chair ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

Chemistry teacher Dr. Julia Sheldon was named to the Anastasia Payne Rooke Chair in recognition of her distinguished performance in the classroom and contributions to the life of the School for the past 13 years.

“She has inspired our students to try new things, to work harder than they thought possible, and to love science,” said Head of School Bessie Speers.

Dr. Sheldon graduated magna cum laude with a degree in chemistry from the University of California at San Diego.

After earning her Ph.D. in chemistry at Yale University, she came to Walker’s. She has taught both Chemistry and AP Chemistry, chaired the Science Department, served as the lead officer for OSHA, and worked as a dorm affiliate.

Under her leadership, the Science Department began the strong push toward STEM teaching that has been continued by her successor, Jill Harrington. Together they oversaw the transition to the “Physics First” curriculum. Under Sheldon’s leadership, the number of electives in sciences has been increased, and a significant number of students have graduated with five or more credits in science.

Speers noted that Sheldon’s colleagues praise her for her work ethic, her quiet but wise presence, and her inspirational leadership. “They say, ‘She is a quiet trooper, always doing her best for her students and the School. A good advisor, a creative teacher, and someone willing to step up at Open Houses, etc., whenever needed. Good-natured, kind, and a strong presence on campus.’

“Her colleagues admire her passion, innovation and creativity in the classroom,” Speers continued, saying that “ ‘Julia works quietly and humbly in her inimitably understated manner to encourage young women to be scientists. Her gentle exterior draws in students who might not otherwise be lured by the simple purity of the Periodic Table or the complex beauty of molecules and crystals. Let’s not overlook the fact that Julia also bewitches her classes each fall with the thrill of creating nauseous jack-o’-lanterns. She may be quiet, but Julia’s impact on this community of female learners is hugely significant.’ ” Under Sheldon’s tutelage, EWS students have come to love chemistry. “ ‘Julia regularly has students return from college to tell her how easy their first-year chemistry courses

Wendy Allerton presents the Rooke Teaching chair to Dr. Julia Sheldon.

are and how they are loving Organic Chemistry (!) because of AP Chem at EWS. We have young women studying and working in science because of her influence inside and outside the classroom.’ ” The Anastasia Payne Rooke Teaching Chair is presented every three years to the teacher in the Math or Science Departments who best exemplifies Walker’s commitment to excellence in teaching and who, through his or her dedication to the School and to the discipline, has consistently inspired a passion for learning in his or her students. The chair was established in 1998 by Will and Stacie Rooke under the auspices of the Withington Foundation as a tangible representation of the School’s recognition of the importance of providing the highest quality education for young women in science, math, and technology. The chair also acknowledges in a profound way Stacie Rooke’s passionate regard for the value of a Walker’s education for young women.

Previous holders of the Rooke Chair include Lee Zalinger 1999-2002, Sue Perillo 2002-2005, and Jill Harrington 2005-2008. The holder of the Rooke chair since 2008 has been Darrell Carrington, chairperson of the Mathematics Department, who has been inspiring math students at Walker’s for more than 30 years.

The Power of Half Kevin Salwen, author of The Power of Half, gave the Ethel Walker community a powerful challenge when he spoke on September 14. He encouraged students to think about what they have too much of. Is it time? Shoes? Books? And could they live with half that item? The Salwen family, inspired by their 14-year-old-daughter, Hannah, decided that they could live in a house half the size of their own. So they sold their house, bought a smaller one and gave the proceeds to charity. Salwen told students about his family’s journey of choosing a charity, responding to critics and seeing how their relationships with each other blossomed throughout this process.

8

THE SUNDIAL

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

Athletics U P D A T E Fall sports have come to a close, and Walker’s is in the midst of the winter season.

The Ethel Walker Athletic Program celebrated 100 YEARS OF WILDCAT ATHLETICS as part of the School’s Centennial. The fall interscholastic teams – soccer, field hockey and volleyball – competed strongly in the Founders League at both the varsity and JV levels. Other athletes pushed themselves to improve running times in personal fitness, explore and conquer challenges in Outdoor Adventure or strengthen balance and core in dance classes.

On the VOLLEYBALL court, Coach Jill Harrington led a young team to a CISAC Championship, defeating MacDuffie, Westover and Hamden Hall in the one-day league tournament. Despite having only one active senior, the Wildcats showed strength in victories over Marianapolis Prep and Greens Farms. The season featured an exciting victory at Miss Porter’s in front of a loud home crowd.

defense remained strong behind talented junior goalkeeper Kari Macke ’13.

Each varsity team faced a special challenge this year, missing at least three games because of the irregular winter storm we experienced in late October and the ensuing blackout. Yet each athlete worked hard and represented Ethel Walker well. Here in Simsbury as we watch the WINTER SEASON games, we are excited to cheer on our Wildcats and watch each program continue to grow stronger.

The FIELD HOCKEY team celebrated another CISAC Championship this fall, topping both Westover and Hamden Hall in the regular season standings. With great wins over Kent and hard-fought ties in games with Greens Farms and Berkshire, Coach Mimi Duran worked tirelessly to build the confidence of a young team. Graduating only two seniors after the season, Coach Duran has built a program that is ready to compete year in and year out.

New SOCCER coach Erin Ross Moses met a team that graduated seven seniors last year. Despite facing a difficult schedule that included perennial powerhouses like Wilbraham-Monson and Taft, the team developed the skills of the freshmen, and the

Hannah Fasano ’12 signs a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Iona College.

Winter 2012

9

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

Equestrian U P D A T E

W

alker’s Equestrians returned this fall to a large construction site at the stable. Students and parents were in awe of the amazing transformation that had taken place in Walker’s historic barn. At the onset of the project, Director of the Equestrian Program Kathleen Battiston P’12 contacted Second Chance Ranch, a horse rescue facility located in nearby Granby, to see if it might be interested in recycling the old stalls. The organization immediately sent in volunteers and cleared out the barn. The renovation of the classic old structure commenced in June and was completed just in time for Centennial Weekend.

The morning of October 1, Head of School Bessie Speers and trustees Hannah Tuckner ’14 Elizabeth “Betsy” Sivage Clark on Douglas Fir ’67, P’04 and Kathanne Fowler P’12 led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They were joined by business manager Tom Schneider; contractor Doug Margison and his staff; equestrian staff; and parents and alumnae. Much to Betsy Clark’s surprise, captains Ellie Bell ’12 and Heather

10 THE SUNDIAL

Carey ’14 presented her with the Sonny Boy Trophy for Varsity Horsemanship, which she won in 1967. Kristen Wrigley ’14 then led her horse, Sander, into the barn for a photo to commemorate this momentous occasion.

The facility has 36 new stalls, and the addition of many windows and extensive lighting creates a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Brick colored pavers extend throughout Head Trainer Hillary the barn. A work area was Rheinheimer on created for farriers and High Honors veterinarians; there also are two large, heated wash stalls and a feed room. The office is easily accessible on the first floor for students, parents, and prospective families. The upgraded facility continues to retain the charm of the old barn along with modern amenities.

Kristen Wrigley ’14 on Sander at the Fidelity Jumper Classic

Head Trainer Hillary Rheinheimer and her students got off to a strong start this

Sarah Gordon ’14 on her horse, Koda, was reserve in the hunter division and Hannah Tuckner ’14 on EWS-owned Douglas Fir was champion at the Fairfield County Hunt Club show. Each student won an equitation class as well.

ON CAMPUS & BEYOND

fall. Wrigley and Hannah Meehan ’14 competed at the Fidelity Jumper Classic, with strong rides that earned good ribbons in the heavily numbered jumper classes.

Kristen rode her horse, Sander, and Hannah rode Double Debut. Rheinheimer competed on jumper prospect, Malito.

Before

Heather Carey ’13 on Waika and Kristen Wrigley ’14 on Sander were first and second, respectively, in their jumper divisions at Mystic Valley Hunt Club. Phoebe Backman ’16 on EWS-owned Heisman Trophy and Gordon on Koda cleaned up in their hunter and equitation classes. Rheinheimer won the hunter derby aboard EWS-owned High Honors and was second in the mini-prix.

Allison Talbot ’12 had a clean sweep in Los Angeles on her horse Hurricane. Allison is from Seattle and competes aboard her horse Rabino on the East Coast and with Hurricane on the West Coast.

Construction

Caroline Mazo ’15 and Allie Harris ’14

Julia Fowler ’12 was third in the Zone 1 Maclay regionals, and placed 12th at the finals. She was in the top 20 at USEF finals and placed 11th in the Medal finals in Harrisburg.

Students continue to participate actively by helping out with feeding, turning out, grooming, etc., as a requirement to participate in the program.

After

On the local front, EWS hosted a schooling show in which the entire team competed. For some students it was their first time showing and for others it was their first time in an American show. Congratulations to the entire team for participating, having fun, and winning ribbons of all colors.

In their first IEA of the season, the EWS team placed second out of 10 teams at the Folly Show with McKenzie Rollins as coach. EWS hosted an IEA Show in early December. The EWS team placed third out of 12 teams. The IEA team is coached by Hillary Rheinheimer and Kit Gustafson.

The charm of the old barn with modern amenities

Winter 2012 11

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Food System Literacy in Classrooms, Cafeterias, and Communities

Food is far more than sustenance.

Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90

12 THE SUNDIAL

We take pleasure from eating and delight in shared meals with friends and family. We may relish tending an herb garden, visiting farmers markets, or baking bread. Food plays a large role in our economy, as well, providing thousands of jobs, from growing, distributing, and selling to cooking and serving. And the ways in which food is grown, harvested, and processed have an enormous effect on our health and the health of the environment.

The Ethel Walker School has taken a leadership role in teaching about the many decisions made each day about food. The Food For Thought (FFT) symposium on June 16 and 17, 2011, a part of the Centennial Celebration, brought together educators, food service providers, farmers, environmental leaders, and others to discuss strategies to change the way we produce, procure, prepare, consume, and dispose of food. The symposium highlighted the roles independent schools and their food services play in these processes.

The event grew out of EWS’s longstanding commitment to service learning and environmental stewardship, as well as to individual and environmental health, wellness, and sustainability. FFT also grew from the School’s partnership with the Community Farm of Simsbury, where young girls have been working for the past three years, since EWS partnered with the town and Hartford’s Billings Forge Community Works to rebuild the organic, educational farm.

The symposium, which brought together attendees from some 20 schools and colleges, and the farm partnership are some of the many ways in which Walker’s works to impact the community beyond the Simsbury campus. The School’s focus on food literacy also educates girls and young women about the growing number of career opportunities in food and farming.

Farm-to-school programs at boarding schools are not a new trend, but rather a return to the schools’ beginnings. A recent New York Times article featured the many academically rigorous prep schools that once again include farms, where students can learn first-hand the value of the hard work and respect for the land required in growing and raising food.

“Educational institutions have a large role in efforts to advance a more sustainable food system that feeds people healthy and nutritious food,” said Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90. “Farm-to-school strategies that engage students in the classroom, cafeteria, and community see the greatest results and can lead to improved human health and environmental sustainability. Ethel Walker’s stepped right up with its support for its local farm and then with this symposium to lead its peers in an in-depth exploration of innovative ways to

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

nourish and enrich their communities. I was really proud to see Ethel Walker’s shine bright amidst the nation’s leaders in the farm-to-school and conservation communities.”

Redmond, who is an EWS trustee, is the communications and development director of The Farm-Based Education Association, a project of Shelburne Farms in Vermont. She developed the FFT program working with symposium Co-Chairs Carol Clark-Flanagan and Jill Harrington, faculty members who are also the co-chairs of the School’s Green Council. The symposium was supported by a grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation, which was generously matched by Tom Brokaw, husband of Margaretta Brokaw ’66. Flik Independent School Dining, the Walker’s food service, provided delicious, locally sourced meals to attendees.

Bill McKibben, author, educator, and environmentalist, was the featured speaker during the June 16 evening forum. He talked about climate change, the extent of the problem, and the limited ways in which it can now be ameliorated.

Despite his generally pessimistic outlook, he praised educators who are thinking about innovative ways to cultivate sustainability and conservation practices.

McKibben has been hailed as “probably the nation’s leading environmentalist” (The Boston Globe) and “the world’s best green journalist” (TIME Magazine). He is the author of The End of Nature, regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change, as well as many other books and articles. He is a scholar in residence at Middlebury College. The forum was

5Erica Curry of the Farm Based Education Association presents to a full classroom.

Jon Isham, Professor at Middlebury College addresses symposium participants.

Frances Beinecke ’67, President of the NRDC

3Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Jon Isham, John Turenne, Frances Beinecke ’67, Bill McKibben, and Bessie Speers Winter 2012 13

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

facilitated by Jon Isham, a Middlebury professor of economics and the environment, and the husband of Tracy Isham ’85.

Frances Beinecke ’67, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), gave the keynote address on June 17. She discussed the role of food and agricultural practices in climate change and described NRDC’s Growing Green Awards program, which highlighted some of the national leaders making a difference around sustainable agriculture. Beinecke echoed McKibben’s call for young people to take action to improve the health of the planet.

Under Beinecke’s leadership, the Participants visit the Community Farm of Simsbury.

NRDC launched a new strategic campaign that sharply focuses its efforts on curbing global warming, moving America beyond oil, reviving the world’s oceans, saving endangered wild places, stemming the tide of toxic chemicals, and accelerating the greening of China. Beinecke has worked with NRDC for more than 30 years, including eight years as executive director. She also serves on the boards of the World Resources Institute, the Energy Future Coalition, and Conservation International’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business.

Symposium participants also had the opportunity to ask questions of John Turenne, president and founder of Sustainable Food Systems, a consultant to educational and other organizations seeking to incorporate sustainability practices into their food programs. Turenne fostered a conversation among FFT participants about instituting sustainability practices as he described his work during the

4Alumnae at FFT: Tracy Himmel Isham ’85, Heather Soltis ’09, Frances Beinecke ’67, Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Molly Lannen ’07

DINING IS MORE THAN FEEDING STUDENTS A Conversation with Michelle Ades, EWS Director of Dining Services, Flik Independent School Dining

Q. What is the EWS approach to dining?

A. Our staff includes professionally trained chefs who have a passion for food. Our menus are written on site

14 THE SUNDIAL

with the community in mind. We strive to have a balanced menu selection that appeals to various eating habits, and we purchase foods that are produced locally with sustainable practices in mind. Our meals are produced without the use of trans fats; our beef is raised without hormones; our eggs are harvested from free-range chickens. Flik belongs to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, which recommends when seafoods should be harvested in an effort to protect certain species. We urge the students to eat more whole grains by providing multiple varieties at the salad bar for both lunch and dinner.

We began a composting program several years ago and have been supplying

the Walker’s Garden Club with the fuel for their harvest. We implemented a program that allows us to monitor the waste we yield in producing our meals. In addition, we recycle all plastic, metal, and glass items and use biodegradable disposables whenever possible.

Q. It sounds like dining is about more than feeding students.

A. We are well past just feeding students.

A large part of our program revolves around education. Food is a great way of teaching students about cultural differences. This semester the theme of our Traveling Flavors-themed booth is “Step into India.”

Last year our girls from Afghanistan aided

3Participants visit Billings Forge. creation of the Yale Sustainable Food Project. He continues to help bridge the gap between conventional and sustainable dining programs as he works with the Culinary Institute of America, Harvard Medical School, the New Hampshire Department of Education, and other organizations.

Two field trips took symposium attendees to Billings Forge Community Works, a self-sustaining, nonprofit organization that includes a farm and an awardwinning restaurant. Cary Wheaton P’14 is the executive director of Billings Forge, which has been a destination for the School’s community service work for several years. The group then toured the historic Community Farm of Simsbury.

During four symposium sessions, participants chose from over 20 interactive sessions on topics ranging from “Cultivating Connections: Engaging Youth in the Food System” to “Spirituality, Ethics, Sustainability and Food.” Speakers described how to change the school cafeteria, promote meatless Mondays, and establish summer programs with a partnering farm. Other workshops considered green cuisine, agriculture and the environment, and additional topics.

Presenters included Walker’s faculty and representatives from the Farm-Based Education Association, Sustainable Schools, University of Connecticut, National Farm to School Network, Rutgers University, and other organizations.

in designing a tasting table that followed their presentation in chapel.

We have also created tasting tables to showcase less popular food items. Students sample items they may have avoided in the past and hopefully expand their palates. For example, we have had olive tastings and mushroom tastings, with several types of preparation and a range of varieties to sample.

Q. Is food also a way to teach students about making responsible choices?

A. Yes, it is. Our “What’s Local Today?” program identifies where foods are coming from and sheds light on the fact that more

than just produce is sourced locally. There are great bakeries, cheese mongers, and other merchants we have had the privilege to partner with in the local area.

Q. Do you work with students in the classroom?

A. In one example, I worked with 8th graders on a wellness program during which we addressed their food questions. We covered the different food groups, whole foods, the Slow Food Movement, “brain” foods, diets for athletes, artificial versus natural sweetener varieties, BPA, and dietary fats, to list some of the topics. The students then designed a well-balanced meal for their families and learned about

6There is no better way to end a beautiful summer night than with s’mores, bonfire and live music up on the hill.

cooking methods, culinary terminology, food sanitation and spoilage, reading/following recipes, and even table settings! Using photo or video, they documented themselves preparing, serving, and cleaning up their meals at home. They also budgeted their money and time.

Families filled out evaluations of the meals, and the girls presented their results to the class. Parents and siblings were quite impressed.

Winter 2012 15

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

John Turenne of Sustainable Food Systems addresses the lunch crowd.

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Middle School Party

S t u d e n t

C e n t e n n i a l Students were an integral part of the Centennial celebrations and enjoyed their own events. On September 24, both the Upper School and Middle School had special nights. Upper School students transformed Abra’s into a nightclub, complete with a tiki bar, and invited boys from Avon Old Farms School to join them for a dance. Middle Schoolers had their own dance party with a hula hoop contest and a chocolate fountain.

On September 28, students watched themselves in the world premiere of the Walker’s documentary, “Centennial Reflections.” The next day was Mountain Day and, despite drizzle and fog, students and faculty enjoyed a climb up to the Heublein Tower. When they reached the top, the fog lifted and Walker’s beautiful campus was in sight.

Two days later, former art teacher Debbie Altschwager presented the Ethel Walker quilt that is now displayed in the library. It depicts all the subjects, athletics, extracurricular

C e n t e n n i a l

Upper School Dance

16 THE SUNDIAL

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Carnival

C e l e b r a t i o n S t u d e n t

activities and friendships that happen at Walker’s. Alumnae began returning to campus on Friday and a number of students enjoyed sharing what they were learning in their classes with visiting graduates.

On Saturday during Centennial Weekend students were at their best, whether working at registration, giving tours, helping with the parade, participating in chapel, raising their voices in song, or lending a hand wherever they were needed. They appreciated being a part of this special moment in the school’s history and reaping the benefits of a school that has strengthened and grown over the past 100 years.

The final part of the student celebration was a thank you to them, which featured a campus carnival with a bungee jump, laser tag, popcorn and cotton candy. Maureen Margolis P’11 and the Parent’s Association planned the student activities with great care and enthusiasm.

C e l e b r a t i o n Mountain Day

Winter 2012 17

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

100 years ago, Ethel Walker founded a school where young women would receive a rigorous preparation for college and create the foundation for lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity. From the school’s first ten students in 1911 to the 240 young women on campus today, the hours have been golden ones, filled with the joys of learning and of friendship.

100 Years of

18 THE SUNDIAL

Starting in October 2010, and culminating in Centennial Weekend CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

(September 30 to October 2, 2011), The Ethel Walker School celebrated its first 100 years and looked ahead with confidence to the next 100. More than 1,100 alumnae and friends joined students and faculty on campus for the three-day celebration. Now the School invites you to join us for a look back at this once-in-a-lifetime event.

GoldenHours

Winter 2012 19

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Alumnae Challenges & Awards

A

festive mood permeated the Friday evening cocktail reception in the Beaver Brook Tent, as revelers enjoyed their first weekend event together.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, visiting the Alumnae Authors and Artists Display, tagging their old dorm rooms with “My room was here” stickers, and attending classes during Alumnae Academy, Semester I. The reception brought everyone together for a tribute to all past and present trustees, the School’s first Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, and the traditional Reunion Awards.

Head of School Bessie Speers thanked all past trustees for their service to the school. Each received a thank you note from a current student and an “Empty Bowls” pottery piece.

The sale of the bowls, made by students, supports food pantries in our community.

Alumnae Board President Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64 greeted attendees and shared, “Every day of my life, I thank The Ethel Walker School for instilling in me confidence, courage and conviction.”

Debby MacKenzie ’55 then announced that the School’s Annual Fund had broken all records with a gift total of $1,523,074. Debby also announced the results of the Reunion Giving Program, during which classes of 1s and 6s were challenged to give their best donations ever. The result was reunion giving of $238,788 and a multi-year pledge of $380,102. The same challenge has now been made to the Classes of 2s and 7s, who will celebrate their reunions in 2012.

20 THE SUNDIAL

Alumnae, parents, and members of the Board of Trustees gather at Morning Meeting.

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Photos, from left: Amey Amory DeFriez ’45, P’67, ’69 displays the first Centennial scarf.

Julie Darling Spahr ’61 and Alice Kerr Moorhead ’61 Elizabeth “Liz” Nash Muench ’55 and Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64

Head of School, Bessie Speers, honoring past and current members of the Board of Trustees.

Niarchos presented Andrea Coggins ’06 with the Long Distance Award. Andrea traveled some 7,378 miles from Shanghai to Walker’s to take part in Centennial as well as her Reunion.

The Sun Dial Bowl, awarded each year to the class with the largest percentage of classmates registered for reunion weekend, was presented to the Class of 1981. At least 33 graduates were on campus to celebrate their 30th reunion. Meleda Lowry spearheaded the Reunion Committee and encouraged her classmates to return.

The Class of 1955 was the recipient of the Beaver Brook Bowl for raising $175,222. The bowl is given each year to the non-reunion class that raises the most Annual Fund dollars for The Walker’s Fund for Annual Giving by close of fiscal year on June 30th. It was established in

The Class of 1981 celebrates with the Sun Dial Bowl, awarded to the class with the highest class attendance at Reunion.

Winter 2012 21

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

2001 by Sarah Gates Colley ’75 to recognize the loyal and tireless work of class agents.

The Class of 1946, achieving 61% participation in The Walker’s Fund in 2010-11, was the recipient of the Elizabeth Nash Muench Tray on the occasion of their 65th Reunion! Tisha McClure Potter ’55 established the tray in 1994 in honor of her friend and classmate, Liz, who has served Walker’s in so many capacities over the years.

The Tray is awarded annually to the reunion class that has achieved the highest level of participation in The Walker’s Fund by Reunion Weekend.

The Gates Family Bowl, awarded to the reunion class that raises an Annual Fund gift between $50,000 and $74,999, was first presented in 1994 to the Class of 1944, whose

Sarah Gates Colley ’75 awards the Gates Family Bowl to the Class of 1961, honoring their fundraising success for their 50th reunion.

22 THE SUNDIAL

members displayed their loyalty and generosity to the School by becoming the first Reunion Class to contribute $50,000.

This year the School was privileged to honor the Class of 1961, celebrating their 50th Reunion, for raising $68,520 in unrestricted cash. Alice Kerr Moorhead and Julie Darling Spahr were recognized for their fantastic efforts as they challenged their classmates to raise $50,000 in unrestricted cash.

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Photos, from left: The Grapes perform for guests.

Alumnae return to campus.

Darrell Carrington P’02, head of the EWS Math Department, being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame by John Monagan, Athletic Director.

Walker’s Athletic Hall of Fame Centennial Weekend also marked the announcement of the first inductees to Walker’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Prior to introducing the inductees, Athletic Director John Monagan said, “We put a product out on the field that matches anything that other schools can. We teach [our students] to be competitors, teammates, and better people.”

Over the summer of 2011, the School solicited nominations for the Hall of Fame. From the numerous nominations received, the following members of Walker’s community were selected. Each has made meaningful contributions to the athletic program: • Ruth Cummings Meade ’47: hockey, basketball, golf and tennis • Julie Welles ’06: equestrian • Sally Goodrich: coach • Courtney Hornberger ’01: coach • Darrell Carrington P’02: coach

Monica Adams ’77 and Elizabeth Suddler ’77 enjoy a trip down memory lane with the Pepperpot.

Golden Hours Dinner Following the reception, the party moved from the back tent into Beaver Brook for the reunion and all classes dinner.

Purple and yellow ribbons, along with archival photos, adorned the tables as alumnae, parents and friends enjoyed an international buffet.

BA-NA-NA Despite a torrential downpour, Walker’s alumnae could not be deterred from enjoying what is becoming a reunion tradition: the BA-NA-NA. Donning wigs, boas and crazy hats, these women (and a few men) danced the night away in the totally transformed Galbraith Gym.

Emily Sappington ’06 and Andrea Coggins ’06 celebrate Centennial at the traditional BA-NA-NA!

Winter 2012 23

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

The lobby of Ferguson Theater was bustling on Saturday morning as guests arrived to register.

Head of School Bessie Speers presents a vision for the next century at Walker’s Today.

24 THE SUNDIAL

Some enjoyed breakfast in the newly renovated barn. There they were treated to the official ribbon cutting to open the barn as well as to a riding exhibition by students. Others joined the Alumnae of Color Reunion hosted by the current students in the Black and Latina Student Union (BLSU), while a third group reunited with classmates and friends during breakfast in Abra’s.

The BLSU event connected current students with alumnae during a student-facilitated program, which included a brief history of the organization, an overview of recent group activities, and an alumnae panel discussion.

Panelists Stephanie Battle-Horsky ’78 and Jamiah Tappin ’00 shared their experiences at Walker’s, as well as words of advice about college and beyond. Other alumnae in

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Photos, from left: Kathanne Fowler P’12, Tom Schneider, Bessie Speers, Jeb Bell P’12, Elizabeth “Betsy” Sivage Clark ’67, Heather Carey ’13, Kristen Wrigley ’14, McKenzie Rollins, trainer, and Head Trainer Hillary Rheinheimer cut the ribbon to celebrate the renovation of the barn.

Students gather alumnae for the Centennial Reunion Parade.

Alumnae participate in the Maypole Dance.

Alumnae, students, faculty and guests gathered for the Alumnae of Color breakfast.

attendance joined in to share their knowledge and experience with the group. To continue this valuable connection, we are developing an “Alumnae of Color Network.” The goals of the network include connecting alumnae with students as mentors in junior/senior projects or college selection and bringing graduates to campus to share their expertise with students. If you would like to be included in the network, please contact Sheri Schmidt at sschmidt@my.ethelwalker.org or 860-408-4287.

Breakfast was followed by “Walker’s Today,” a stateof-the-school address by Head of School Bessie Speers.

The audience gained an historical perspective through a “theatrical” visit from Ethel Walker and her sister, Evangeline. They also heard a more contemporary viewpoint from senior Casey Brotman. The rain stopped, the sun shone briefly, and there was just enough time to enjoy the traditional Maypole dance and the alumnae Maypole dance.

Girls in dance workshop also presented a Gilbert and Sullivan piece.

Senior alumnae led the parade from the circle to the Centennial tent. Students, faculty, honored guests, and board members processed into the tent for the Centennial Chapel.

Excerpted from welcoming remarks by Student Body President Kayla Monroe ‘12

“My hope for the next 100 years is to see Walker’s continue to prosper in every aspect from athletics to academics and everything in between. I know that it will continue to empower girls to lead with integrity, confidence, courage and conviction. It is these skills that we learn coming into Walker’s that stay with us for a lifetime.”

Winter 2012 25

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

The Centennial Chapel was perhaps the most moving event of the weekend. All members of the Walker’s family: alumnae, parents, past parents, grandparents, students, and friends were well represented. There were over 1,100 people in the Centennial tent.

After a welcome from Head Bessie Speers and President of the Board of Trustees Donya Nagib Sabet ’90, 10 students spoke to the audience. Each girl discussed a decade in terms of world history and culture, life at Walker’s, and Walker’s today. There was no better way to lead into a rousing version of the school song.

The keynote address by Sigourney Weaver ’67 was thoughtful and sincere. Everyone in the audience felt proud to be a part of the Walker’s community and understood the significance of a Walker’s education and the wonderful Margot Treman Rose ’80, left, joins Bessie Speers to award The Margot Rose Award to Deborah “Debby” Williams MacKenzie ’55.

Lauren Nicholson ’14, one of ten student speakers at the Centennial Chapel

26 THE SUNDIAL

opportunity our students have. (For her full address see page 28.)

Two awards were presented at the chapel. The Anastasia Payne Rooke ’48 Chair was given to science faculty member Dr. Julia Sheldon (for more information, see page 8). The Margot Rose ’80 Distinguished Alumna Award was presented to Deborah Williams MacKenzie ’55. This award, the School’s highest honor, was established in 2005 by Terese Treman Williams ’55 and Joseph Williams. It is presented to graduates who best exemplify Margot Rose’s attributes, ensuring that her work, dedication, and influence will always be remembered. When awarded, it honors alumnae who, by their devotion and talent, elevate the work of their profession, who influence their community, or who give extraordinary service to their school.

When presenting the award Bessie Spears said, “On this special Centennial Day, the recipient of the Margot Rose

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Kathryn Phair ’18 presents a rose to members of the Class of 1937, Catherine “Mackie” McIntire Leslie, Elizabeth “Betsy” Hubbard Stott and Adele Harman Waggaman.

Award could not be more deserving of this wonderful award.

She is a woman of great grace, determination, and vision.

She cares about the big picture — Walker’s and the world.

The recipient has been a phenomenal trustee and leader and someone whom actually Margot Rose brought onto the board. She is someone who understands that to lead, one must invest with one’s heart and soul. This person has offered expertise in so many areas, sharing generously of her time with Strategic Planning leadership, caring about our green initiatives on campus, and offering hospitality extraordinaire to Heads of School, Board Chairs, Walker’s friends and family.”

It was a moment of pure joy when the youngest sixth grader at Walker’s presented roses to the three oldest returning alumnae. Dorothy Jane (DJ) Moore ’39 read her original poem about the history of Ethel Walker.

Rachael Rosselli ’98, right, and Theda “Mary” Schulte ’14 work on the American Mural Project.

Meredith Backman, Sophia Lomba, Louisa Gillett, members of the Class of 2018, enjoy the Centennial Chapel.

The choices of afternoon activities were abundant.

While the rain caused some athletic events to be cancelled, it did not hinder a walk through Walker’s Woods led by Tom Brokaw. Many students and alumnae added a personal touch to the American Mural project, which will be part of the largest collaborative art project in the world. We are grateful to our alumnae who recorded their stories as part of the Centennial Story Corps project.

The Alumnae Panel, “Six Generations of Walker’s Women,” engaged returning graduates in new ways of thinking about their lives. The panelists were Elizabeth Cobey ’03, Holly Legler Cortes ’91, Priscilla Cushman ’72, Betty Carpenter Davis ’41, Amey Amory DeFriez ’45, P’67, ’69, Sylvia Breed Gates ’42, Anne Herr ’81, Adrianne Massie Hill ’56, Katherine Hypolite ’04, Frances Aldrich Maher ’60, Camille Obering Musser ’96, Letitia McClure Potter ’55, P’85, Abigail Aldrich Record ’62, Ruth Streeter ’72, Winter 2012 27

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

An EWS Education—The Greatest Gift

BY SIGOURNEY WEAVER ’67, CENTENNIAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Good morning everyone! How

wonderful it is to be back at our beautiful school even on this soggy fall day. Girls, you did a lovely job. It’s amazing to think that Walker’s was founded before women had the vote! Miss Walker was ahead of her time.

It’s great to see such a big turn out, including so many husbands and partners.

After all, those awful dances things really did work out. Go Suns and Dials, but especially Suns!

A few minutes ago we were all back in the Chapel, where so many of us Suns and Dials sang, spoke, giggled, passed notes, and in the case of my class ran screaming out and down the tunnel to catch The Beatles live on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

It’s amazing to me to think the school is only 100 years old. It feels like it has been here much, much longer, like Stonehenge.

But what an incredible feat Walker’s has accomplished over the last decades — maintaining its commitment to single-sex women’s education in the face of so much pressure, and not only weathering these last years, but transforming and surviving and thriving. I think the tide is finally turning in Walker’s direction, as more and more young women are choosing to study and lead within their own communities.

My husband and I just spent a few days at St. Mary’s College in Indiana. It’s next to, but very separate from, Notre Dame and Holy Cross. There’s a very special atmosphere there: feminine, powerful, confident, empathetic, and nurturing. There is such an important place for institutions which are… just for us.

It’s a little scary to acknowledge I also am almost a half a century older myself, although I must admit still pretty immature.

(We don’t really change!) In any case, I want to salute Bessie Spears for her dynamic leadership of EWS, to acknowledge all the teachers here for their invaluable contribution to women’s education, and to greet with great affection all of my dear alumnae sisters. I meet women all the time who went to Walker’s and no matter when we were here, it is such a joyous and enduring bond for all of us. We were so damn lucky, weren’t we?

But it’s you girls I really want to say, “Hey,” to. You are carrying inside you something so rare, so powerful. No, it’s not a baby Alien. It’s more powerful than the Alien.

It’s an EWS education.

I came here as a freshman many decades ago. I think you would have been

28 THE SUNDIAL

hard-pressed to find a goonier girl. As soon as I arrived, I broke out in hives and had to live in the infirmary for two weeks. I was 6 feet tall and hopelessly uncoordinated. I would clomp through the hallways, like a giant spider, going every which way. I was voted Freshman Fink and Sophomore Fairy.

Ambiguous honors, believe me. As sophomore fairy I had a tutu, a tiara, and a broken wand, and I ran around throwing fairy dust on people (baby powder). I once had a teacher tell me I was the clumsiest girl in the school! Truthfully, I probably would have been the least likely person in our class about whom anyone would have said: “Oh, she’ll be talking someday at the 100th anniversary.”

But I was so fortunate. There was a teacher here named Florence Hunt who was the head of the English Department. Miss Hunt — in our dear Academic Dean Caroline Walker’s words — was “a splendid teacher, admirable in every respect — who taught us literature, a command of language, excellent abilities in writing.” Miss Hunt first drilled us in grammar, and after that we luxuriated in Thomas Hardy, Paradise Lost, Shakespeare, and “poitry,” as Miss Hunt called it. As another alumna wrote, “You were proud to be in her class.”

Miss Hunt saw something in me that no one else thought was there, least of all me.

She saw and tended this little glimmer, this ember of the confident, capable, creative woman I might become. Miss Hunt taught me English for three years. We worked hard for her, as hard as I’ve ever worked in my life. I ended up as one of her two AP English students, with Jessica Ferguson. Such an honor! She encouraged my particular weird take on things, my sense of story, style,

character, my love of all of it.

And then I was in this chapel one weekday morning early in junior year when a miracle happened. They were calling out the Honor Roll with all the usual suspects and they called my name. “Weaver?” everyone said. “Weaver’s on the Honor Roll?” I stood up in shock. I was always on the Honor Roll after that. Miss Hunt changed my life by seeing the potential in me, an original mind that I never knew was there. Everything for me started with Miss Hunt and my other wonderful teachers here too.

I went on to Stanford and then was accepted at the Yale Drama School. I was so excited and proud and immediately wrote Miss Hunt and asked if we could have tea. I wanted to thank her. I was too late. Miss Hunt had passed away, much too young.

So girls…what I suggest to you today is — find your Miss Hunt and be open to her or him finding you. Because this is where it all starts, right here at this school. The greatest gift you will ever have is an EWS education. It is such a powerful thing for a woman to have a great education in this world, for a woman to be able to read and write and communicate with confidence and joy and power. You will be unstoppable. All of my success in Hollywood is really because I know how to analyze a script and make a story work. I know which movies are going to work. All those days and months and years on grammar and structure and Thomas Hardy are still paying off for me.

I promise you, no matter where you go in life and whatever you do — your education will allow you to soar, to contribute in a profound and lasting way, and to have fun with your work. But you have to work hard. You have to engage in your education, to make the most of every day here. Be here and drink it up. Education is a magic elixir that will nourish you every day for the rest of your life, and it is this woman’s not-so-secret weapon. I was never just a pretty face.

So I want to thank my dear friend and teacher Florence Hunt for all she gave me and all she gave all the students at this school. I want to thank you, Bessie, and the teachers here now. Nothing is more important than what you are doing. And girls — ladies — sisters, study hard and then go out and take this world by storm. We need your passion and your weirdness and your leadership — every single one of you.

Thank you.

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Photos, from left: Tom Speers P’16 and former music faculty member Rosi Grunschlag at a celebratory tea.

Susan Knapp Thomas ’80 and Merrill Collins ’81 perform a duet.

This eclectic, intelligent group of women tackled a wide Catherine Terry Taylor ’79, Cynthia Vega ’82, and Lamonda variety of topics, from how could a mother who grew up in Williams ’87. Abigail Trafford ’57 served as the moderator. the patriotic fervor of World War understand the drugs, sex, From the crisis of World War II and the civil rights and and rock-’n-roll rebellion in her children to how can a recent women’s movements to the global challenges of today, graduate find a job in this faltering Walker’s women have helped shaped economy? They considered: whether historic trends — and in turn been unpaid volunteer work counts as a shaped by them in their private and Across the generations, career; is age 40 too late to start a public lives. The panel of alumnae a common definition of the marriage and family? Can you run for explored the changing roles of women Walker’s Woman began to political office and care for your family over more than seven decades. The panel emerge: intelligent, feisty, at the same time? And what about included physicists, lawyers, financiers, lingering discrimination against journalists, marketers, and politicians. warm, compassionate — women and minorities?

Some of the panelists are homemakers with a sense of humor and Across the generations, a and family stewards as wives, mothers, a serious commitment to common definition of the Walker’s aunts, and grandmothers. They are making a difference at Woman began to emerge: intelligent, single, married, remarried, coupled/not home and in the world. feisty, warm, compassionate — with married, divorced, widowed. a sense of humor and a serious commitment to making a difference at home and in the world. As one graduate of the 1980s put it: “We represent liberation, freedom through education, empowerment — that has always been part of the Walker’s legacy from day one.”

The lively panel gave everyone much to discuss as they headed for the wonderful tea at the Head’s house.

Jennifer McDonough Albanesi ’83 made the desserts herself. Guests were treated to incredible performances by harpist Susan Knapp Thomas ’80 and opera singer Merrill Collins ’81.

A multigenerational alumnae panel presentation was enjoyed by all.

Winter 2012 29

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

The second semester of the Alumnae academy included Pianists Rosi Grunschlag, a former faculty member, classes on Ghana, Shakespeare, equine epidemiology, and Monique Friedler Kunewalder ’52 performed a chemistry, and technology. Alumnae beautiful duet. and others also gathered for the In Little Ferg a unique performance “I think that if everyone dedication of the Centennial Trail by author and actress Najla Said was very heard [Najla Said] speak, between Smith and Cluett dorms, well received. Kate Richardson ’14 was which had been lovingly cultivated by inspired by the performance. She wrote, the world would be a more our Outdoor Adventure students.

“I thought it was really interesting how understanding and peaceful she used her incredible talent to educate place.” – Kate Richardson ’14 people about her experiences with her Saturday evening brought Palestinian nationality. She opened my everyone back to the eyes to a whole new nation from an individual perspective, Centennial tent. Dresses in all instead of hearing the often biased and disparaging views shades of purple covered the reception area. Guests were from public media. I think that if everyone heard her ushered into the main dining tent by the powerful voices of speak, the world would be a more understanding and The Whiffenpoofs of Yale. peaceful place.”

Alumnae from the late ’80s enjoy the Centennial Sun Dial Dinner.

30 THE SUNDIAL

Photos, from left:

Yolanda Eleta ’81 and Lucy Crawford, daughter of Anne Callender Crawford ’81, experiment at Alumnae Academy.

Bessie Speers and Tom Brokaw lead the way to the Centennial Trail dedication.

Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60 accepts the Centennial Medal from Bessie Speers.

Vera Gibbons ’85 emceed the night’s festivities. The Alumnae Grapes outperformed the Whiffenpoofs with their rendition of “Breaking Up is Hard to Do.” Then Head Bessie Speers recognized Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60 with the Centennial Medal.

“It is an honor and privilege to present The Ethel Walker School Centennial Medal to that individual whose vision, support, and belief in the importance of the School’s Centennial Celebration has been unwavering. This individual was a trustee from 1975-1984 and then again from 2008 to the present. This person’s love of her alma mater, her gift of offering hospitality to any friend of Walker’s and her belief in the power of Walker’s friendships is unparalleled.

“Spending countless hours on the phone, never missing a meeting and always maintaining a crystal-clear vision as to how Walker’s 100 years ought to be celebrated, our Centennial Medal recipient is someone we all adore. The 2011 Centennial Medal Winner is Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60.”

Bessie Speers honors the Centennial co-chairs.

The hundreds of people assembled in the tent recognized all the Centennial Co-chairs for their incredible effort in making every part of the Centennial celebration a success.

The Co-chairs are Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60, Leslie Hailand Newman ’66, Elizabeth Nash Muench ’55, Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Donya Nagib Sabet ’90, Eve Chilton Martirano ’79, and Maureen Margolis P’11.

The film “Centennial Reflections” narrated by Sigourney Weaver and featuring a number of alumnae and students was shown.

The dancing and festivities lasted well into the night.

The Alumnae Grapes perform at the Centennial Sun Dial Dinner.

Winter 2012 31

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

Najla Said performs her show “Palestine.”

Sunday of Centennial weekend brought fair weather and thoughtful CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

reflection. Alumnae dined in Abra’s with a traditional strawberries and cream brunch. The 50th reunion classes were invited to the Head’s house for a special brunch of their own. There were tours of campus, walks and rides up to the Old Cluett site, visits to the archival and the Alumnae Authors and Artists displays, and time to make new plans with old friends.

The memorial chapel included a keynote address by Julie Darling Spahr ’61, a musical number by the alumnae choir, a performance by harpist Susan Knapp Thomas, and the ringing of the bells in memory of classmates and family members.

After the chapel, alumnae said their goodbyes to classmates, friends, and teachers. Women in their matching EWS silk scarves hugged and traded numbers and email addresses with promises to get together soon. It felt like leaving a family gathering, and indeed it was just that.

Susan Knapp Thomas ’80 performs at Memorial Chapel.

Memorial Chapel Speech

T

hank you to the School, Bessie Speers, and the Centennial Committees for this wonderful celebration of connections with so many friends from the past, and a new connection with the Ethel Walker’s of the 21st century. Soon we will be off to our respective homes, and filled with new memories from this weekend.

I also want to mention those people who have died in our class…Micki Beane, Alice Coogan, Christine Denny, Leine Dickerson, Cheska Morisani, and Ginny Taylor. They are with us here in spirit. Also in the class of 1962…Leslie Kitchell, Janet Kott, and Betsy Edwards.

It is daunting for me to stand before you and speak for our class, but I think my story and experience speak for many of yours.

We in the Class of 1961, and those others on either side of us, have been a bridge between our mother’s generation and our daughter’s generation. I’d like you to take a moment and see and feel those women in your lives, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, teachers, and mentors, who came before you and those you have nurtured to follow after you. They have done so much to make us who we are. Let us take a moment to feel their presence here in this chapel with us.

My focus today is to show how we are the first generation to have the confidence and expectations that we can reinvent ourselves and continue to develop our leadership and influence throughout our lives.

32 THE SUNDIAL

BY JULIE DARLING SPAHR ’61

We can keep getting further education, and follow new choices when they appear. Trust your “inner knower,” and be grateful that most gender restrictions, on us as women, have melted away over the years.

I was married at 19 and had four children by age 30. I was a homemaker and volunteer teacher in environmental education, when I had time. I had a wonderful family, but always wanted more.

In my late 40s I finished my B.A., and then got a master’s in education at 50, in 1993.

I may have been a “late bloomer” in contributing to my city, but this later education gave me the chance to build a consulting business in organizational development for 12 years. My business went pretty dry after 9/11, and I was a terrible marketer, so I closed it down, and pursued my painting seriously.

If you had asked me 15 years ago, “Would you be painting full time?” I would have laughed at you, but with the resources to really study painting, I’ve been amazed at this creative side of me…and I really love it.

By the very nature of having an Ethel Walker’s private education we are all “women of privilege”, and most of us have the resources to be very generous and help other people. In the late ’80s, I helped found an organization called the Women’s Perspective on Spirituality and Money. The purpose was to examine the story of money in our own lives, and align the use of our money with our deepest values.

I had always had a personal struggle with money, which I inherited when my father died, and I was only 26. I wanted to ignore it and live life on my own terms.

Eventually in my 40s, I wanted to grow out of this angst. The Women’s Perspective helped me explore, with many other fabulous, mentoring women, the “money messages” that were running me, from family and advisors, and helped me create my own “messages aligned with my own spiritual values” to guide me in my second half of life.

I took three trips to Haiti, with this organization, that were life changing. They were trips of “Reverse Mission,” where we worked in Mother Theresa’s home for the destitute and the dying, and heard firsthand stories from the Haitian people. I tested myself in a deeper way than ever

CENTENNIAL WEEKEND

The Alumnae choir performs at Memorial Chapel.

before, and saw the true joy in the Haitians, though they had almost nothing.

I went there as a woman squeamish about sickness and messy suffering. I wondered if my hands could do the work required, like helping the dying women with feeding, nail clipping, and simple massaging of their tired bodies, and most of all, just being with them. I was afraid, but prayed for strength. As I worked with Maria, who was dying of tuberculosis, I could see I was giving her such relief and caring as I slowly massaged her skinny bones. She started to smile and stretched out her arms. At that moment, I glanced up on the wall to my left, and there was a picture of Christ looking down from the cross, stretched out in the same pose. It was truly a moment for me to experience God!!

There was a sign hanging in one of the hostels there that says it all for me: “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time…but if you have come here because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

On returning, I became more empowered and committed to social justice.

I wanted to use my gifts in whatever way I could. Women are fearful to track their cash flow and really determine their discretionary income, but we must! When we do, we have a choice to use it for change and influence.

I began to do talks about money and values and helped to facilitate workshops for Women’s Perspective. I also realized that being able to afford higher education, when I was lost and in transition, was my most

treasured gift. Through the fund I established, I try to help poor women and girls get the training, skills, and counseling that they need to take similar steps in their lives.

I have four daughters, and I hope that we have been able to talk openly about some of these issues, and that they will be empowered to work for change in their lives. We all need to have intergenerational conversations about our money, from the teenagers to those in their 70s and all the ages in between — how to use it, and how to keep our hearts open in the process!

I am excited to see that Walker’s is now teaching leadership, life skills, such as public speaking, and financial skills to all the students. They will be so much better prepared to make a difference.

Another quote that has led me on this journey is from Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, a Hispanic theologian at Drew University: “The only way we can move forward is by living the reality we envision.”

To close, I want to emphasize again, how our leadership skills and resources are needed now to help with so many problems in our polarized world. Women are more consensus driven and compassion driven in our solutions to problems. We can do more with less.

I think you are familiar with the story of Wangari Maathai from Kenya, who started “the Green Belt Movement” for sustainable development, democracy and peace. She started planting trees, one tree at a time, and now there have been over 40 million planted, and many impoverished

women have made a living doing this. She was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. I heard her speak when she was in this country, and her passion was riveting. Sadly, I just heard that she died last week of cancer at 71.

The following is a quote from her, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground…A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other.

That time is now.”

The bar has been raised for all of us by women like her.

I would like to end with a wonderful poem by Rumi, entitled “Don’t go back to Sleep”: The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don’t go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth between the door sill where the two worlds touch.

The door is round and open Don’t go back to sleep!

Let us all raise the bar for those who will follow us.

This has been a momentous weekend for all of us, and we have been inspired by so many amazing graduates from this School! Thank you for letting me speak.

Winter 2012 33

REUNION 34 THE SUNDIAL

In what may have been the biggest EWS reunion ever, REUNION

the classes ending in ’1, ’2, ’6, and ’7 filled the campus. Seeing old friends and remembering shared times were highlights of all three days of Centennial Weekend, but Friday’s events especially focused on returning alumnae.

To learn more about the Reunion events, please see the Centennial Weekend section and the many memories shared by graduates in the Take Note section.

Here’s to the school we love so well

Here’s to our comrades true.

Here’s to the spirit of fellowship Winter 2012 35

REUNION

That guides us in all we do.

Here’s to our colors glorious,

United for a while.

36 THE SUNDIAL

REUNION

Here’s to the many more happy hours,

Here’s to our dear Sun-Dial.

In days to come we’ll scatter far Winter 2012 37

REUNION

But let us ne’er forget

A welcome here and friendly cheer,

Are waiting for us yet.

38 THE SUNDIAL

REUNION

Though clouds may sometimes darkly bend,

We’ll strive with all our pow’rs.

Dear Dial like thee, in memory, to mark but golden hours.

Dear Dial like thee, in memory, to mark but golden hours.

Winter 2012 39

ALUMNAE NEWS

Walker’s Out and About Alumnae events are a great way to stay connected to old friends and Walker’s, make new friends, and have fun. Upcoming events include a show with TLC’s Cake Boss, an evening at the Ravinia Festival, a day at the Saratoga Race Track, and a return to the U.S. Open. See page 46 for more information.

Fishers Island, NY Alumnae and friends gathered for a summer visit at the home of Margot Campbell ’60 and Jerry Bogert on Fishers Island. Guests enjoyed a pre-Centennial get together with good cheer from our hosts.

Linda Vander Poel Duryea ’65 and Margot Campbell Bogert ’60

Bessie Speers and Jane “Dedo” duPont Kidd ’57

Margot Campbell Bogert ’60 and Kathryn “Kathy” McCarthy Parsons ’75

Whitney Edwards ’11, Barron Kidd and Trudi Edwards P’11

40 THE SUNDIAL

Martha’s Vineyard, MA

ALUMNAE NEWS

Alumnae, parents and friends gathered in August at the home of Beau and Heather Wrigley P’14.

Guests were treated to a lovely evening by the hosts. Bessie Speers made remarks and Kristen Wrigley ’14 and Charlotte Gardiner ’14 shared first-hand student perspectives from Walker’s.

Lynn Allegaert ’64 and Linda Warriner Trimingham ’61

Becky Gardiner P’14, Bessie Speers and Beau Wrigley P’14, EWS trustee

Eve Chilton Martirano ’79 and Tom Speers P’16

Kristen Wrigley ’14 and Charlotte Gardiner ’14

Lynn Allegaert ’64, Georgiana Lewis Greenough ’63 and Adele Harman Waggaman ’37

Georgiana Lewis Greenough ’63 presents Bessie Speers with an Ethel Walker family charm necklace, which Bessie later wore at the Centennial celebration.

Winter 2012 41

U.S. Open 2011

ALUMNAE NEWS

In August 2011 alumnae and friends watched the exciting play at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadow, Queens.

Cerra Cardwell ’02, Sarah Heinemann ’00, Jamiah Tappin ’00

Amanda Pitman ’90, Elizabeth Beautyman ’68 and Gordon Travers

Nicole Madison ’99 and her friend Renee DaCruz

Lamonda Williams ’87 and Sonja Neill-Turner ’85

More than 20 EWS Alumnae, friends and family members turned out for this annual tradition.

Although the seats are not court-side, everyone loves the opportunity to watch great tennis, catch up with old friends, and do some fun people watching. The “jumbo-tron” spotlights on the crowd were particularly entertaining.

Emily Eckelberry Johnson ’82 with her family: sons Stark and Riggs and her husband, Doug.

42 THE SUNDIAL

London Alumnae and friends gathered in London at a terrific event hosted by Noor Al-Hamad ’02.

ALUMNAE NEWS

Fernanda Gilligan ’96 and Bessie Speers

Bessie Speers and Noor Al-Hamad ’02

Leotina “Tina” Marcotulli ’83 and her husband, Rob Jeffers, with Bessie Speers

Joanna Eadon Embling ’68 and Tucker Etherington Anderson ’66

Boston Pops The Alumnae Board organized a gathering for an evening of festive holiday music at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops.

Abigail “Abbie” Trafford ’57 and Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64

Nan Flanagan ’93 and her husband Rick Taplin, days before the arrival of their first baby, Jack Taplin Winter 2012 43

ALUMNAE NEWS

The Ethel Walker Centennial Golf Tournament on Fishers Island

The School offers very special thanks to the following individuals who made the event possible:

HONORARY CHAIRS Margot Campbell Bogert ’60 and Jerry Bogert Dave and Helen Castellani P’09

What a perfect day! The first Walker’s Centennial Golf Tournament was held at the world-renowned Fishers Island Club on September 26. Over 70 alumnae and friends came together for a beautiful day of golf, followed by dinner and drinks. The weather had been “iffy” in the days leading up to the tournament, but that Monday morning brought sunny skies and a temperature of almost 80 degrees. A beautiful setting, good friends and perfect weather all combined for a wonderful day in support of a good cause.

GOLF TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jennifer Albanesi ’83 Darrell Carrington, EWS Faculty Chris Edwards P’11 Kathanne and Bob Fowler P’12 Louisa Harrison ’83 James Kinnear P’69, ’71 Charlotte McKim ’69 Krissy McMahon P’12 John Monagan, EWS Faculty Lance Odden, former head, The Taft School Kathy and Ged Parsons ’75 Thomas Regan P’13 Staley Sednaoui ’76 Caitlin Weissman ’82 The School would also like to thank the wonderful golf professional and staff at the Fishers Island Club.

Happy golfers after a beautiful day at Fishers Island Club

44 THE SUNDIAL

ALUMNAE NEWS

Sarah Gates Colley ’75, Bessie Speers, and Bryan Colley

Kathy McCarthy Parsons ’75, Dave Castellani P’09, and Kathanne Fowler P’12

Chelsea Regan ’13 and Elaine Schmid Petersen ’62

Liz Nash Muench ’55 and Sally Goodrich

Bessie Speers and Jim Kinnear P’69, ’71

Sarah Gates Colley ’75 and Margot Campbell Bogert ’60

Liz Nash Muench ’55, Debby Williams MacKenzie ’55 and Kandi Sanger

Winter 2012 45

MESSAGE FROM ALUMNAE BOARD PRESIDENT

ALUMNAE NEWS

The Alumnae Board’s goal this year is to connect, communicate and collaborate with you! Not only do we have some great regional events planned, but we also hope to take advantage of digital channels to be in touch. The Alumnae Board is working with Tyler Varsell, EWS webmaster and web presence coordinator, and Sarah Edson, EWS academic technology analyst, to make the School’s website more accessible and user friendly. We are also ramping up our use of social media.

Please take a moment to check out Walker’s new website, especially the alumnae portal where you can learn about our regional events, happenings on campus, and more. Also on the site, you can submit a change of address and news for Take Note. In addition, the alumnae portal has links to the alumnae pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Please send your comments, suggestions, and ideas to the Alumnae Board and to Director of Alumnae Relations Eleanor Barnes. Email us at alumnae@ethelwalker.org, or eleanor_barnes@ethelwalker.org.

Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64 PRESIDENT, ALUMNAE BOARD

ALUMNAE REGIONAL EVENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2012 The Cake Boss – Hartford, CT Friday, April 27, 2012 at 7:30 pm.

The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts Join celebrity baker Buddy Valastro for an evening of cakes, stories, and fun. In this rare live, interactive event, TLC’s Cake Boss will share the stories behind his hit series and his colorful Italian family, answer audience questions, and demonstrate the techniques that have made him one of the nation’s most successful and renowned cake artists. Perfect for the whole family. 25 Orchestra seats are reserved, $47 each.

Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL July 2012 (Performance and date TBD) Join Chicago area alumnae at this popular spot for an evening of outdoor summer entertainment.

More information will follow.

Saratoga Race Track and Yearling Sale – Saratoga Springs, NY Sunday, August 5, 2012 Walker’s alumnae will get an insider’s tour of the most exclusive yearling sale of the year; only colts and fillies with exceptional pedigrees and physical attributes are invited. Deborah Rush ’77 breeds horses and will lead the tour. The group will then have a reserved lunch table at the Turf Terrace Dining Room with excellent views of the afternoon’s races.

Cost estimated $65 for lunch.

The 2011-2012 Alumnae Board at Centennial Weekend Back Row: Catherine Terry Taylor ’79, Mary Beth Rettger ’81, Gwendolyn Wood Wisely ’96, Nancy Hathaway Steenburg ’68, Elizabeth Borland Blodgett ’91, Celeste Royall Niarchos ’64, Carter Margison ’07, Amanda Pitman ’90, Mary Lotuff Feeny ’83.

Front row: Tracy Himmel Isham ’85, Katherine Hypolite ’04, Deborah Rush ’77.

Missing: Leander Altifois Dolphin ’95, Nan Flanagan ’93, Ailsa Veit Foulke ’87, Molly Love ’64.

46 THE SUNDIAL

The U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, NY Wednesday, August 29, 2012 Join Walker’s alumnae to watch the best in tennis at this annual event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. We have reserved 25 seats at about $27 each.

Class Correspondents are listed by class year. These notes include news received by November 1, 2011.

All class notes must be submitted by April 2012 for the Fall 2012 Sundial.

Send submissions to alumnae@ethelwalker.org.

Walker’s reserves the right to edit submissions where appropriate.

R

1937

Catherine “Mackie” McIntire Leslie writes: Memories are living and active following the events of the Ethel Walker Centennial! Each program drew us into the power of what the school is today. We (I, Adele Harman Waggaman, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Hubbard Stott) were thrilled to receive our “outstanding alumnae recognition” award at the Centennial Chapel, from the charming young award giver, Kathryn Phair ’18. A highlight for me was the surprise lunch time visit with Bessie and Tom Speers, and their good wishes, in Abra’s. Perhaps the EWS banner strung across the main road in purple and gold made the perfect acme of a perfect celebration. My daughter Catherine “Cathie” Smith Leonard ’62 drove me home and then returned to Walker’s, so she could enjoy the rest of the Centennial and Reunion celebrations. Nullas Horas, Nisi Aureas!

1941 Elizabeth “Betty” Carpenter Davis 745 Hollow Road Staatsburg, NY 12580-6327 845-266-5149 Elizabeth “Betty” Vernlund Goodwin 70 Whitewood Road Torrington, CT 06790-4018 860-482-2704 bettygoodwin@snet.net

Co-Chairs Betty and Betty attended their 70th Reunion, and had a simply wonderful time, despite being the sole 1941 representatives. They ran into many underclass friends and found the school a fabulous place.

Betty Carpenter Davis ’41,

Betty Goodwin writes: GP’80 and Betty Vernlund Nancy Lawrence Sargent Goodwin ’41 at Centennial lives in an “assisted living” Weekend facility with good staff and other guests and plenty of activities. Both Natalie Barker Dodge and Elizabeth “Bessie” Cowles Armour sound happy in their locations; Natalie in Colorado Springs, CO, and Bessie in Delray Beach, FL. They both speak of lots of babies, grands and greats.

Betty says, “as for myself, I’m very pleased with my modest but very pretty house on the outskirts of Torrington, next to Harwinton, my real home town for many years.”

Betty Davis shares that after lots of thought and planning, Lorna Hannah Bruen has finally made the “Big Move.” She has sold her family’s large, lovely old home in Narragansett, RI, where she lived for many years. She has moved south to Alexandria, VA, where she is now ensconced in an apartment in the same building where her son has made his home.

Class Correspondents & Class Agents: Vital Roles Alumnae involvement is essential to Walker’s. Two vitally important but very different roles alumnae can volunteer for are Class Agents or Class Correspondents.

Class Correspondents write, call, or email all of their classmates twice a year to gather news about careers, marriages, births, moves, travel and get togethers with other alumnae. The Class Correspondent is also responsible for organizing and submitting her classmates’ news for the Take Note section of the School’s Sundial magazine.

Class Agents fulfill the critical role of encouraging their classmates’ participation gifts to The Ethel Walker Annual Fund for Giving. In notes and follow-up calls twice a year, Class Agents’ generous volunteerism encourages classmates to tangibly demonstrate alumnae interest and support of Walker’s, helping to ensure quality education for future generations of young women.

To learn more about becoming a Class Correspondent or Class Agent, contact us at alumnae@ethelwalker.org or Eleanor Barnes at 860.408.4254.

Winter 2012 47

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

TAKE NOTE Alumnae Updates

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Faith Hall Harvie is very comfortable and content with life. She lives in an outstanding “assisted living” complex in Rye, NY, where she has an apartment. She enjoys many activities there, as well as frequent trips to NYC to museums, plays, concerts, etc. She was planning to join the 70th Reunion, but went off to a family reunion and gathering instead. One son lives and works in Puerto Rico, which makes for several fun trips a year.

Margaret Nichols Allport lives in the same assistedliving complex where Faith is located, but in a separate wing. She is back in her apartment once again, after a brief hospital stay; she is doing very well, whizzing around in her wheelchair. Faith, Margaret, and the two Bettys enjoy occasional lunches at restaurant in Mt. Kisco, where they enjoy lobster.

Barbara McClurg Potter’s active life leaves her friends breathless! She spent last winter keeping warm at her home in Hobe Sound, FL, then last summer cooling off at the old family home on the rock-bound coast of Prout’s Neck, Maine. Despite a very tough year with cancer, she did get out sailing and a bit of golf last summer. She really wanted to come to Reunion, but it was not possible because of her health. God Speed, dear friend, we all wish you well and above all admire your great spirit.

Betty Carpenter Davis writes: I had a real blast at Reunion, telling all the “new kids” what EWS was like in 1940! I am still running a modest horse farm (six of my own and two boarders). I am running a Trail Riding Association, but not fox hunting. I had to give up skiing two years ago because of altitude problems in Vail Valley, but it was great those last 20 years! Betty assures everyone she is still healthy, with two new hips and a pacemaker. Her goal is to still be riding at age 90, soon to come. Above all, she loves her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “borrowed from Put,” and her friends from all over!

1942 Sylvia Breed Gates 01659 SW Greenwood Road Portland, OR 97219-8301 503-636-6305 sylviagates@comcast.net I was very glad to have been able to make the long trip from Oregon to Walker’s for the gala Centennial Celebration. It was a masterpiece of planning and execution and the school looks beautiful, from the purple and yellow chrysanthemums lining the entrance to Beaverbrook, to the immaculate and spacious new stables, which I toured with barn experts Elizabeth

48

THE SUNDIAL

“Betty” Carpenter Davis ’41 and Elizabeth “Betty” Vernlund Goodwin ’41.

I missed you, but enjoyed hanging out at most events with the “Bettys,” talked to Nuala O'Donnell Pell courtesy of Bessie Speers’ office phone, and was happy to connect with one of Frances “Franny” Barber Dorrance’s (’42, P’69, ’71, ’74) three alumnae daughters. I have nominated Franny for the new Athletic Hall of Fame. Stay tuned!

The students were everywhere, and seemed to enjoy the proceedings — and the fabulous food — as much as we did. The young 6th-8th grade day students lend much bounce to the campus, and have added a fine new dimension to what we experienced as a beautiful but locked-in environment. There is now a very active and involved group of parents in the Simsbury area who welcome weekend visits from the boarders — a particular boon to the many foreign students, who love the experience of being in an American home.

Highlights for me were a “Six Generations of Walker’s Women” panel with Abigail Trafford ’57, presented at Ferguson Theatre, with Betty Davis and I speaking for the World War II wartime years, and the Convocation in a huge and splendid tent, with trumpets, a full academic procession, and a stunning speech by Sigourney Weaver ’67. It was hard to believe that she was once the 15-year-old, already-six-feet-tall “goofus” falling all over Beaverbrook that she described, but the happy ending came for her when she was rescued by Miss Hunt, a great English teacher who believed in her and helped her to find her voice and brilliant place in the world. Her speech led many of us elders to reminiscing about Dean Caroline Walker and all she did for us individually and for the School.

Tom and Bessie Speers seemed to be everywhere all weekend, with both ease and joy and a remarkable ability to remember everyone’s name. Bessie has an expansive travel schedule ahead, and I hope that all of you will take advantage of any possible chance to meet her. With her leadership our school is well positioned to play a significant role in educating young women for lives that can make a difference both at home and abroad. In the meantime, Nullas Horas Nisi Aureas — and here’s to our callers glorious!

1943 Caroline “Carel” Berry Laporte 5 Timber Lane, Apt. 222 Exeter, NH 03833-5334 603-658-7041 clapor@verizon.net

1945 Martha “Molly” Darling Bell 363 East 76th Street, Apt. 19C New York, NY 10021-2436 212-744-8264 molly@kirkpalmer.com The Ethel Walker Centennial went off very well with about 1,200 people attending on Saturday for the Chapel Service and the Gala Dinner. The 1940s filled one table at the class dinners. 1945 was represented

by Amey Amory DeFriez, Payne Payson Middleton and me. Margaret “Margie” Auger Kennerly was sorry to miss it. Although mobile and able to drive a car, she finds it difficult to walk long distances over a long period of time. She did write that she has a welcome visit with Janice Tompkins Spurr who brought her yellow lab with her, which was delightful as Margie had lost hers three years ago.

Loise “Sis” Baldwin Chapin had a lovely summer on Nantucket where she saw Sophie Chandler Consagra and just missed Payne. Loise is hoping to sell her place in California. Coming February, she will go on an adventure to the Amazon with a friend, which she will report on later.

Beatrice “Bea” Weeks Bast feels she has been so lucky to live in such a beautiful place all these years.

She and her husband have had their share of medical problems, but they are still above the grass, trying to keep up with their four children and 11 grandchildren.

Julia Jackson Young recently moved into a senior citizen complex in Washington, DC. She still has a house on the Maryland shore near St. Michael’s Island.

She has four grandchildren and six step-grandchildren as she has three daughters and two stepdaughters. Her husband died six years ago. Julia says she sees Elizabeth “Liz” Delong Kuhl ’44 and Louise Brooks Willard ’46 on occasion. The best news is that the grandson that went to Afghanistan with the Marines came home in one piece.

It is sad to report that our classmate Anne O’NeillButler Wolfgang died suddenly in August. After successful surgery, she was moved to a nursing home.

In her last week she got to see a lot of her family and died peacefully with her daughter at her side. Anne was born in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, in 1927. She was an artist, philanthropist, and an activist for peace and justice. She is survived by three children and eight grandchildren. At Walker’s, Anne was art editor for the Sun-Dial board, on the Time Piece board, and a member of the Recital Club. Her saving grace was gracefulness.

Her son William is at williamjwolfgang@gmail.com .

All is well in the Bell household. As mentioned before, our oldest grandson is a freshman at Bates College, and his brother is a sophomore at Westminster.

Jane Cole Graves writes that all is well there and that John is 91. She says she takes little steps. The situation in Texas is terrible between the drought and the forest fires. Their oldest grandson started Stanford in September and she finds it hard to believe the child she rocked is 6’4” and in college.

Payne Payson Middleton’s fifth grandchild (a boy) was born to her 44-year-old daughter, her first. Payne is still teaching spoken English at the English Speaking Union mostly to Asian women who have learned to read and write the language, but have trouble with “going to do” as against ”gonna to do” And Payne is taking classes in Italian. She can speak it, but will now learn how to read and write it. As she says, life continues to be a learning process.

Jean Reddy Armour recently wrote that she attended a mini reunion in Florida when Bessie Speers visited the island. Jean said she was the oldest person there, but no one was impressed by her wisdom or seniority as she had just come from an art session and was covered with paint. She thinks Bessie is fabulous and that her husband and children are adorable.

Suzette Spitzer King ’48, Margaret “Peggy” Clarkson Chapin ’48, Alden “Hatchie” Calmer Read ’48, Marian “Maru” Morton Brown ’44 and Constance “Connie” Lavino Bell ’48 at the Centennial Alumnae Parade

Winter 2012 49

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Carel and her husband Cloyd are still enjoying their new life in a retirement community in Exeter, NH. It is a coming home of sorts for Cloyd, who went to Exeter Academy. Carel and Cloyd enjoy the interesting people and activities that keep them busy.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

1951 Rosalee Barnes McCullough ’51, P’74, and her husband, David McCullough, met EWS Academic Technologist Sarah Edson and her father, Reverend Robert Edson, at Symphony Hall. On October 5, 2011, David McCullough kicked off the “Boston Speaker Series” season. It was a reunion for the Edson and McCullough families; Rev. Edson baptized one of the McCulloughs’ grandchildren.

From left, Rosalee Barnes McCullough ’51, P’74, her husband David McCullough, EWS Academic Technologist Sarah Edson, and her father, Reverend Robert Edson at Symphony Hall

1953 Susan “Susie” Kleinhans Gilbertson 18 Buttonwood Lane Rumson, NJ 07760-1008 732-842-2057 SWVG@comcast.net Susie Kleinhans Gilbertson writes to her classmates who did not attend Centennial, “For the record — truth be told — you missed a BIGGIE!!” We returned to EWS 1,000+ strong to an impeccably organized, interesting, imaginative, and enlightening Centennial Celebration. Bessie Speers “twinkled like a star” (says Roberta “Bobbie” Gerstell Bennett), as she moved gracefully and graciously through the whole weekend accompanied by her equally charming and tireless husband, Tom. What a dynamic duo!

Returning from our class were: Bobbie Gerstell Bennett, Nancie Magee Bourne, Elizabeth “Betsy” Rauch Rainoff (all former trustees!), Nancy “Missy” Kitchell Lickle, Patricia “Trish” Sudler Stimpson, and yours truly. Carrie Neher Queenan and Mary Schwerin Ritter couldn’t make it at the last minute. But with two husbands (Bob Bennett and Jim Bourne) in attendance we were eight anyway, which is pretty good for a non-reunion class.

50

THE SUNDIAL

My sister, Cotheal Kleinhans Linnell ’61, was there celebrating her 50th Reunion which was a treasured bonus for me. Also, Missy Lickle and I made the trip with her sister, Victoria “Tory” Kitchell ’57, which was great fun.

Sigourney Weaver ’67 as the keynote speaker made us all so proud. We all gave her a huge standing ovation. She recounted with great humor her arrival at the School as a freshman — standing six feet tall, scared, clumsy, and insecure (hard to believe!). She found her challenge and inspiration in the expert teaching of Miss Hunt in literature, and the rest is history! Some of her parting advice to the girls was to find their Miss Hunt, act weird, act crazy, and follow their dream! There weren’t many dry eyes in the house during the singing of the School song and the benediction, sung beautifully by both past and present choir members.

The other highlights of the day for me were: 1) Seeing Miss Sala again and meeting her family. She had a parade of ladies waiting in line to greet her, including Sigourney. 2) A panel discussion, “Six Generations of Walker’s Women,” in which alumnae panelists described their lives after EWS and its influence.

Through college, marriage, children divorce, and careers, all seemed to agree that relationships reign supreme as the most important element in their lives, either sought (by the younger generations) or achieved.

EWS certainly plays into that through friends and teachers. So many felt EWS had been their safety net when it came to other paths that might have been taken. I was most fortunate to have breakfast with one of the panelists, Sylvia Breed Gates’42; she recalled that Pearl Harbor was bombed while she was at Walker’s. She went on to Smith College after loving EWS. After Smith, she did a long stint with the CIA, met her future husband, moved to Portland, OR, and had five children. She was a real trail blazer!

3) The seated dinner Saturday which was beautifully emceed by my friend Vera Gibbons ’85. Rosi Grunschlag was at our table with Monique Friedler Kunewalder ’52; I was sorry to miss the concert they had given in the afternoon. Rosi remembered everybody and it was great seeing them. At the end of dinner, a Centennial video, done by John Massey, was shown, featuring many alumnae from our era including our Bobbie Bennett. Sigourney Weaver was the narrator and it was beautifully done. Bessie made fond mention of dear Maude “Maudie” Urmston Chilton as they were friends when Bessie was growing up.

Maudie’s daughters, Eve Chilton Martirano ’79 and Cecily Chilton Matthai ’77 loved it!

Like it or not, during the time you’re there EWS shapes you and influences the choices you make in subtle ways. As for me, the older I get the more gratitude I

Bobbie and Bob Bennett took a trip to Bermuda followed by a most interesting architectural trip to Paris under the auspices of the Institute for Classical Architecture, which is based in NYC. Nancie and Jim Bourne hugged the shore this summer.

They see a lot of their girls, Ashley Bourne Dewey ’82 and Kimberly “Kim” Bourne Fisher ’77, and their grandchildren. They will be heading to Boca Grande next winter to escape the chilly Northeast.

Missy Lickle is taking her two daughters to Enchantment in Sedona, AZ, before Thanksgiving.

Mary Ritter has been close by as she was in Bay Head, NJ, for most of the summer. She enjoyed being in her daughter Nina’s household with the grandchildren coming and going. Her other daughter Maria also lives in Bay Head, so there was never a dull moment! She is still there and will leave in November for California.

Bobbie Bennett and I hope to get down to see her in late October with Betty Richards Tripp ’54. Mary plans to go back to Florida in January. I hope so because I look forward to her hilarious company!

Mary “Molly” Goodyear Gurney couldn't make the Centennial and guess why? She was on yet another marathon bike ride, which she had committed to earlier.

Anne Mitchell Morgan writes: My news is not about change but rather about staying put. For about five years, Vance and I have been planning to move to a very lovely “life care” community on the ocean south of Portland, ME. But recently, when push came to shove, we mutually realized how much our friends and our involvement in the community of Kittery Point and environs (including lively Portsmouth, NH) have come to mean to us. For the time being we shall stay in “Shangri-la,” as we fondly refer to our house and eventually will probably move to a nearby condo. It’s a big change of plans for us, and we are excited (not to mention relieved.)

Joan “Joanie” Grafmueller Grier sends this news: Bill and I continue to spend time in Carmel, CA two times a year in the spring and the fall and absolutely love it. This year will be the third in our sponsorship of the PBS Jazz Concert in Denver, CO. It is our hope to sow a seed for them that can grow into a very large fundraiser. It has grown each year. Denver has absolutely fabulous musical talent which is very

exciting. We also have had participation from the Colorado Ballet. The line-up of pianists, drummers, guitar players, singers, the old, the new — makes for a fabulous evening. It has been a great adventure that was totally unexpected in our lives.

Jeanne “Jeannie” Ballentine Riegel writes: I had a lovely visit with Betty Flanders Foster for lunch in early August. Storm Irene dashed future for a tennis game, however. Jeannie reports that Betty is great and looks fabulous.

Missy Lickle writes: Loved returning for the Centennial celebration!! My only disappointment was the very poor turnout of our class!! We don't have that many years left, girls, let’s plan something. My family is all well, (knock on wood)!! We had a great reunion this past summer with all but one grandson who was in culinary school in California. One of the highlights was dinner with Frolic in his summer kitchen and 100 candles (at least it seemed that way), which some of you will remember. My grandchildren were in awe!!

Carrie Neher Queenan writes: I am still sad that lastminute complications kept me from joining the fun at EWS. I know it was the celebration our great School and Bessie Speers deserve. This summer saw our whole family gather on Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate the return of our daughter, her husband, and two children from a two-year posting with the World Bank in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania was fascinating, but home feels really good. Late September we took a trip to Buenos Aires, where John gave the Founders’ Address at the Centennial of the Medical Society. He remains the real “Energizer Bunny.” We are taking our 12-yearold granddaughter to London over Thanksgiving. We will have her all to ourselves! Washington is terrific, a bit crazy for sure, but living here is never dull.

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rauch Rainoff writes: I was to go to Egypt in March, but guess what? The uprising made Egypt a really bad idea, so I substituted a hiking trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. I loved the variety of colors and landscapes from the steaming volcanoes, to the gorgeous flowers, to hiking on the lava and reaping the reward of a swim in a beautiful lava pool. May brought the graduation of my oldest grandson from Carnegie Mellon University. The family trooped en masse to Pittsburgh to celebrate this grand event. He has now gone to work for Facebook and is very much enjoying the Silicon Valley lifestyle. September brought another chance to travel, this time to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. The weather was perfect; I did a lot of hiking and only saw a grizzly from the car! I so enjoyed being at the Walker’s Centennial; the event was perfectly planned and executed with a warm and fuzzy feeling all weekend.

Winter 2012 51

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

feel. The students today are so fortunate to have Bessie and Tom, with their leadership, faith, and vision guiding that process. In closing, Susi shares: I look forward to being in Sedona, AZ, with my two oldest children and their spouses for Thanksgiving and will be home for Christmas in NJ.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Clover “Chloe” Morrissett Weller writes: Summer was busy with two family weddings! My nephew was married to a lovely Swiss nanny July 30 at Boldt Castle, Heart Island, in the Thousand Islands, NY. The reception was a delightful, hour boat ride away at another island.

My two grandsons, Alex (8) and Andrew (6), in true Swiss tradition, were part of the wedding party as chimney sweeps for good luck. They were dressed in black with top hats and carried small handmade ladders with a clover dangling from a ladder rung. Lots of family and wonderful Swiss folks, too! Then on August 13th, my niece was married at Hammonasset State Beach in Connecticut. Beautiful wedding and a fun Bar-B-Q followed. Again, a fabulous time with family and friends! Georgia had an incredibly HOT summer, so it was perfect to spend time up north! We are busy taking several courses through Osher Life Long Learning affiliated with UGA, serving on various boards, and fitting in strength training, walking, golf and, best of all, grandsitting!

Elaine Dominguez Rawlinson writes: No big news.

Just living a happy country life with visits to London and a lot of opera, which I love. My eldest granddaughter, daughter of Angie, has a beautiful singing voice, plays the guitar and piano, and will most likely be a pro one day. Look out for Delilah Montagu, she is only 13 at the moment. My son Anthony has come back to live in London which is wonderful for me; he had been out in Dubai for six years. He is my son who went to Georgetown University in DC. My eldest boy, Michael, works and lives close by in the country, so I am very lucky to have them all so nearby. My brother, Luis Dominguez, lives in Florence, so I make little trips to Italy all the time.

1954 Betty Richards Tripp 18 School Street Stonington, CT 06378 860-535-0432 betty.richards@sbcglobal.net I want to share with you all that Centennial Weekend at Walker’s was a huge success! Frances “Frannie” Haffner Colburn and I were there from our class, often joining with friends from the classes of 1953 and 1955.

The campus was spectacular with the just-renovated Riding Center looking so spiffy that it almost made me want to take up riding at age 75. Tents were sent up on the lawns, the largest of which held the 1,150 people who attended the Centennial Chapel Saturday. Meal service in different venues throughout the weekend served wonderful food, with an accent on locally grown goods.

52

THE SUNDIAL

Several former Chairs of the Board of Trustees being recognized at the Centennial Chapel. From left to right: Susan Chapin Berl ’64, Amey Amory DeFriez ’45, P’67, ’69, Elizabeth “Betsy” Rauch Rainoff ’53, Elizabeth “Sue” Cesare, Margot Treman Rose ’80

Both the exhibits and the programming focused on the school historically as well as Walker’s today. I am certain that other parts of this issue will highlight different aspects of “Six Generations of Walker’s Women,” so I shall limit my comments to say that the School is in exceptionally capable hands with Head of School Bessie Speers.

A surprise 75th birthday present to Karen Bisgard Alexander from her husband Walter was a trip to England with their children (spouses and grandchildren left home to take care of each other). Karen reports that, while she was sorry to miss the Centennial because the dates conflicted, they had a wonderful time, reminiscing and laughing about funny times and events from many years ago.

Ursula Bitter Ulmer, a Swiss resident who summers in the old family house in Watch Hill, RI, attended the 50th Anniversary of JFK’s Peace Corps in Washington, DC, in September. Ursula was a member of the second group that went to Sierra Leone from ’62-’64. Many of her friends and colleagues from that time spoke of the profound and indelible impact those years have had on their subsequent lives. Ursula lives in Zurich, is a Jungian analyst and teaches at ISAP (International School of Analytical Psychology), an organization which evolved from the Jung Institute there. During a recent summer visit in Rhode Island, Ursula and I visited with Frances “Frannie” Davis Johnstone who lives quietly in Westerly.

Patricia “Patsy” Kelly McCornack, our Martha’s Vineyard classmate, phoned recently hoping I could join Anita Larsen Fivek and her in New Haven after she finished a duplicate bridge tournament there. Patsy had a hip replacement over the summer but is getting back to normal, which means a very active life involved in several community organizations. Her children and grandchildren are regular island visitors, sometimes for most or all of the summer.

Nell Rainer Levy, a lifelong resident of Memphis, TN, was planning a European trip during Centennial.

Although she and Herb always enjoyed travelling, illness confined them closer to home during Herb’s final years. Since Herb’s death she has been travelling more frequently.

I had a nice note from Frannie Beekley Ames not long ago. She and her husband have lived in Portland, OR, most if not all of their married life. Maria Mayorga Moore spends most of the year in her house outside Gstaad, Switzerland, with extended time during the winter months in Culebra, Puerto Rico. Barbara Mayer Marks and husband, Fillmore, continue to live in Hillsborough, CA. They are fortunate to have eight grandchildren, all of whom live in the San Francisco Bay area.

This column, which began with a mention of Frannie Colburn will conclude with news of Frannie. She lives in Manchester, MA, and also has a historic house on Beacon Hill. She is a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and her many contributions have been duly acknowledged and recognized in museum publications over the years. By the way, the much-heralded museum addition, which opened late in 2010, is well worth a trip.

first class visit to the final chapel on Sunday the weekend was filled with concerts, Golden Hours International Dinner, Walker’s Today with a preface by Ethel Walker and her sister, Evangeline, personified by two faculty members. An alumnae panel, “Six Generations of Walker’s Women,” a ribbon cutting for the renovated barn and a moving Centennial Chapel with Sigourney Weaver’s remembrances, which touched our hearts, filled Saturday. Sigourney was amusing and thoughtful with an engaging presence.

She revealed that her English teacher, Miss Florence Hunt changed her life. The Gala dinner and Reunion dinner along with lunches gave plenty of time for conversation. Not an empty moment. The Class of ’56 was celebrating their Reunion, and it was a treat to be there with them. I wish you all could have been there to enjoy the fun, camaraderie, and to see what an inspiring resource school is today for young women.

1955 had a wonderful group representing you all. Sally Mason Ellison came from California, and Elizabeth “BJ” Russell Broda travelled from Georgia. So good to see them again. Marguerite “Meg” Doubleday Buck and Austin were cheerful company for the three days.

We were very proud of Austin, who, as a former trustee, husband, and father of alumna Wendy Buck Brown ’79, opened the gala dinner with a fine toast.

How great to have David MacKenzie on hand when Debby received her award. Philip Potter and Tom Muench were jolly members of our 1955 troop. Our four gentlemen were super company and happily joined in all the hoopla. We missed Joe Williams and Terese “Terry” Treman Williams, who recently had an ankle fusion. Consequently, they were prevented from coming, but she definitely was there in spirit. In fact, we missed you all. We have a fabulous class!

1955 Letitia “Tisha” McClure Potter 44 Rockwood Lane Greenwich, CT 06830 203-869-6069 lmpotter@earthlink.net First, congratulations to Deborah “Debby” Williams MacKenzie. She was presented with the school’s highest honor, The Margot Rose Distinguished Alumnae Award at the Centennial Chapel. Her tireless attention to developing Walker’s Strategic Plan, her work as Chair of Advancement and her ever-ready willingness to help the School in any way made her a natural for the award.

We are very, very proud of you, Debby.

Centennial was fantastic, (October 1 was the very day our school opened in Lakewood, NJ, 100 years ago.)

What a magical weekend. School never looked more sparkling and 1,100 people participated, with high spirits and enthusiasm pervading every niche. From the

Many thanks to Elizabeth “Liz” Nash Muench, who was a Centennial co-chair, planning events throughout the year. Great work, Liz. She has many friends across the decades, and you can imagine how busy she was greeting and chatting with everyone.

Liz also was the genius behind our stunning flower arrangements for the Gala dinner, which were in memory of our 17 deceased classmates. Yellow roses with blue hydrangeas with green and white touches atop three-foot-tall glass cones — fabulous. Heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to these arrangements: B.J. Broda, Meg Buck, Jenny Stewart Chandler, Elise Rosenberry Donohue, Sally Mason Ellison,Tanis Higgins Erdmann, Tania Goss Evans, Sarah “Sally” Harrison, Mary “Emmy” Alexander Kerney, Valerie Stoddard Loring, Bettina “Tina” O’Neil Lyons, Debby MacKenzie, Liz Muench, Glenna Holleran Ottley, Mary-Dixon “Dicky” Bartlett Peers, Tisha Potter, and Terry Williams contributed generously.

Winter 2012 53

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

I called Katherine “Kathie” Somerville Steele after I met a man who lived a few miles from Greenwood, MS, where Kathie and her husband live, which happens to be the town where much of “The Help” was filmed.

Since two of Kathie’s children and their children live in the Northeast, we hope to meet on her next trip north.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

One bit of news: I saw Tania Goss Evans’ son this summer and learned that Tania and Tom were planning to take her two grandsons, Chauncey and Oliver, to Panama to experience fishing for marlin or any huge fish on light tackle. Tom is an expert and held the world championship in that field.

Until I hear from you, I wish you all well. And more cheers for Debby.

1956 Adrianne Massie Hill 2771 Peachtree Road N.E. #10 Atlanta, GA 30305 404-846-0407 travelinghills@yahoo.com For those of us who were faced with writing Satan papers in the 10th grade, I think that I feel a bit that way this morning as I try to recount all that happened at our Class Reunion/ Centennial Celebration at Walker’s.

My head is still filled with the happiest of memories which I wish to share with you.

First of all, our gathering was much more than a reunion: It was a festive party that encompassed not only our class, our friends from other classes, but also an entire new generation of teachers, students, and administration. Serena Stewart and I drove up from New York, arriving late on Friday, but I heard from Caroline “Carol” Stanwood that the classes she and her sister, Elizabeth “Tessa” Stanwood Davis, ’61 had attended on Friday included such topics as Ghana, China, the “digital footprint,” Shakespeare and explosions! They really enjoyed them.

Our class was a cheery band of six: Aileen “Missy” Turnbull Geddes, Gail Sheppard Moloney, Virginia “Gigi” Pearson Smithers, Carol Stanwood, Serena Stewart and yours truly. Phoebe Haffner Andrew was unable to come at the last minute and was much missed. Everyone looked well and was in good spirits.

We sat by class and were joined by Gail’s very cordial husband, Phil Moloney, and talked our heads off. Most exciting, I thought, was the opportunity to see very good friends from other classes as well, many of whom we had not seen since their graduation or ours.

Everyone seemed very recognizable! All of our meals were sumptuous, and despite the rain, nice Missy was our chauffeur back and forth from our respective inns.

The weather over the weekend was less than ideal, but

by Saturday morning the heavy rains had stopped. In recent months one of our classmates had expressed a particular interest in the Maypole! Well, it does indeed still exist and was placed on the front lawn right in front 54

THE SUNDIAL

of School. The dancing was spirited with accompaniment from music of Gilbert & Sullivan.

On Saturday afternoon Abigail Trafford, ’57, a current trustee, organized a panel entitled “Six Generations of Walker’s Women.” The two graduates who represented the 1940s were riveting in their remarks about the Lindbergh baby’s kidnapping, which resulted in very tight security for the girls at School at that time, and about the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 as there were several students in School who lived in Hawaii and had no news of their family’s safety or whereabouts for several days. Tisha McClure Potter, ’55 and I represented the decade of the ’50s, and it was never more clear to me than that afternoon that the ’60s really marked the “changing of the guard,” so to speak, about attitudes towards authority, rules and mores that were very much a part of our lives. Some students actually formally protested to the head of school at that time about some of the rules and regulations under which we lived. (We might have protested silently or among ourselves but never overtly.)

The weekend’s highlight was a “full house” under the tent near the Chapel for the Centennial Chapel; 1,150 people were present! Certain memories will remain strong; seated on the stage were a group of various speakers including the First Selectman of Simsbury, who spoke about the good relationship that Walker’s has with the town of Simsbury. A group of students from all four classes spoke to us about Walker’s history.

Remarks were given by Patrick F. Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, and followed by awards to alumnae who have been stalwarts of the School over many years.

Then Head of School Bessie Speers introduced Sigourney Weaver ’67 as the keynote speaker. As one who has been a fan of hers for many years, it was a privilege to hear her tell us that when she arrived at Walker’s, she was a shy, ungainly, very tall, “spiderlike” student who was not at all sure where she fit in.

Sigourney’s impassioned message to the students as well as to those of us who are in our “later” years was to “be aware of some “thing,” some activity or endeavor that really speaks to us and follow that, no matter what. At the end of her appealing and wellframed thoughts, we all rose to give her loud applause.

Bessie and the Board of Trustees are making a real effort to have Walker’s be much more present in the world beyond Bushy Hill Road. To have an elected official of the town invited to speak symbolized that spirit. The students are much more involved in social service in the community. Although I had read and heard from friends of Walker’s gatherings with Bessie in different parts of the country, I can now say first hand that we are extremely fortunate to have such an

Sunday morning was our Memorial Chapel with an Alumnae Choir singing an anthem by John Rutter, a favorite contemporary composer, and the ringing of the bells for all of those who have died since last year. It seems appropriate to remember our own classmates, nine of whom I am aware, who have died since we all began our days together: Evlyn “Evie” AtwaterBardeen, Lynn Fentress Underhill, Elaine Humphreys Hewitt, Constance “Connie” Irwin Bray, Emily “Bonnie” King Harrison, Anne Machold Rooks, Patricia Pfaff Gonset, Caroline “Cookie” Schutt Brown, Nancy Sherwood O’Hearn.

At the risk of being presumptuous, I think that I speak for those of us who were there that the weekend was expertly organized, joyous, and one that left us very proud to be a part of The Ethel Walker community. The physical condition of the campus is excellent, and our endowment has grown considerably in the last five years to $17.3 million. It was a great pleasure to be back again.

So many of you have been so nice about keeping in touch with me by email, which I greatly appreciate.

Margaret “Peg” Peck Blosser and her husband, Denver, who live in Aiken, SC, continue their odysseys both at home and abroad. Peg, I admire your ability to change gears with apparent ease! Nancy Lanphier Chapin is our Maypole detective and found a picture from our time of our exact steps. Nancy remains very involved with all things historical, serving as president of the Sangamon County Historical Society in Springfield, IL, near the Chapins’ home in Chatham, IL.

Portrait of Patricia Pfaff Gonset ’56 by her husband, Pierre

While we were at the Centennial, I shared with our group some photographs and programs, many of which Mary Laird Silvia had sent, and in which was included a lovely photograph of a portrait of Patricia Pfaff Gonset sent to me from her husband, Pierre. The painting looked very much as Pat did when we last saw her at, I believe, our 25th. As

previously written to you, Pat died on December 14, 2010, at her home in Switzerland. She would especially have enjoyed seeing Rosi Grunschlag.

Clarina Schwarzenbach Firmenich in Geneva, Switzerland, raised my hopes when she wrote earlier in the year that she was considering coming to Reunion.

However, her plans changed as one of her sons, Antoine, and his family live in Singapore, and she was planning for a fall trip to see them. One day, we hope.

Since I last wrote I have spoken with Melinda “Linen” Miller Greenough in Sheridan, WY, and had a good note from Rosanne Blair Kelly in Asheville, NC. Asheville is so beautiful, and the Hills hope to stop there when we can. Edith “Edie” Radley, who lives on the Vineyard, and Evelyn “Evie” Lisle Rooney in Washington, DC, both had family commitments at the time of Reunion. Both are well. Edie keeps in close touch with her niece, Katy, daughter of Edie’s late sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Radley Anderson ’53. Katy’s family, including three young children, live in Greenwich. Evie and I have been keeping an eye on Episcopal parishes and structures! The earthquake that hit a lot of the Atlantic coast caused serious damage to the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Evie also mentioned that she had grown up in Bethlehem, PA, with Bessie Speers’ mother, who was at Centennial.

In May I received a very thoughtful email from Barbara Richards Pitney with whom I have not been in contact since our graduation. Barbara lives in Bernardsville, NJ, and remains active with Finch College. Barbara keeps in touch with Lorna Sargeant Pfaelzer. Barbara, it was great to hear from you. She wrote: Between my wonderful husband, two super daughters and one stepdaughter, six grandchildren and a chocolate lab and golden retriever (both rescue dogs), and running a business, I have little time to use my pottery wheel.

Hopefully, this summer I will start most of the kids on the wheel.

Gail kindly forwarded an email from Barbara Bidwell Manuel sent just before she left on an extended trip to South Africa with the very excellent choir, Gloriae Dei Cantores, which is part of Barbara’s community in Orleans, MA. In May I spoke with Elizabeth “Lisa” Whitman Ricketson who lives in Westwood, MA, and is still active on the tennis court. She and and her husband, Scott, enjoyed another nice winter stay in Boca Grande, FL, this past year. Mary Laird Silvia was most thoughtful in sending me an envelope full of photographs and programs, which we shared at dinner one night at School. Mary and husband, Pete, moved to Kennett Square, PA.

Winter 2012 55

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

outstanding young woman leading a new generation of Ethel Walker girls. I saw how attentive Bessie is to all around her, and to top it off, first thing on Monday morning was an email in my box from Bessie, thanking all the members of the faculty, students, and staff for all that they did to make the Centennial a great success. It surely was.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Thanks to several of you who sent notes back about Miss Sala; I made copies and gave them to her. She was very touched to see them, and she was surrounded by many of us.

As always, my apologies for any errors or omissions. I have agreed to stay on as our class correspondent but ASSURE any one of you that if you would like to become same, I will be glad to pass the job on. (I confess that I enjoy it very much, most especially the chance to speak with many of you on a fairly regular basis, but don’t want to be overbearing.) I hope that you will have good holidays, and send you my best.

If you would like to see a list of those graduates who attended the Centennial, the Ethel Walker School website has a separate link for the event where the list is referenced. There is additional information about the event as well which you might find of interest.

1957 Sandra “Sandy” Lipson Ryon P.O. Box 1134 7201 Wilkins Lane Chestertown, MD 21620 410-778-4238 slryon@aol.com

Front row, left to right: Mary Fentress Grumhaus, Lisa Dobbin Sherwood, Mary “Mimi” Piper. Back row, left to right: Abigail “Abbie” Trafford, Victoria “Tory” Kitchell, Sandy Lipson Ryon

Walker’s Centennial Celebration this past fall was wonderful beyond all expectations. Mary Fentress Grumhaus, Victoria “Tory” Kitchell, Mary “Mimi” Gibbs Piper, Lisa Dobbin Sherwood, Abigail “Abbie” Trafford and I were all there. Not that many, but we also had fun catching up with our friends in other classes. On Saturday morning, Bessie Speers spoke to us about the state of the school and the impressive increase in enrollment and the improved financial condition of the school during the past four years. This was followed by a Centennial Chapel service in a huge

56

THE SUNDIAL

tent. Sigourney Weaver ’67 was one of the speakers and told us about the life changing influence that Miss Florence Hunt had on her. After lunch, Abbie did masterful job of moderating a panel of 17 graduates who represented “Six Generations of Walker’s Women.” It was fascinating to hear how history shapes the personal and professional lives of Walker’s women, from World War II to the economic and political uncertainty of today. Abbie asked all the right questions to elicit interesting answers — the patterns of each era were clear — and we were able to identify with what was going on in our own lives at the time. On Saturday night hundreds of us gathered for cocktails and a very enjoyable dinner. We all came away feeling very proud to be Walker’s graduates and that the school is in good hands under Bessie Speers’ strong leadership. As Mimi said, "She has given us back our school."

The Class of ’57 has been busy! In the middle of May, Tory organized spectacular weekend in Wilmington for our class. There were 16 of us plus seven husbands, who seemed to have enjoyed themselves as much as we did! Our group included Karen Peterson Earle, David and Mary Grumhaus, Jimmy and Mimi Piper, Abbie Trafford, Patricia “Pat” Day Ridgely, Janet Johnson, John and Lisa Sherwood, Randall “Randy” Furlong Street, Eleanor “Holly” McKallor Page, Gertrude “Trudy” Beebe Miller and David Miller, Laurie Mack McBride, Angelene “Angie” Pell Jernigan, Jane “Dedo” du Pont Kidd and Barron Kidd, Nancy “Kenny” King Howe and Nat Howe, and Mort and Sandy Ryon. Many of us stayed at the Inn at Montchanin, a fabulous place owned by Tory’s sister, Nancy “Missy” Kitchell Lickle ’53. Tory kept us busy seeing the sights around Wilmington.We had tours of Nemours, the Brandywine River Museum, the N.C. Wyeth house, the Kuerner Farm, Winterthur and Longwood. On Friday night, we went for cocktails at Dedo and Barron’s in their charming converted barn. On Saturday night, we went to Missy and Bill Lickle’s for drinks, where Bessie Speers spoke to us. Many of us were meeting her for the first time. She’s a very impressive young woman, and she is obviously doing great things for the school. This was followed by a lovely dinner at Tory’s. We are all so grateful to her for her hospitality.

Virginia “Ginny” McMillan Lambrecht sent a note saying how sorry she was not to be able to be with us in Wilmington. She filled us in on what she’s been doing since we graduated. She included pictures of her attractive family. The Lambrechts live in Grosse Pointe, MI, and Boca Grande, FL. We were sorry to learn that Susan “Sunny” Rodormer Kaiser lost her husband this past spring. We send her our love and hope that she’ll join us at our next gathering.

Mort and I moved from Bucks County to Chestertown, MD, in May. We’re loving it here. We’re meeting lots of nice people and taking courses at Washington College.

The selling process couldn’t have been more unpleasant, but it was worth it!

1958 Barbara “Barbie” Welles Bartlett 4853 Congress Street Fairfield, CT 06824-1751 203-259-2346 barbiebartlett@aol.com Elisabeth “Libby” Bartlett Sturges 111 Bow Street #6 Portsmouth, NH 03801-3838 603-957-1200 esturges@mac.com Barbie writes: Most recently, Mabel “Muffy” Lewis, Paul, my husband, and I showed up at EWS for the Centennial Celebration. For those of you who missed it, I am sorry to say that it was one of the best two-day parties I have ever gone to. There were a good number of people from the years near ours and the conversations never stopped. What an interesting bunch of ladies came back — over a thousand and all ages! The School is amazing and a totally different place from when we were there. You can really be proud of it.

Back at the end of the summer Karen Fitkin Swensrud invited Beverley “Bev” Dunn Wadsworth, Libby Bartlett and me to come up to her place on Lake Winnipesaukee for a mini-reunion. Libby couldn’t make it, but Bev and I went and we had a wonderful time.

Karen had every minute planned for maximum fun, and it was a real pleasure to catch up. Libby and I are your class correspondents and what we really want from all of you is your email address! Please, please get in touch with us. This is no sales pitch, just old friends reconnecting! We hope you are all still there and would love to hear your news!

1959 Lynn Sheppard Manger 8 East 81st Street New York, NY 10028-0201 212-772-3068 nathypertension@aol.com

It was very nice getting a brief message from Carroll Morgan Carpenter wishing us all a great time at EWS at The Centennial and sending her love.

Hello, from Michele du Pont Goss: “Sorry to say, no news at all. Have a wonderful time at The Centennial.

I’ll miss being there.” I did hear from Michele at the end of the summer and she told me that summer at Fishers Island was filled with family and friends.

Richard enjoyed particularly having his friends come by to visit. Next year, I hope we, the Manger clan, will be able to come up again. Every other year seems a good plan.

Nancy Rathborne missed the past bulletin with my remarks about her huge climb to the Base Camp at Mt. Everest, which is an incredible achievement. So it is worth repeating. Hopefully, she is back on the mailing list and will continue to send all her news. Nancy sends love and best wishes for The Centennial.

This is basically what my current life is about writes Lynn Drury Womsley: My eldest granddaughter (age 14), McKay, attends the School of Rock in Evanston, IL. She is the lead vocalist as well as a bassist and…plays a mean keyboard. She is amazing and continually gets standing ovations (led of course by her grandmother). I stand in awe of her. We all wonder where she got all that talent! McKay’s younger sister, Ashton (age 11), is BIG into cooking. The only TV shows she watches are the cooking/food ones. SO, my time spent in Chicago cheering on McKay is shared with Ashton taking handson cooking classes for “families” at the Chopping Block. Ashton does ALL the hands-on and recently did a fabulous job with chocolate tiramisu among other challenges. It would not surprise me if she goes on to be a chef or caterer. (Lynn, maybe she can make a class dinner for us with her sister entertaining us. It would be worth the trip to Chicago.) So, in short, my life is spent in the car heading to or from Chicago. I have not missed a concert/show or a cooking class yet.

A couple of times I drove it two weekends in a row. I am blessed with good health, a car that gets okay gas mileage, and the energy to spend 9-10 hours getting where I am still wanted and occasionally needed. The girls and I are very close and I would not trade that for anything. I truly am BLESSED! I celebrate the departure of the brutal heat of this past summer, revel in the beginnings of fall color and can’t wait for the cold of winter (my most favorite season)! I look forward to hearing what others are doing in these approaching twilight years.

Judith Lange Bizot is one of our class travelers and writes: “I’m in Indonesia diving at the moment and trying to do some underwater photos. If I get anything great I'll send it to you. Diving has been for me a real spiritual and relaxing experience. I will be back home in Winter 2012 57

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Kenny Howe recently sold her house in Greenwich where she’d lived for over 40 years. She and Nat are moving into a lovely sounding condominium on the main street of Greenwich.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Paris on the 13th, so here are a few of my momentous moments last year. I guess we all talk about grandchildren, so my son, Polo (Julien), now has three gorgeous (of course) boys. I’m still hoping for an addition of a girl for the EWS scene. I continue to be involved in activities with Kronos Quartet and the French American International School of San Francisco.

For some time I was producing films on women and environment which I still do now and then. For any of you who knew Wangari Maathai with whom I had the honor to work, she was an inspiration to all working on environmental issues, free speech and women’s rights.

She died recently of cancer — a great loss for Kenya, and for all of us. As most of us reach our 70s, I feel we are lucky to have gone so far…in fact, that’s the hope.

As one of my friends said, by creating challenges, we might live to continue to make a difference with those around us. Perhaps if only on a daily basis. These friends of whom I speak are all courageous, inspiring women who have influenced my life tremendously.

Even in their darkest hours, they have shown tremendous courage and fortitude.

Finally, we were able to get Ann Middleton Buckley back to EWS. She writes: The celebration at EWS this past weekend was beautifully organized and executed.

When you add to that the pleasure of seeing some favorite classmates and teachers and other friends, it makes for a very special occasion. I am so glad that I was able to attend. It was wonderful to see Elena Miller Shoch, as well as Lucy Rosenberry Jones, Margaret “Meg” Lindsay, Kate “Kitty” McNally Cote and Sally Chapin Levin. We definitely should have a mini reunion. Thanks for bringing us together. Ann left on Sunday morning with her friend, Ed to make the ferry to Long Island which they did with half an hour to spare. Despite less than perfect weather, they managed to play golf at Maidstone and National! What a challenge! Ann is another class traveler and her trip in November-December will be to Kenya and Tanzania.

Since her first trip 14 years ago, she is constantly drawn back to Africa. The people, the culture, the physical landscape and the animals are fascinating, she said, and a perfect canvas for her interest in photography. She finds it always a powerful and humbling experience.

Perhaps the most recent marriage in our class goes to Lucy Jones. She says: I believe you already wrote about Jim’s and my marriage on November 20, 2010.

My oldest granddaughter is a freshman at the University of Saint Andrew and loves it there. We of course are planning a trip to Scotland! And the next granddaughter is starting 9th grade at Exeter. I was so sorry to miss chapel on Sunday; however, I am very glad we went to Exeter with my daughter. It was a lot of driving especially in pouring rain. My granddaughter is somewhat homesick, and I think it is a big 58

THE SUNDIAL

adjustment for a 14 year old. I think maybe the hardest part is the cafeteria meals with a 1,000 students. She loves the academics and her dorm. It was good to see her experience through her eyes. My oldest granddaughter called me yesterday and described how well she is thriving at Saint Andrews. The Centennial weekend was inspiration. I just wish everyone in our class could have been there. There was so much to see and so many people from our past to speak with that it was almost overwhelming. The campus looked beautiful with purple and yellow flowers all over.

Besides seeing those from our class, I think the most joyous memory for me was the chapel service in the huge tent seating with 1,150 people. The processional included all the students, the faculty, the trustees, people from the community, past heads and Bessie, beautiful music, etc. It all brought tears to my eyes as I thought of Ethel Walker and what her vision 100 years has become.

From Miami, Esperanza “Pichi” Alfaro writes that she is sorry to say that this time she doesn’t have anything out of the ordinary to report…still giving a hand to her sister in dealing with the husband’s cancer treatment.

He is in very good general health, but the Hodgkin’s is back and in November he starts a newly FDA-approved treatment. They rented an apartment one door down from Pichi for one year to see how it goes. Pichi, we all hope all goes well.

Lucy Hufstader Sharp and her husband were on an adventurous cruise in the North Atlantic, experiencing 35' waves and 95 mph winds. They are back on Whidbey Island as I write these notes, packing the house up to move about two hours south to Gig Harbor, WA. It’s where their son, Andy, and his family live, and it seems that the time is right to be nearer him, and most importantly to be in a MUCH smaller house.

Hopefully, this will be their last move before the rest home! Andy is in full remission, has restarted his contracting business, and although there are some serious side-effects to the chemo, radiation and stemcell transplants, he is in remarkably good shape. They are terribly grateful. The rest of the family are all doing well. Lucy can’t believe she has a grandson who is a sophomore in university in Nova Scotia. Yikes! The other six are not far behind. Lucy would love to hear from any of you who are venturing out their way.

Margaret “Meg” Lindsay also attended the Centennial celebration. Meg thought Ann Buckley said it very well when Ann remarked at a dinner that there were so many capable and interesting people who came back for the centennial. Meg also immensely enjoyed Sigourney Weaver’s talk at the centennial chapel. It was quite moving to spend time with everyone, maybe something about all these years having passed, knowing each other. And Bill (Lynn Manger’s husband)

At Centennial, left to right: Ann Middleton Buckley, Lynn Sheppard Manger, Elena Miller Shoch, Kate “Kitty” McNally Cote and Lucy Rosenberry Jones

was most enjoyable. He was a trooper to hang out with all of us damsels and ferry us to and from the car in the mud! Many thanks to him for making it all easier, rain or no rain. Cheers.

I tried to get Ann Dobbin Bailliere to come back to EWS. Ann writes, “Unfortunately for me, I will not be able to come to the Centennial Celebration. It’s very difficult, if not impossible, for me to leave Tommy alone for any length of time, and he definitely does not want me to have someone come in to take care of him. At one point he was going to come with me, but then he planned a cruise which begins a few days after the Centennial, so I can’t manage both. Traveling with him is a bit of a challenge but cruises work well, especially on small ships! Needless to say, I am disappointed to miss this big event at Walker’s and the chance to catch up with old friends. Bessie Speers is actually Tommy’s cousin, and I know she is doing a truly superlative job.

Walker’s is lucky to have her! I saw her when she was in Baltimore in the spring, and at that time I told her that there was a chance we might be at the Centennial, and I wish we could. My sister, Lisa Dobbin Sherwood ‘58 is coming, so I know I will hear all about the festivities from her. I know I am missing a great weekend! Have fun! And please give my best to Bessie and all the ’59-ers!”

From Orleans, MA, Mary Brown Jackson, who also could not attend the Centennial, wrote Bessie to tell her how proud she was to be a graduate of EWS with the sound leadership Mary feels Bessie is providing for the students to prepare them for the challenges that they will face in the world upon graduation. Mary goes on to say that it was not a reality for her to consider coming to the Centennial much as she would like to, because her first priority has to be to her responsibilities at home. Their band has gone to South Africa to do workshops, teaching South African children to form their own band. 140 people have gone and the ones

Elizabeth Poage Baxter, with her fabulous handwriting, says: I am still happy here in Ann Arbor, MI. Being next to a huge university gives a multiplicity of great things and yet is still a smallish town. My private practice still thrives as do I after a hip replacement. I’m contemplating skiing in the senior Olympics, would you believe!

Apparently being 70 does not mean slowing down. Still lecturing at the University. My topic now is aging and health…pretty pertinent for all of us now.

From Oregon a very long update from Jane Ingraham MacCloskey which I quote, “My life is so ordinary, basically help with grandchildren, fishing and camping when we are can, traveling when we are able, having the odd operation every now and then.” Craig and Jane enjoy living in Bend, OR. Two of their children live there both married with two children. We see them often, and have our grandchildren over fairly often. In fact the two older boys, 11 and 14 years old, will be here for a week in late October while the parents vacation in Mexico.

In some ways it gets easier as the grandchildren get older and in other ways, it gets more difficult, driving to soccer practice, guitar, piano, and so on. And they eat more. Their other children live in San Francisco; Eagle River, AK; and Salem, VA. They manage to get to Oregon whenever they can, but their lives are busy as well. They continue to own a home in Borrego Springs, CA, but would like very much to sell it. Anyone interested? Jane needs the ocean! Never thought she would have two homes in the desert. This summer was rather sedentary. I had hip replacement surgery in July, and that just about killed summer fun. It has taken longer to recover than expected, an age thing no doubt.

Jane’s older brother, Cris, and his wife, Frances Stewart Ingraham ’58, will be meeting them in Borrego Springs in mid-November. It will be wonderful to see them in Jane’s part of the world. She imagines they will play a little golf. This winter they will spend two months in New Zealand and one month in Tasmania, another reason to sell the house in Borrego Springs. They love New Zealand and absolutely fell in love with Tasmania on a brief visit there two years ago.

They will mostly fish, play golf, hike (hopefully), and drink wine. Sounds good.

Winifred “Wendy” Baker Mackall writes that Gracin was born in December 2010, her third grandchild. As they live in Rhode Island, Wendy gets to see them often — great fun. Bay is back living with Wendy while looking for a job. Life is good.

Sally Chapin Levin writes: What fun it was to see so many classmates, and it wasn’t even a reunion year for Winter 2012 59

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

left, the home team, are busy bees caring for all the little children and dogs and responsibilities that were left behind. The band does not return until the end of the month, and it will take a few days for them to reorient themselves and get back into their normal life.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

’59. There were too many options each day and while understandable and necessary, it made it very difficult to choose. Sally had to miss sitting with us at lunch on Saturday, as she had to seek out her aunt, Margaret “Peggy” Clarkson Chapin ’48 in from San Francisco with her husband, Jim. Peggy and Sally had lunch with Peggy’s delightful ’48 friends at Abra’s, which was a treasured time, but also frustrating not to be able to catch up with her class as well after the morning chapel service. We were having lunch in one of the huge lawn tents. Sally apologizes to everyone she missed and hopes there will be plenty of next times.

Elena Shoch and Kitty Cote drove up from New York together on Friday for the Centennial. Bill and I ran into them just as we were going into Abra’s for lunch. We had a chance to catch up and plan the rest of Friday’s activities. We walked over to the Bell Library to see the archives display set up for the Centennial. There were many pictures from the ’50s, as well as the robes for heads of Suns and Dials and our penguin uniforms, even a copy of the record we made for Choir. If any of you have memorabilia you would like to give the School, please do. The present students love the display. Then Bill and I went on to an English class given by Roger Cantello, “Bringing Shakespeare to Life.” It was really terrific, as he had us act as well as read the parts. I can see why these classes are so popular, and I was sorry that I did not have time to visit others.

We got back to the hotel in time to change and meet up with Elena, Meg and Kitty. We all went to the Beaverbrook tent for athletic and reunion awards and a toast to past and present Board of Trustees, then on to dinner in Abra’s where we all managed to sit together with Ann Buckley with her friend, Ed, and Lucy Jones with her new husband, Jim Johnson. We really had a wonderful time and it felt as though the more than 50 years just faded away. Saturday was the BIG day as it was actually October 1, 1911, that Ethel Walker opened the doors to her new school. At 9 a.m. Head of School Bessie Spears gave a State of the School address in the Arts Center, which was dynamic and very touching.

Afterwards we went outside for the Maypole Dance and the Alumnae Parade, then on to the centennial tent for the Academic procession and Centennial Chapel with Sigourney Weaver ’67 as the keynote speaker.

There were 1,150 people in the tent, and we were all fascinated to listen to Ms. Weaver talk about her time in school, her mentor, Miss Hunt, and her thoughts for the students today; it was magnificent. Lunch followed, and then there was a mural project and a wonderful panel of Walker’s Women. Kitty, Elena and I opted for the piano recital with Rosi Grunschlag at the head’s house.

Then back for the quick change for the Centennial reception and dinner in the tent. We were delighted to see that Miss Sala was able to return to the school for 60

THE SUNDIAL

the dinner, and enjoyed talking with her. An aside, all the facilities and tents were strategically planned and placed to accommodate the various programs and meals for all the people who came to the incredible celebration. I also have not mentioned all the sports and riding activities that were planned, or the opening of the Centennial walk near the new Cluett, or the walking tour of Walker’s Woods. We just could not get to everything, much as we wanted to. By Sunday we were all somewhat exhausted. The few of the remaining ’59 went to the memorial chapel at 11 a.m.

I signed-up to sing with the alumnae choir (there were 15 of us) and Music Director Laurie MacAlpine had us sing a beautiful Irish hymn. She also is a treasure, and I can see why she has such a devoted following. The acoustics in the chapel had us singing like angels. After that we wended our way home. It had been an extraordinary weekend with every detail thought out.

I am so glad I could celebrate and be proud of The Ethel Walker School.

Finally, I wrap up with the news from Kitty Cote who writes that this has been a banner year, especially the times spent with my daughter, Katie, Pete, her husband, and the boys, Jack and Xander. They all are brainy and wildly athletic — everything from soccer and lacrosse to mountain climbing — even the dogs go along.

Needless to say, Kitty doesn’t. They are great company and she loves being with them. Time has also been spent with in-laws with whom she has remained close and “steps” as well. All the above are too numerous to count. Kitty says she cannot leave out her wonderful friends who remain steadfast and caring, and who along with the above remembered my birthday and contributed to softening the blow. Kitty actually enjoyed it!! The return to EWS for the beautifully organized and often moving centennial was so special. She was happy to see so many faces from her past — especially Miss Sala — and delighted to see the school thriving.

Since this is a big birthday year for us I will finish with a big Happy Birthday to All. And please do plan to come back for our next reunion in 2014. You will be so pleased to see the Ethel Walker School of the 21st century.

1960 Phyllis Richard Fritts 910 Ladybug Lane Vero Beach, FL 32963 772-234-7096 prfritts@earthlink.net Carroll Townsend Tickner emailed a picture of Carroll and John Tickner visiting Van Richard in Maine in July.

Van, aged 97, is Carroll’s cousin, Phyllis Richard Fritts’ dad, the husband of the late Jane Schmeltzer Richard ’37, the brother of Vera Richard Wood ’39 and the late

Carroll Townsend Tickner ’60 and John Tickner visiting Van Richard, Carroll’s cousin, in Maine in July.

Phyllis Richard Gerrity ’37, and the brother-in-law of Sallie Cronkhite Richard ’41! Carroll adds: We’re all well here in Rhode Island busy with our blended family of six kids who live from San Francisco to Sao Paolo and five granddaughters under 6! We have a great life and lots of fun. Recently. I discovered that I was sitting right next to Margaret “Margie” Field and her husband at a local seafood restaurant here. It was really wonderful to see her again. Merry Bragonier Bouscaren and Tony Bouscaren were here for a weekend this summer. It was just lovely to be able to spend a good chunk of time together. Their daughter, Caroline (my godchild), and our daughter, Sarah (Merry’s godchild), have become fast friends over the past years as they both are presently living in Boston. How nice is that?

Margot Campbell Bogert writes: I am loving being on the board of Walker’s. We are blessed to have Bessie and Tom. The Centennial was fantastic and such a celebration for the School. Otherwise, my life goes along with the usual challenges and pleasures.”

From Beverly “Bea” Vander Poel Banker: News that is exciting! Daughter Ashley is engaged to Nicholas Enthoven, a Dutchman. They have been going out for four years, so feel as though they know each other well enough for the big step! I went back to Walker’s for Centennial. Nothing short of fabulous. I was very proud of our school. Fun to see Abra Prentice Wilkin, Margie Field, Harriet Blees Dewey, Marilyn Hodges Wilmerding and Frances “Frinde” Aldrich Maher.

Frinde led a panel of alums (“Six Generations of Walker’s Women”), which was wonderful. Abra worked her heart out and was the winner of the Centennial medal. Our class is pretty fabulous to say the least.

Wish all members of 1960 could have been there. Hi to all. I miss you.”

Ellen Corroon Petersen emails: The only person I’ve seen from the class of ’60 this year is Anne “Nanno”

Caryl Van Ranst Dearing sends news from her new permanent home on Martha’s Vineyard, MA: Today is gorgeous. The sun is shining, and the temps are just right for outside tennis, golf and walking. We call it a PVD (perfect Vineyard day). Jim and I are starting our first fall and full winter here. Things are quieter with residents returning to America and stores and restaurants in fall and early winter schedules. Many of our friends are still here so things are active. We are soon going to Skidaway Island, GA. to visit Fort Wayne friends and see some of Jim’s cousins who live in SC. It will be a nice drive. Jim will be driving and I will be knitting. Holidays are around the corner and I always knit family members socks, scarves, etc. Keeps the fingers working and me away from the refrigerator.

Right now I am working on a KAL with gals from Fort Wayne, a really interesting project but not quick! I am also stitching and playing mahjong (both Eastern and Western), plus some bridge every now and then. This summer was busy with family coming and going. It was also my last year on the board of our beach club, which I had been on for more years than I can remember. Not going to meetings has been nice…played more golf.

Saw Harriet Dewey once or twice and had breakfast with Bessie and Tom who spend some time here. Come winter Jim and I hope to go scuba diving somewhere warm. We usually dive and stay on a “liveaboard” for a week. It is all diving for six days, and we meet people from other parts of the country. Was sorry to miss the Centennial celebration but couldn’t go at the last minute. I know it was a gorgeous time. Love to all.

1961 Julia “Julie” Darling Spahr shares the following: Our class of ’61 had a wonderful 50th reunion over the 1st of October weekend, and it was very inspiring to be part of the Centennial Celebration. Life as a Walker’s student today is full of amazing opportunities!

We only had a total of 11 of Julie Darling Spahr ’61 our classmates show up, so of course we wish more had come. It still was wonderful to reconnect and hear all the stories of our well-lived lives.

Winter 2012 61

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Carpenter Bienstock. I continue to be busy with all things horticultural. I’m taking my three grandchildren to a dude ranch in Arizona in March without their parents or my husband, Eric. My wonderful sister is coming to provide moral support, if necessary. Eric and I are going truffle hunting in Provence in February (dogs not pigs).

It is a great excuse to get out of our cold house for a little while.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Alice Kerr Moorhead ’61

Those attending were: Marguerite Hagner Benson, Elizabeth “Tessa” Stanwood Davis, Katherine “Kathy” Durland Dewart, Cotheal Kleinhans Linnell, Suzanne “Susie” Frey Luetkemeyer, Alice Kerr Moorhead, Cheryl “Rusty” Yuile Rolland, Robin Gorham Sedgwick, Toni Tailer Smith, Julie Darling Spahr and Jane Shierling Walsh.

Sadly, Leslie “Kim” Kelly Cutler could not come at the last moment, but many thanks go to her, for a fabulous job putting our questionnaires together in a book format. It made the lead up to reunion much more interesting.

1963 Robin Frost Bessin 184 South Gate Lane Southport, CT 06490-1464 203-259-1406 BurrFrosty84@aol.com Cythlen “Lynn” Cunningham Maddock says: I have eight grandchildren ranging in ages from 14 to 1. I spend as much time with them as possible. Five of them are here in Florida, and the other three are in San Francisco, so I travel out there as often as I am invited!!! I love it out there — great city. Aside from enjoying my family time, I teach art and play lousy golf.

Sorry to have missed the big 100-year celebration, but we were in Turkey. Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

Elizabeth “Liz” Jack Ghriskey writes: I don’t have too much news. We spend the winters in Boca Grande, FL, which we have done for a long time. I do see Cornelia “Cici” Spencer Ives there. She is great and running trunk shows, which keep her very busy. We have four grandchildren and number five hopefully arriving this weekend!!!! All are within a half an hour of Greenwich so we get to see them, which is great fun. I continue to try and play golf. I’m terrible but it is fun being outside with friends, so I keep coming back. Playing bridge as well and working on various volunteer things in BG. Cici Ives was in Montana for the summer without Internet or cell service.

Britta de Schultess Lloyd’s news is: We now winter in South Africa, in Franschhoek, famous for its terrific food. So no more grey winters for us. It is fascinating to immerse yourself in a completely different culture. Eye 62

THE SUNDIAL

opening. All four children are married or engaged, seven grandchildren so far. Try as I might, I do not seem to be able to simplify my life. But I’m still trying!

Susan Ford wrote in an email: Looks like half the class is missing! Oh, well. Can’t help you with any of them.

Nothing much as news: happy, healthy, good friends, living in the country.

Alicia “Wendy” Tilp Hyde says “I am well and now living in Weekapaug, RI. I was remarried in 2009. My late father in a wheelchair and mother walked me down the aisle in the chapel here. My husband’s and my families were all in attendance with a few crazy friends from Essex as bridesmaids. My daughter Reeve lives in Santa Fe and is the comptroller at the spa Ten Thousand Waves. She and her husband own Tesuque Village Market. They have two boys, 11 and 8. Gigi and her husband live in Angwin in the Napa Valley. Gigi is a teacher and Brett sells wine for Bennessere Vineyards.

They have Olivia, 9, and Harrison, 7. I saw Sandra “Sandy” Traub Renehan and Margot Barnes Goodwin in South Beach, FL, at our best friends’ son’s wedding at the Versace Mansion. What fun we all had! I see Penelope “Penny” Johnson Wartels and Sally Goodrich often. We are off to Ireland for our anniversary next week. Life is good. We are so fortunate.

Your correspondent, Robin Frost Bessin, splits time between Southport, CT, and Vero Beach, FL. Between us, husband, Steve, and I have six-and-a-half grandchildren residing in Wyoming, Massachusetts, New York and Florida and keeping us very busy. Baby Archer Shay Bessin, the biological child of Geoffrey Bessin and his wife, Shannon, was born in February ’11 to a surrogate in Mumbai and brought home to Rockport, MA. Fascinating cottage industry in India! My daughter, Alexandra Dawson, and her husband, Greg Gricus, Jackson Hole residents, have created their own 106-minute documentary, Wild Horse Wild Ride, produced, directed and written by her and filmed by him. It is currently on the Film Festival circuit and is, gratifyingly, winning Audience Favorite Awards across the country and in Canada. I transcribed a good portion of it, and we’ve spent a lot of time babysitting their two wonderful babies these past two years, making their travel possible and enabling us to spend much time out West! Son, Christopher Dawson, a photographer, is currently featured in an exhibit entitled “Crime Unseen” at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Photography, from October 28 to January 15. His contributions chronicle the elaborate production required for televising criminal trials on 24-hour news channels as he explores our strange fascination with violent events.

When not bursting with pride in our children or watching after my still-going-strong mother, Steve and I can be found slugging away out on the golf course!

1964 Cynthia “Cindy” Higgins Roby 40 Cable Roadway Sausalito, CA 94965-2302 (415)332-6556 croby@earthlink.net It has been such fun for me, Cindy Roby, to be in email contact with Celeste “Candy” Royall Niarchos.

Although it has been many years since we have seen one another our connection is deep. My mother, Elise Farley Higgins ’40, met my father at her mother’s, (deceased) Celeste Browning Bannister ’40, deb party.

He was there as part of the entertainment: the Yale Whiffenpoof singing group. Although it evidently took him a long time to follow up, he did. And the rest is history. Mom and Dad had a wonderful marriage! So it is especially wonderful that some 20 years later, Celeste and I were classmates at EWS. We also shared an apartment in Boston during our college years.

Sylvia “Sylvie” Brooks ‘64 says: Getting older is not a bowl of cherries. Nonetheless, I am still fit enough to enjoy life. (Sylvie has had to cope with health problems recently. She has a chronic condition that comes from not having stomach acid to digest fats and protein.)

Moreover, there is no medical cure for what I have.

Hence my change in lifestyle. I take it easy and eat small amounts with a minimum of fat and protein spread over the day. Even with this, I have a constant bellyache. I already have weird cognitive problems, but then I haven’t slept normally for years. The pain keeps me awake at night. Perhaps the cognitive problems are from that. I am not at all busy with dying early. I have given up worrying in general and live in the present.

A lot of my peace of mind has to do with my Christian faith.

Patricia “Patsy” Ladd Carega writes: My daughter Alessia was married in San Francisco in April. She had a small wedding which was a lot of fun. The whole family was there for an extended stay, and I of course was lucky for it meant yet another lunch with dear friend Cindy just before the festivities began. The family all visited New Hampshire this summer. Francesca has two little girls, Allegra (2) and Flavia (1). Such fun to play with them on the beach and have them on the “farm” (only animals are dogs) for a long stay. Alessia and her husband, Trent, have moved back to New England where she has accepted a position at St. Paul’s School.

She is very excited about being back in New England and academia. Thankfully, Trent is a writer, so he can

work from anywhere. Marco is in Miami working for Trialgrafix, which keeps his computer skills honed. He does graphic design on the side, and of course I am one of his clients, though not the best one. It is hard to believe that his 30th birthday is around the corner. Livia is at Columbia Business School. She will graduate next May and then???? She is very happy to be back in New York and is enjoying her classes and being back in school. Now I have two children within driving distance.

Miracolo! The gallery continues to function through the economic crisis. Maybe people are not buying as much but they are certainly looking a lot. I continue to love my life in New Hampshire though this summer had to say goodbye to my dearest dog friend. I now have a new love, Paco…Rabanne, of course, from Puerto Rico!

I had lunch with Lavinia “Vinnie” Chase not long ago.

She looks wonderful and was enjoying being on summer vacation! We had a great time at home and at the beach reminiscing. The day seemed to fly by. I am sorry to miss the Centennial!

Our classmate Celeste Niarchos is president of the Alumnae Board during the Centennial Year. She says: It is fun and wonderful to see how the school has grown.

Tom and I were in Europe (Greece and Spain) for three weeks this summer. I wore my EWS hat (logo was “Walker’s 100”), and Tom promised that if I met anyone who went to Walker’s he would personally give a gift to the Centennial Campaign! On a personal note Tom and I will be retiring at year’s end to travel, play more golf and enjoy life. We will spend three months this winter in Florida.

Vinnie Chase reports: I’m just beginning my 10th year at Andover High School. I’m planning to retire after this year before my oldest grandson is in the same grade I teach (10th grade)! I’ve really enjoyed getting back to teaching, and Andover has been a good place. For some reason, I really like teenagers — certainly didn’t when I was one! — and I have always loved to teach.

But I’m thinking that I want one more career before the health goes. Not sure what that will be, but it’ll be with adults — not with 15-year-olds, whose experience is further and further from my own. Sylvie Brooks was going to be with me right around the time of the Centennial, and we were hoping to make at least a short visit to School. I saw her last summer in Newport and she was still the old Sylvie. I also saw Janet “Jan” Dockendorff Ballou and had her and her husband over for dinner. She also hadn’t changed a bit, still zany and enthusiastic, and it was wonderful to see her again.

I, Cindy Roby, can’t believe I have spent the lion’s share of my life in California. I came out kicking and screaming as a new bride almost 40 years ago. I am now fully assimilated. My sons, Jay and Nick, are in the area too, which is a luxury as is my beloved mother, Elise Higgins, who lives nearby in a retirement Winter 2012 63

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

I seem to be missing email addresses for about half the class. Please send your address to me at burrfrosty84@aol.com so that I will have even more news next time.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

community. I write for a local newsletter, serve on the board of a local non-profit and volunteer at the Visitor Kiosk in downtown Sausalito a few times a week.

Those who remember my overly developed “chat gene” can imagine how much I love the job!

Suzanne “Suzi” Chapin Berl reports from her home in North Carolina: My only news worth noting is that this fall, I become board chair of River Network, a national conservation organization that for the past 22 years has helped local and statewide groups to protect and restore their rivers across the country.

Elizabeth “Liz” Yinkey Moore and her husband Chips were here in Sausalito for a visit last August and we had such fun. Lots of laughter! They also have a godchild in the Bay Area and joined that family for a trip out to the Pacific coast in West Marin. Right after their return to the East, Hurricane Irene hit Watch Hill, where they have a house. Liz reported: It was so nice having Dane Nichols “up the hill” (they are neighbors) during the hurricane, even though Irene pretty much left us alone. It’s great having her here. Got an email from Anne “Pooh” Brainard Schmitt about Fenwick during the storm. Her electricity was out, and there was a huge storm surge, but generally all’s well with her and her divine cottage there.”

1966 Stephanie Burns 72 Campground Road Lee, NH 03284-9801 603-659-7030 stephanieburns@comcast.net

1967 Barbara “Bobbie” Bristol is director of the Writers’ Program at the Whiting Foundation in New York. The foundation annually gives 10 awards of $50,000 each to poets, playwrights and fiction and non-fiction writers in early career. More about the Whiting Writers’ Awards can be found at www.whitingfoundation.org.

Kate Crichton Gubelmann writes: I’m excited to be part of EWS (as a member of the Board of Trustees), was incredibly impressed by the Centennial, and look forward to seeing my friends from there and then! As you know, I live in a whirlwind of three children, two grands, two dogs and my one husband!! Plus, I have gone back to painting, all of which give me great pleasure.

Patsy Ladd Carega continues to run her wonderful gallery in Sandwich, NH. She has an artistic eye, and you can look at its wonderful setting and art on her website. Her youngest, son Marco, was turning 30 on the weekend of the Centennial, so that trumped a visit to Simsbury.

Linda Marvin Benjamin wrote after Hurricane Irene too: We made it through the hurricane better than most. No damage to property or house. Just frustration with being totally cut off for about 80 hours, but thanks to our generator it wasn’t too bad. A bit of an indignity following the earthquake in the same week! Nothing really new to report. We continue boating in the summer and skiing in the winter and visiting family in between. Between us, Park and I have nine grandchildren with two more to come soon. Family is growing, and what could be better than that?

I keep in good touch with classmate Dane Nichols.

She lives in Washington, DC, but spends her summers in Watch Hill, RI. Her house there is a magnet for her family, of course. Her son Timmy and his wife, Jen, and their two young sons, Jake and Michael, had a wonderful visit last summer. Dane is still deeply involved with work with the environment through a variety of organizations. Dane’s daughter, Dane, just moved back to Washington from Chicago. She is in the design business, and from her postings that I see on the Internet has an incredible eye.

64

THE SUNDIAL

Lhakpa Sherpa (Phaplu Monastery Project), Docey Baldwin Lewis ’67 with her daughter Oriana Lewis, helicopter pilot, Docey’s son, Owen Lewis, in August 2010 after a trek in the Himalayas.

Caroline “Docey” Baldwin Lewis shares: After an inspiring visit to Walker’s in 2010, I am proud at how relevant an EWS education has become and envy the young women who are current students. The world they see is so different from the one we lived in in the ’60s. Our class of 1967 was one of the most rebellious in EWS history, but even we have matured in positive ways. Two of us sit on Walker’s Board of Trustees, and nearly a quarter of us stay in touch regularly and have made a commitment to supporting education of young women who are not as fortunate as EWS students.

1968 Kimberley “Kim” Smith Niles 14 McLains Woods Road Groton, MA 01450 978-448-9279 kimniles@hotmail.com The EWS Centennial Celebration was indeed just that.

Eight of our classmates were able to attend: Claudia Ramsland Burch, Merrill Ware Carrington, Ann Stone Costello, Jan Mactier, Pamela “Pam” Peck, Nancy Hathaway Steenburg, Elizabeth “Beth” Warner, and me, Kim Smith Niles. Nancy is on the Alumnae Board, so took part in some of the preparations and labor. Thank you! And Claudia and Ann were honored for their past roles on the Board of Trustees. What was so lovely is that we all fell so easily into such a comfortable relationship with each other and were able to share stories, laughs, and moments about our times as students and beyond. We all had some news about other classmates and desperately wanted to learn more. I wish I could remember everything. Sorry! But that’s why I agreed to take on the class correspondent role again for a little while — we all missed knowing about each other’s lives. So please keep me informed!

Claudia lives in Houston with her husband, Reagan.

She’s very active with church work and other forms of volunteer work, plays golf and continues to be one of the kindest women alive. Merrill and her husband, Tim, live in DC and are involved in church and ministry work.

One son is married, and he and his brother both live in Brooklyn. Ann lives in Bethesda and is the Head of Global Government Affairs at BNY Mellon. She described her recent year as a bit topsy-turvy, with one son’s heart surgery, an earthquake and a new CEO. But her sense of humor remains intact. She and her husband, John, have two sons.

Jan had literally just arrived from a horse show in Slovinia. She and her husband live in Omaha. Their two “children” are in college in Colorado. Pam lives in Simsbury and works in corporate real estate. It was great to get her to come! Nancy lives in Mystic, CT, and

Class of ’68 at Centennial. Back row: Kim Smith Niles, Jan Mactier, Claudia Ramsland Burch, Nancy Hathaway Steenburg.

Front: Pam Peck, Merrill Ware Carrington, and Beth Warner. Ann Stone Costello was missing.

teaches at a branch of UConn. One son is an intellectual property lawyer, living and working in Boston, and the other just finished an MFA in cinematic arts at the University of California. He’s currently freelancing, writing and making independent films.

Beth lives in Chevy Chase and does social work. She regaled us with tales of chats with Miss Ferguson, showers with our keynote speaker and inside information about nefarious doings. How did we survive?

Barbara “Barb” McPherson Sanders had hoped to come but was kept home to help with the arrival of her newest grandchild. She lives in Steamboat Springs, CO. I recently heard from Elizabeth “Liz” Austell Straight who is living in Briarcliff Manor, NY. Her two children are now working and living independently, which has allowed her time to travel and visit family.

Louise Nussbaum Schwartz wrote: I had fun this summer surprising Ann Watson Bresnahan ’69 at our favorite dude ranch where she is a long time regular and the benefactor of glorious 4th of July fireworks. It was our first year there at the same time as her family so I got to reintroduce myself. She looks the same, as do we all, I pretend. I also got to see Elise Werner Crosby who is doing ballet and is on point. I am so impressed by that strength. I am the associate trustee of the Truman Capote Literary Trust. Every year the trust gives a Truman Capote Prize in honor of Newton Arvin for the best book of literary criticism. The prize is administered by the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, so I get to go to Iowa City. The trust also gives scholarships to universities around the country for creative writing. I am also volunteering as a CASA, a court appointed special advocate, for a foster child, so I keep up with a little boy and go into children’s court a Winter 2012 65

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Thirty-two of the women we have chosen to support are residents of the Solukhumbu region in Nepal. They are part of a program that provides both education and jobs. I visit the area two to three times a year. My two grown children are also helping with the project in Nepal, when they are not doing their regular work (daughter, Noel, is a mediator, and son, Owen, manages customer relations in our wall-covering business). I live in New Harmony, IN, a former Utopian experiment with a vibrant small community. Visitors welcome!

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Merrill Ware Carrington ’68, Beth Warner ’68 and Molly CoxChapman ’69

few times a year. And I volunteer at a charter school based on dance that a dear friend started after her daughter was killed in a car-bike accident. With Peter gone to Cornell I come late to the search for more to do.

Martha Vermeil Lentz wrote: We decided to step into retirement a bit early, since everything we love to do (recreation wise) involves being in good shape: hiking and camping, kayaking and XC skiing. We have been busy volunteers for years, since you can be pretty flexible when you are self-employed and farming. I am still serving on local school board, local cooperative (farm service) and church women’s group. Also put in time at church fundraisers, Habitat, GRACE House (homeless shelter) and Community Cafe (upgraded soup kitchen). Still do a little farming and heat with wood, so we are never without a project and very grateful to still be healthy. Our one son is 2nd year law school and in the state, first time since high school graduation (he was in DC), so we get to see him more than once or twice a year, and life is good!

And from Catherine “Cathy” McKee Donovan via Ann Costello: Sorry I wasn’t able to be there with you. We were away that weekend and returned to learn that our 4th and youngest daughter is engaged! Geez, we just married our third daughter in June! Life is a roller coaster. You just smile and hang on for the ride! And we are so happy for them. They met at Vanderbilt and have been dating for five years. We moved to South Carolina four years ago. Built a home in a wonderful neighborhood between Hilton Head and Beaufort, SC, so come on down to the Low Country. We love it here.

I hope you all or Kim will send us lots of news that you shared together of our classmates and the memories at Walker’s. The school seems to be in a good place with Bessie Speers.

Beth Warner sent info about Kim Matthews Wheaton.

She is living in Washington and paints beautiful landscapes of the Columbia River valley. Please check out her website www.kimmatthewswheaton.com

“The Cool of the Evening,” painting by Kim Matthews Wheaton ’68.

I also ran into Elizabeth “Betsy” Kittredge Little at a party in Connecticut. She and her husband live in Norfolk, CT, and work in real estate. Unfortunately, she had some sad news to relate. She knew that both Nancy Bulkeley Crocker and Sarah Rentschler had died within a couple of weeks of one another of heart attacks while driving. I’ll try to get more information to pass along.

Kim Niles shares…My husband, John, and I are living in Groton, MA. He is on sabbatical from Groton School for a year and then will be doing consultant work for The Baker Group in MA. Our son teaches at Pomfret School, and is engaged to be married in June. And after 20 years in my sweater business, I’m a full-time gardener right now, loving it all.

Martha Vermeil Lentz ’68 hiking in Yosemite.

66

THE SUNDIAL

So that’s the news. I hope I’ve gotten most of it right.

Please fill me in on details of your lives or news from other classmates. We all want to hear anything at all.

We’re all at the age where retirement isn’t all that far off. Let me know your plans, thoughts, experiences. All the best!

1969

Katherine “Katy” Murphy Ingle 918 Windsor Road Glenview, IL 60025 847-724-8560 katymi@ameritech.net Our class had a wonderful time at the Centennial!

There were nine of us: Ann Watson Bresnahan, Lisa Pagliaro Selz, Sarah Wood Lewis, Jill Reighley Christensen, Gurukirn Paulus Khalsa, Marian “Mally” Cox-Chapman, Ruth Harrison Grobe, and Cate and Katy. We all feel that the School really outdid itself to put on a terrific celebration, and the campus has never looked better. Most of us stayed in the Marriott Residence Avon, and we were able to sit together for meals (the food was terrific), as well as gather in the hotel for late-night chats and fun.

Susan Nichols Ferriere wrote me: I am sorry to have missed the Centennial, but enjoyed my classmate visits from Sarah and you enormously. And another classmate visit is coming shortly when Lisa Elkinton Barr arrives at the end of October. (Note from Katy: Last time Susan told us that she and Patrick were invited to three weddings on three continents in 30 days (Switzerland, Indonesia, and the United States) and wants us to know that they actually pulled it off!)

From Anne Sprole Mauk: I would definitely be there if I was not at my own daughter’s wedding (in my eyes, more important, and of course we are hosting!). I hope those that attend have a blast, and I will love seeing any photos.

Jan Muller Finn wrote: I will not be attending the Centennial that weekend. My eldest daughter, Courtenay, is having her art show premiere opening that Friday night in the city, and I promised I would be there to attend. My son is coming up from DC, and we are having a mini family reunion. I have to seize these chances while I can:-) I join in with Anne Mauk’s comments that I would love to see photos and wish all of my classmates a super time.

Pamella “Pam” Kelley Love wrote us that she could not come, but sends her love to everyone.

Evelyn “Evie” Carter Cowles sent her regrets for the Centennial along with the news that on that weekend she will be in Montana and Wyoming doing a photo shoot in Yellowstone National Park.

Class of ’69 at Centennial. Back, from left: Gurukirn Paulus Khalsa, Jill Reighley Christensen, Lisa Pagliaro Selz, Ann Watson Bresnahan, Sarah Wood Lewis, Cate Lord. Front: Ruth Harrison Grobe and Katy Murphy Ingle.

Mary Whitt Fishel sent us this: Ken is in Italy for the month (his first trip there) while I am holding down the homestead and making sure that our spoiled and geriatric pup is able to stay comfortably in his own surroundings. I like my familiar surroundings, too! (Note from Katy: No wonder — Mary lives in Lexington, Kentucky which is gorgeous!) I send my love to everyone.

We received this from Ann Watson Bresnahan: My news is that I miss everyone who I haven’t seen in years! Let’s try to do mini-regional get-togethers more frequently than five years. I can't believe how much fun I had with you all last weekend — I haven’t laughed (or cried) that much in a long time. Had a total blast with you and Cate and the rest and am still basking in the glow!

From Lisa Elkinton Barr: My joints ache, but I am still trying to play tennis and golf and work in the garden.

Occasionally, I get to help take care of my twin grandchildren, who live in Washington, DC, and celebrated their first birthday in late August.

I lost Ruth Grobe’s news, dictated after the party — sorry! — but remember this much: She is very busy with ServCorps, her husband’s and her nonprofit, which

And this from Mary Laub Cowan: Glad to hear the weekend was such a success. Am happy, well, working hard on a benefit concert for the Greenbrier Valley Winter 2012 67

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Cate Lord 30363 Hilltop Drive Evergreen, CO 80439-8753 303-674-7419 catelord@yahoo.com

trains people to help rebuild after disasters. They are somewhat like Habitat for Humanity, except that they use volunteers — and they have had so many requests this summer. And she has lots of fun and time with her children and many grandchildren. She looked great and was able to join us for Saturday night and Sunday.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Theatre (am Board President) with Ellis and Branford Marsalis on October 22. Can’t wait.

reunion. Those of us who were there do not want to wait until 2015. Love to all, Cate.

Gurukirn Paulus Khalsa sent this news: I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Centennial with all of the rest of the Walker’s family. Our class of ’69 didn’t get much sleep, as we stayed up until the wee hours talking about old and new times. I came right back to participate in an open-air invitational art show at Yavapai College. Along with six other painters, I submitted five pieces of work done entirely on location. It was very challenging and exciting, and I felt like I pushed myself to a higher level of expression. The private reception for the artists given by the college was lovely. (Note from Katy: Gurukirn sent one of her paintings to the Alumnae Art Show in the Bell Library. So did I.)

And finally, the news from me, Katy Murphy Ingle: I loved the Centennial Weekend, especially spending lots of time with our class! And I so enjoyed rooming with Cate and finally communicating in person and not by email. I had a wonderful summer, going to visit Gina and my friends in Switzerland in June. The best part was hiking up to visit her at the mountain hotel (7,000 feet!) where she helps out. Her master’s performance went well and she has now graduated, as well as played a supporting role in her first movie (In “Mary and Johnny” she is Franzi, the weather girl, for any foreign film enthusiasts.). In August I painted a large mural of a race of 10 scows for Bill’s sailing club in Wisconsin. We spent many weekends there, but the highlight was winning the two-man race together on Labor Day. I still see Laurie Cherbonnier Nielsen occasionally for lunch, since she lives nearby, and I had a great visit with Susan Nichols Ferriere after the Centennial. Thanks to all of you for your news!

1970

Gurukirn Paulus Khalsa ’69 with one of her open-air paintings

Cate found some news on Facebook: Nina Mullally has not weighed in, so I have gleaned the following from her Facebook page. She celebrated a birthday in June, and we all know which one that was, and she is now friends with Dylan. Write us, Nina!

And she also found Harriet “Tattie” Pierpoint Bos: Tattie has a new Facebook photo, and she looks about 16. Perennially young with her bouquet of perennials…or does she also know how to airbrush as well as garden?

I’m quite jealous. Write us’ Tattie!

Cate Lord sent me this: I had a fantastic time at the Centennial. So many laughs and tears. The Centennial was so moving in so many unexpected ways. Our outof-town contingent stayed at the Marriott in Avon and stayed up to all hours carousing in the lobby, entertaining the night staff with our stories of this “stuck up” boarding school. Hopefully, we did our part to dispel the stodgy image of prep school women.

Ladies, despite our varied positive or negative experiences, and you know I was one of the most negative and most unhappy, we need to support this school moving forward. How I wish I were my granddaughter. She will love it. Wish I could have seen more of you all. We are working on the next 1/2 68

THE SUNDIAL

Gail Chandler Gaston 202 East 75th Street New York, NY 10021 212-744-0070 GCGaston@aol.com Pamela “Pam” Constable’s new book (published by Random House in July) is Playing with Fire: Pakistan at War with Itself. It is a portrait of contemporary Pakistan and its problems with poverty, injustice and Islamic extremism. It is based in part on her work as a foreign correspondent for the Washington Post, where she worked in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and India for much of the past 13 years. Pam also operates a shelter and rescue program for stray animals in Afghanistan, founded in 2004. To learn more about the project, please go to www.afghanistanstrayanimals.org.

Talbot “Tally” Smith Briggs and her husband, Peter, recently bought a house in Westport, MA, where they spend their summers. All three of their children are now in Boston. The youngest, Erica, is now working with Dell Computer at Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. Peter and Tally are still “hanging in there” at Westminster and Renbrook.

Cynthia Emerson Keefer has taken a new job, still within GE, and will be moving from Newton, MA, to Connecticut. The office is in Stamford, so if anyone has a carriage house or needs a house sitter over the winter, please let her know.

Lise Gerhard, Catherine “Kim” Conway Coleman, Whitney de Roulet Bullock and I all had a fabulous time at Centennial Weekend. It was especially fun having contiguous classes, all our friends when we were at EWS. Thank you, Bessie and Tom and everyone involved!

1971 Jean Hamilton 661 Bering Drive, #201 Houston, TX 77057-2137 713-785-6817 JLHamilton@marathonoil.com Charlotte Smart Rogan writes: After 17 years in Dallas, my husband, Kevin, and I spent a short year in Johannesburg before moving to Westport, CT, in 2010.

We are happy to be near our three children, who are all in college on the East Coast. My big news is that after 24 years of writing fiction, I have had a novel accepted for publication by Little, Brown. It is called The Lifeboat and will come out in the spring of 2012. It was wonderful catching up with classmates at the recent reunion.

1972 Joanna Betts Virkler 15826 Lake Ridge Road Charlotte, NC 28278-7930 704-588-1959 joannav2000@aol.com Anne Boynton Hilton: I’ve been with Oliver Wight Americas manufacturing consulting company for 35 years as meeting planner, course administrator and copy editor. Son, Christopher, and his daughter are living nearby. Christopher got married in September.

Older daughter, Lindsey, is settled with husband and daughter in Dover, NH. Younger daughter, Whitney, is happily attending medical school at A.T. Stills in Kirksville, MO. Husband, Mark, is still an optician in New London working for an optometrist. I’ve taken up rug hooking for a hobby and am attending hooking “camps” with my mom. Down to two horses and a pony. We have two granddaughters, ages 7 and 5.

Jane Hadden Geisse: Hi, all. It would be really fun if we could pull off a class reunion sleepover!!

Guaranteed laughs! Anyway, I am getting more

involved with our local humane society. I now assist with prepping feral cats for spaying and neutering in a big push to control the local feral cat population. And I’m also working with a group of people and our humane officer to bring in horse cruelty cases to our shelter barn and to find foster homes for them till we can get them adopted. We are hoping to raise enough money to do this on a large scale — and so that I can eventually be hired as a part time barn manager. With the large Amish community, race tracks, backyard barns, and horse show community there is a real need for a program like this. No grandchildren yet, but Ali is in a very serious relationship! Cleveland broke all records for rain in the last year — even at 20 inches more than Seattle! SUCH a bummer!!! I’m seriously thinking of moving, maybe to central Oregon, which is breathtakingly beautiful and gets 340 days of sun a year. Imagine! Hope everyone is doing well. I’m looking forward to hearing your news. Take care.

Karen Brooks: Hi, folks. Well, I’ve finally almost come to the end of the executor job for my mom’s estate, which has taken its toll both emotionally and energetically. I know many of you have had to deal with the same thing, although perhaps with not so many siblings or (hopefully) not such complications. I bought a little house in Florida in May and am looking forward to some R&R. Hopefully I’ll get my head screwed back on somewhat and figure out what my next steps will be in life. The kids are gone and the farm was quite a loss this year between the closing in May and the weather, but my one sustaining element has been my music. I plan to be in South Venice, FL, from January through the middle of March if anyone would like to join me. I’m in a small house in a working-class neighborhood but close to some beautiful beaches. The rest of the year, I’m mostly in western Massachusetts on a beautiful farm close to Mt. Snow and Berkshire East if anyone needs a place to stay. Looking forward to a weekend get-together sometime soon!

Jill Englund Jensen: Greetings from Delaware. It certainly would be fun to get together with everyone so we can all say, “You haven’t changed a bit!” I continue to work full time as a nurse practitioner in the Clinical Decision Unit at Christiana Hospital — 1000 beds and always busy. To keep sane, I started traveling again and took my once-in-a-lifetime trip last January to Antarctica. I went with National Geographic and loved every moment. We hiked, kayaked and saw more wildlife and wild scenery than I thought possible.

Medications helped with the Drake Passage (I’m not a good sailor. Ask Susie Churchill). If you think you might want to go, do it now. The environment is rapidly changing. Next February, I am heading for a two-week trip to Northern India and Nepal. Since I am single, I am always looking for someone to travel with me, so I can avoid the single supplement. Mt. Everest anyone?

Winter 2012 69

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Gail Chandler Gaston’s children, Jamey and Frances are both in New York. Frances is finishing college this fall, and Jamey is handling real estate matters for his father. Jamey just made his first solo flight. A NYC kid, he’ll most likely have his pilot’s license before his driver’s license!

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

My limited free time is taken up with my garden and bees. In a very small space, I have interplanted enough crops to last a minor world meltdown. I have four hives and find raising bees to be delightful. The honey is great, the stings not so much. Next I am going to learn to make lotions with the beeswax. My children are grown and away. Emily has her psych degree and is practicing in Detroit. Adam is an F18 pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. This is the kid who couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I try not to worry, but it’s not easy. It seems so strange to think of us as almost 60. Where did the time go? It is so nice to hear how all of you are doing. Karen, I may find you in Florida, and if anyone is ever in or near Delaware, I’d love to see you. I’ll keep the bees contained.

Karin Wyman Morgan: Greetings from Boulder, Colorado. I haven’t seen any of you in so long. I just recently hooked up with my first-year roommate, Jane Hawkes, via Facebook. I do see Terry Duke Marsh and Anne “Annie” Nussbaum occasionally. I have lived in Boulder since 1972. I have been married for 32 years and have three kids. My oldest, age 28, is working and living in Boulder with his girlfriend. My 27-year-old daughter was married this summer and lives and teaches in Vail, CO. Tyler just turned 21 and is a senior finishing up at Occidental College in LA. Took him to EWS when he looked at East Coast boarding schools (attended Taft). That was my first and only time back! I didn’t even remember the place. I still practice law, though only for family business. My husband and I are blessed to have our kids so close by. We still ski, play tennis and golf and are very active. We both serve on many community boards and travel frequently, spending more and more time at our home in Nassau on the ocean for our water fix. I have found that Facebook is a great way to “see” old friends and rekindle old memories.

Sarah House Denby: Wow, so many familiar names! I actually saw Annie Nussbaum in September at the EWS golf outing on Fisher’s, as well as Alison McCall.

They both look terrific. Annie still has killer hair and legs. I do hear from Catherine “Cathy” Miller Patel and Leslie Zinkand Petter on occasion as well. I have lived in Rhode Island since June 1997 (quite a change from Madison, WI), and love it. Husband, Charley, is still practicing psychiatry (he calls it “behavioral neurology” since he averages 7-8 minutes per patient), but tries to travel at least one week per month to relieve the dreariness. I am on several boards and still do a lot of volunteer work in health and human services, as well as some tutoring. My new love is golf, which I have now played for four years. We do love golf vacations! Re kids: we have a full house. Charley has three (33, 31 and 26) and I have two (30 and 28). We had two weddings last year — his daughter and my son. Two of his kids live in New York, one in Providence; my son 70

THE SUNDIAL

and his wife are in Memphis for a year and then will be in Minneapolis for good — he with Medtronic and she with General Mills. My daughter is teaching in Philadelphia and is hoping to start a school of her own soon. I am planning on coming to Reunion this year, so hope to see many of you there.

Cynthia Anderson Barker: Ever the rebel I have been practicing civil rights law for the past 17 years, and I still really love it! My husband of 25 years is also a lawyer, but is looking forward to doing other things very soon.

Our son, Ethan, is 14 years old and just started high school. We have a way to go but are keeping him close to home for high school since he is our only. It is great hearing about what everyone is up to. I do see Karen Brooks about once a year and may see her over Thanksgiving. I also saw Cathy Patel in Los Angeles a few years ago as her brother lives close by. Very involved in social justice issues in Los Angeles. There is so much to do. I am glad former classmates seem to be enjoying this phase of life.

Roberta Roll: Hi, all. The Copake Farmers Market had its second and successful year. I was both sad and relieved when it was over for the season, although I’m planning a couple of winter market/social evenings. I seem to have become quite involved in the community here. The comprehensive plan for the town was adopted in September (a mammoth but rewarding undertaking), and I am now working on developing a spur of the Harlem Valley Rail Trail to come into town.

My great love of choral singing is continuing with our concert. Check out Crescendoberkshires.org. My son is a sophomore in college, enjoying it and taking all sorts of different courses. Don't know what he’ll end up majoring in, and maybe he doesn’t either! I am planning a trip to Morocco soon; I think the travel bug has hit again, although I am more and more uneasy about flying. India and Iceland are next on the list. Look forward to a reunion with you all.

Elvira Cash Pecora: Our youngest son, Kent (23), graduated from Dickinson College in Pennsylvania majoring in physics in May. A week later he captured the title of third division champion for steeplechase.

Both Chip and I were able to see him win. Very exciting!! He just moved to Charlottesville to train for pre-Olympic trials for steeplechase with a racing team, and he wears their gear in races. Greg (26), our eldest, continues to enjoy his clinical trial work at Duke with open-heart patients. He still plays on three soccer leagues to stay in shape but can no longer coach because of his job responsibilities. Chip still enjoys his job at Suntrust Bank as a financial advisor and refs soccer on weekends. As for myself, I continue as a “fashionista” at Talbot’s, leaving my job at my job. I also attend two book clubs, and we belong to a supper club. So much free time with the boys out and about! I

Catherine “Cappy” Clark Shopneck: I have also enjoyed the messages and news from everyone, and, while I probably won’t be joining in a reunion next September, it's nice to catch up through everyone’s emails. My husband Bob and I have been in Denver longer than we have lived anywhere else. We celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary in September.

Our two sons Andy (28) and Chris (26) are grown, but lucky for us they live in Denver as well. Andy went to law school here at the University of Denver and has been a DA in Denver for the past three years. Son Chris just got engaged and plans a wedding next September in Beaver Creek (hence my unlikely attendance at a reunion in September). He runs a little real estate company that he owns with his brother. Bob still loves his work, and it is doubtful that he will ever retire. He is active on several boards; one of his favorites is the Yellowstone Association which serves as the educational non-profit partner with Yellowstone National Park. The association operates all the bookstores in the park, donates money to the park, and runs educational programs throughout Yellowstone. After 30 years in our old house, we moved to new digs in Denver, actually only six blocks away from our old house. Moving and renovations to the new house consumed much of my spring, but now we are happily settled in and love our new space. I’m still very active on several boards, especially the University of Denver. We were in Alaska and Italy this summer/fall, and, knock on wood, we are still enjoying good health and lots of outdoor activities.

Best to all.

Gretchen Dingman: My turn! Quite a story here. It was fun to make it to the EWS Centennial, though I missed seeing more classmates. It sure has changed there, both physically and “culturally” for the better: more socially and academically “current.” Phew!!! Even saw my old piano teacher, Rosi Grunschlag. What a kick.

Here’s the skinny: I’ve been in Seattle now 30 years, married 21 years to woodworker/furniture maker Tom Lee. We have two kids: Sam (17) who is off to college next year somewhere!( Colorado, Vermont, California, Boston???), and Tiana, age 13 going on 17! I’ve been a PT for 28 years…yikes, and now doing a lot of cranialsacral therapy for people with headaches and migraines. Very rewarding. I’m always trying to find time to play tennis, kayak, ski, hike and enjoy this great city. I likely would not make it to the Reunion with school, work, etc., but it was great to catch up with you all.

Mary “Mimi” Mead-Hagen: It is great to hear from all of you. Gretchen, my son and my husband were just

Diedra “Dee Dee” Roach-Quarles ’72 and Lori Stewart ’87 at Centennial

out in Seattle last weekend. I spent the year after EWS in Rome at the Forum School and loved it. I graduated from CCAC, a college in the Bay Area, with a BFA, then went to graduate school in Architecture at University of Virginia. I then moved to Princeton, NJ, to work with the architect Michael Graves. I worked there doing my internship for four years and worked with him beyond that for another year or two. I then left his office to travel with my family and work with a fellow Graves pal in her office, got married and had kids and started working part time with a school raising funds. The need for this work was pressing and turned into a full-time job. I have been now in this field for 12 years. I recently left the school and have been working with a non-profit in Trenton, NJ, helping those in need there. The nonprofit is called Isles, and it has a very compelling mission and is an inspiring place to work, even though it is in the Trenton-hood and is rough outside the office.

I have one son who is 17 and looking at colleges in Vermont, Boston, Connecticut and Ohio. He loves ice hockey. My other son is 13 and into baseball and squash. My husband and I were married at the farm in Ohio in 1993! We have lived in Princeton since and would love to see any EWSers!

Mary Mountcastle: Hi, fellow EWSers. I’m home recuperating from knee surgery from a tennis injury. I took up tennis when I turned 50 and have enjoyed playing in local leagues, so I guess it finally caught up with me. You all have great memories to capture all those teachers’ names. I remember mostly the wilder times — sneaking down to the Beaverbrook kitchen to eat ice cream late at night, sneaking down with Mimi Mead to put our names on the smoking list, sneaking out for moonlight cross country skiing. Obviously I snuck around a lot! I also have great memories of the Melvins, since I spent two summers on campus working with them on the SPHERE program, so I appreciated those updates (even the gossipy ones).

Winter 2012 71

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

don’t think I can make a fun weekend as my mom just sold her Connecticut property, and we are in the midst of moving her furniture down here to North Carolina.

She will spend six months with us and six months at her house outside Houston. I know you will have fun.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

As for me, I have lived in North Carolina for almost 25 years now — like many of you longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. My husband and I have a 19-year-old daughter who’s a sophomore in college. For the last 18 years, I’ve worked for Self-Help Credit Union, a nonprofit community development lending organization that has grown to be the largest of its kind in the United States. I also work for the union’s affiliate, the Center for Responsible Lending, which fights predatory lending practices nationally and across the country. So that has been always challenging and interesting. I’m about to take a leave of absence to go fight the extremist, right-wing Republicans that are trying to erase about 50 years of progressive policies and investments that have made North Carolina a great place to live. I plan to be in the thick of all the election stuff next year so might not make a reunion, but kudos to Joanna, Susie and the others who have gotten this list going and kept the conversation sparking.

Kathy Loomis Harris: I have been married to John for 32 years but been with him since my sophomore year at Williams. We have three children and one son-in-law and will soon have another son-in-law. Dorsey and Doug were married in the summer of 2010. They met sophomore year at Skidmore and both run their own businesses in Boston. Kate and Pat met their sophomore year at Williams and both work and live also in Boston. John, Jr. is a junior at St. Lawrence and probably feeling the pressure of the family “sophomore year thing.” They are all great people with whom we have been lucky enough to share many fun vacations whether skiing, sailing or golfing. John and I live in Manchester, MA, but spend a lot of the summer on Fishers Island and much of the winter on John’s Island in FL. It would be great to see any of you who are ever in those locations. I regret having missed the golf event for EWS this past fall on Fishers. I have made little contact with the School since graduation but am starting to rethink that! Once I had children I retired from the banking world and have found great satisfaction in raising my children and volunteering in some great notfor-profit organizations about which I am passionate.

We have taken special care to spend a lot of time with our aging parents and ensure their last years are as wonderful as the life they have given us through their love and devotion. I was so happy to spend a weekend with Mary Mountcastle and her husband, Jim, at our Williams reunion this past June. She is very well. Other than Mary, I have not had any EWS women sightings recently but would look forward to the chance to see some old friends if it works out. All the best.

Beryn Frank Harty: My update is pretty simple. Rick and I continue to live in the Florida Keys, although we also have a home in Poinciana/Kissimmee, FL (near Disneyland & Orlando). We both spend WAAAYYYY too much time either at or for the Key West Tropical Forest 72

THE SUNDIAL

Diedra “Dee Dee” Roach-Quarles, Susan “Susie” Churchill Bowman and Priscilla “Prisca” Cushman

& Botanical Garden. I’m doing quite a bit of photography (up to about 200 photos either printed by local newspapers or posted on their websites). Also I periodically give presentations on native plants and butterflies. We just finished an addition on our house in the Keys, so I now have a much more usable kitchen, and Rick has a “man-cave” or office, which means I’ve reclaimed my second bedroom as a bedroom again.

Leslie Zinkand Petter: It is such a treat to read these updates. The last 40 years have been very good to me, as they seem to have been to most of us. I married my Stanford boyfriend while he was in business school at Northwestern. We settled in Chicago. I went to law school, clerked for a federal judge for several years, had our daughter and then retired from law except for the occasional charity or neighborhood issues. We lived in Chicago/Lake Forest for 10 years. than moved to Atlanta, where we have been for the last 20.

Eleanor “Deedy” Henning Clark: I have lived in Cresskill, NJ, for the last 25 years — eight miles north of the GW Bridge. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, so thinking about 40 years ago seems like soooo long ago. We have two great kids.

My son is 22 and living in Boston after graduating from Tulane University in New Orleans in May. My daughter, age 20, is a sophomore at College of Charleston and loving it! I am still in the travel business. I do get some benefits every now and then, and my husband and I do get to take advantage of a few goodies during the year!

It is a tough business, but I have many long-time clients. They trust me, and I do enjoy planning and suggesting great places to travel all over the world! I am hoping to make the reunion in September but maybe only for a night or so. My niece just got engaged and the wedding is that weekend, but the good news is, it is on Cape Cod! Great to hear from all of you! Lots of fun times together so long ago. The stories bring it back a little closer! Best to you all!

Pam Scott Volkmann: Here is the short version of the last 39 and 1/2 years (who’s counting???). After Stanford, I moved to Missoula, MT, in 1978 to go to nursing school. I graduated with a second degree in 1982 and worked in the NICU (neonatal) for about 10 years. I’ve been married to Sandy Volkmann (yes, two n’s) for 28 years. Sandy is a custom woodworker and furniture maker. We have two children: Chris is 23 and graduated in June from University of Denver and will live and work in Alta, UT, this winter. Our daughter, Abby, is 21 and is spending her junior year in Berlin.

She attends Scripps College in Claremont, CA. I am actively involved in our community as a volunteer and also serve on the board of our local land trust. Montana is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, and we are fortunate to be healthy and able to pursue lots of different outdoor activities. I don’t think I will be able to get to the reunion on the Vineyard next fall, but it has been great reading everyone’s reminisces of our years at EWS! I must say that some of you have much better memories than I do! By the way, I used to fix bananas à la EWS for both children when they were little. We called them “boarding school bananas!”

Priscilla Cushman: I have been in Minneapolis for the last 17 years, but before that, I moved every five years.

My every-five-year litany begins next. After college, I got married and moved with my husband to Princeton where he attended the seminary there. Susie Bowman was there, and we were all in a small fellowship group that I remember fondly. I went to work at Aeronautical Associates of Princeton and rode around in a helicopter with the door open, making measurements of laserinduced, ultraviolet scattering with a crazy vet who liked to do helicopter aerobatics at unexpected moments. I went back part-time to school at Rutgers while

working. Next we moved to Chicago for my husband’s job, and I did a Ph.D. thesis at the Fermi accelerator near Chicago and experienced the joy and sleepless nights of motherhood. Then we moved to Geneva, Switzerland. I did a postdoc at CERN (see Angels and Demons, but CERN is NOT like that, and we certainly do NOT wear white lab coats!) and began a long and painful divorce. Then I moved to New Haven, as a Yale assistant professor — horrible child custody stuff — near parents — found a great guy (Roger) — remarried — another child (whew — those five years were packed!). My final move was to Minneapolis where Roger and I could both work in the same state. My two sons are eight years apart. One is finishing a Ph.D. in physics at Arizona, and the other is a sophomore at UC Boulder studying psychology. Minneapolis has been good for us. Living in town and raising two boys in the city and through the public schools was totally possible.

We remain involved in local progressive politics through MoveOn and Human Rights Campaign (which leverage it nationally). I am still doing scientific research and teaching. I sing with a choir and occasional concerts. love Zumba! And we shun civilization every summer for a couple weeks in the Boundary Waters on our canoe with the dog and a tent. Enjoying listening to ALL YOUR STORIES! Diedra “Dee Dee” Roach-Quarles: My family and I are still nesting in Mitchellville, MD, about a half hour’s drive from where I grew up in Washington, DC. Our daughter, Adira, is 10 and a fifth grader at a local Montessori school. She’s also a blossoming dancer, karate master and pianist. Husband, Ernie, practices communications law in DC., is passionate about and teaches cardio-tennis on the weekends and is my favorite chef. Goddaughter (and spiritual twin) Marjuan, who came with me to the Centennial, is 25, a community activist, playwright and actor who recently completed a master’s degree in art and social policy at Columbia. She has written a one-woman play called “Girls, Girls???,Girls!!!” The play satirizes the way women of color are too often portrayed in the media, and aims to inspire young women to take control of their self-image and media images. Marj has been performing the play in high schools and colleges all over the country, with plans to perform it next at the New Orleans Fringe Festival. I’ll send a link to her website a little later. Get this! The play is very real, so more than a little raw-edged language-wise, but I think EWS has grown so much that it would actually be well-received there. We shall try and we shall see!

Godson, David, will be 16 later this month and is also a blossoming community activist. He has been hanging out at the “Occupy D.C.” encampment on the weekends and, as chair of the culinary arts committee at his school, is planning to meet with the mayor of Seat Pleasant, MD, next week to discuss the need for Winter 2012 73

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Susan “Susie” Churchill Bowman: I’m still working as a teacher/naturalist on the Vineyard and still passionate about what I do, especially in this era of young people suffering from “nature deficit disorder” (preferring to be inside online). I am also now doing more science — heading up two of our citizen science projects (horseshoe crab and dragonfly surveys). My new love is violin. After years of playing Irish music on an accompanying instrument (guitar), I picked up the fiddle a few months ago and am on my way to my goal of being able to play at session tempo by the time I turn 60 in ’14. Woody and I will celebrate our 37th anniversary in the spring and our son, almost 25, and after many “gap” years, is now a sophomore at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU. He wants to be a writer and is also a fine musician. Playing music with him is a delight. I loved seeing so many from the class of ’71 at the Centennial, as well as Ruth Cheney Streeter who I hadn’t seen since 1970. Wish more of you had been there and hope many can come to our gathering in September.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

healthier dining options in that community. David identifies Deepak Chopra as his favorite author and looks like a high priest of the Maasai. When I’m not being a karate-mom, etc., I’m still working as a project officer at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, which means that I’m a kind of trustee for a portion of your federal tax dollars spent on alcohol research. My portfolios focus on alcohol and cooccurring mental health disorders and the intersection of alcohol and HIV/AIDS. I also have a strong interest in the impact of excessive drinking on women, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. When not at work, I indulge my passions for dance (taking jazz dance and Zumba classes), live theater (although only as an audience member at this point) and writing poetry. Our little chaumiere in Mitchellville had to be the model for the garden in the recently published novel “The Shack.” It’s cluttered but somehow wildly beautiful and welcoming…at its best when overflowing with family and friends. Please stop by when you’re in the neighborhood and add to the crazy joy!

Regina “Reggie” Scruggs is still in Houston but is considering a change after another sweltering Texas summer! After 20 successful years as a producer and announcer at KUHF Radio, she’s left to try her hand as a freelance film journalist and critic.

And Joanna Betts Virkler ends with: I closed Healthy Meals From Home in September. Being Chef Joanna for four years was great fun and I learned so much — but it’s not all bad being a domestic goddess again…

We’ll see what the next chapter brings! My mother is joining me and my husband for a week’s trip to Haiti, where my oldest daughter is working for the State Department in economic development (lots of exciting things happening). For those of you with Colorado ties, our oldest daughter, Kathryn Harris, is development director for the Rose Foundation in Denver. Her husband is CEO of Granby Ranch, and their 11-year old twins go to Denver Academy. Meanwhile, our 8th grandchild is due in another month or so. I am just as excited as with our first. We’re either entertaining kids and their families in Charlotte (13 for Thanksgiving), or we’re visiting them it seems. And we still go at least once a month to our “floating condo” in Georgetown, SC. Biff and I have been married 14 years — and with all six children gone and (mostly) doing very well — we feel like we are on another honeymoon. It’s amazing!

Also, Biff and I had lunch with Dee Dee Roach in October while visiting our two children in DC. It was great to finally see each other in person, since we’ve emailed occasionally through the years. The time went by way too quickly! I’m looking forward to an MV long weekend to really catch up next September. Anyone in our class who is reading this who wants more details please be sure to contact me at joannav2000@aol.com.

74

THE SUNDIAL

Classmates Pam Shipley ’74, Susan Gardner Trespalacios ’74, Lisa Tankoos ’74 and Cristina “Tina” Orsi Lirot ’74, in back, gathered in New York City for lunch, in October. They were across from Zuccotti Park and saw the Occupy Wall Street protest.

1974 Vanessa Guerrini-Maraldi Wilcox 580 West End Avenue New York, NY 10024-1723 212-877-3413 vgmwilcox@nyc.rr.com Elizabeth Palmer Higgins writes: The Class of ’74 was well represented at the Centennial. Our graduation photo was even on display at registration! Although some couldn’t make it because of prior family commitments, several classmates emailed their best wishes to the group. We may have come at different times, but the nine of us attended the Saturday morning service featuring Sigourney Weaver ’67. Her speech was very down-to-earth. But what was really telling to me was that afterwards, I saw her chatting with current students in the Library about uniforms and other facets of Walker’s life way-back-when. At lunch, we coaxed Dr. Leonard into posing with us. After all, we were his first houseparent class at Cluett.

Afterwards, Jill Johnson McArthur, Elizabeth “Liz” Silvestro Casner, Olivia Lovelace Kubie and Pamela “Pam” Shipley headed off, but the rest of us attended the Saturday night dinner and dancing: me, Darby Tench Leicht, Vanessa Guerrini-Maraldi Wilcox, Gunnel Orndahl and Susan Gardiner Trespalacios and her husband, Rene. Miss Sala was there too, which was an emotional highlight for Darby, Susan and me.

Sunday morning, Vanessa and I bid adieu to Darby and then attended the Sunday brunch and chapel. After chapel, everyone started leaving and the school suddenly got quiet. It was a great time to walk to and from Cluett, check out the workout room next to the Dance Studio, and tour the upgraded stables. We also

1975 Doris “Veda” Pendleton McClain 425 South Hubbards Lane #373 Louisville, KY40207 502-384-7041 veda_mcclain@yahoo.com

1976 C. Elizabeth “Liz” Connery Mitchell 9 Pearl Street Marblehead, MA 01945-3417 781-631-2860 Margaret “Meg”McKee writes: Class of 1976 had a fabulous time at the reunion! Present were Elizabeth “Liz” Marshall, Monica Boyd, Lisa Weber Greenberg, Larke Woods Wheeler, Staley Cayce Sednaoui, Anne Lacouture Penniman, Carol O'Connor, Allison Wanamaker McDonald, Frances “Flann” Lippincott, Penelope “Penny” Gove Conlon, Olivia “Mitsie” Muench, Susan “Sue” Hartman Tassinari, Pamela “Pam” Spinney Duncan, Ourania “Nita” Koutsoukos and me. Almost present were Shelly Cole (who gave some lame excuse about having to have surgery on her knee), Margaret “Douglas” Wise Hytia (whose excuse was she was getting married that weekend) and C. Elizabeth “Liz” Connery Mitchell (who said she had funerals, weddings, hurricanes, snow storms, etc., which prevented her from attending.)

Even in the absence of so many of you we love and miss, we had tons of fun. The highlight may have been sitting around in Cluett Saturday afternoon after Sigourney’s inspiring speech, reminiscing about all our adventures at EWS. You had to be there, but trust me, some of the stories were amazing (much more daring than climbing into the “cage” for a midnight snack!) Honestly, we were laughing so hard many of us had tears rolling down our cheeks. Larke, who is selling wonderful beauty products and anti-aging cream (and boy, some of us need that at this stage in our lives!) gave an afternoon day of beauty in her room with free treatments! Every evening was spent by one or more of us in the bar of the Avon Old Farms Hotel gabbing away into the wee hours. Frederica “Freddy” Wolfe joined Saturday night to the pleasure of everyone. None of us could believe we were the “old ladies” on campus celebrating our 35th reunion. We all remembered how when we were students we would look at the returning alumnae and say to ourselves, “We will never be that

old!” We wish everyone could have been there! Let’s try to make 100% participation for the 40th.

1977 Michelle Turner 94 Saint Anns Court Somerset, NJ 08873-4407 732-214-9816 mrturner01@comcast.net Kendall “KC” Wideman Pickett writes: Hi, all. Life is good in South Florida! My husband, John, and I have a real estate company in Palm Beach, which keeps us super busy with residential and commercial real estate.

At home we have three terriers which makes for a chaotic but happy clan. Hope all is great with everyone, especially Class of ’77! Look us up online at www.barrettwelles.com!

1979 Karen Polcer Bdera 24-03 86th Street E. Elmhurst, NY 11369 718-429-7594 pinkwalk@gmail.com Nancy Mack von Euler recently participated in the 2011 “Out of the Darkness” walk, on Team Emma.

Nancy, we are so proud of you and what you continue to do for this very important cause!

Linda “Lin” Murphey Crispinelli continues her work on the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund. For more information on what you can do to help, go to http://www.stephaniesmission.org/.

From Karen Polcer Bdera: For those of you in the Class of 1979 who were not able to make the Centennial Weekend, here’s a short recap of an amazing event. Along with Catherine “Cathy” Terry Taylor, Kathleen “Kathy” Wallace Wee, Angelia Heughan, Eve Chilton Martirano, Lela Schaus Philip and Marie “May” Herkert Bogdanavics, my husband, Nick, and I had a wonderful weekend (a shout out to Arabella Wattles Teal, who was supposed to join us, but was kept away with a sudden illness!). It was also amazing seeing some of the other women from classes around ours — a special shout out to the Class of 1981 who made us feel so welcome! There were classes to attend in many of the areas that the young women of Ethel Walker are now schooled. I really enjoyed the class on equine science (one of the fellow students in my class that day was Mrs. Elmore. She and her husband were both back for the celebration!) There were chapel celebrations (other returning faculty there Winter 2012 75

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

took a peek at the old yearbooks in the Library archives.

Overall, it was a great event and made us all start thinking about our next reunion in 2014.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

were Paul David, Mary Nelson, Dr. Proczyk, Miss Sala, Dr. Leonard) — and Sigourney Weaver ’67 spoke brilliantly about the importance of EWS in her life. All said, from our arrival on Friday the 30th through our departure on Sunday the 2nd, Nick and I were immersed in what has always made EWS so special — confidence, courage and conviction.

Since last I wrote, life remains full and busy — weekends in Boston to watch my beloved Red Sox (you try being a Red Sox fan in New York City), two trips to Aruba (I want to retire there), my 13th Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (with many of you helping, I have raised over $170,000 since I started doing these, and this year, Elizabeth “Betsy” Schrieer Davis ’81 joined me out there), my 21st New York City Marathon (and my 22nd overall. This year, I actually ran most of it, and did my third fastest time ever — the last time I was close to this finish time was back in 1988, when I was 27). All is good here.

Remember that 2014 is not that far away — our 35th reunion — I really want everyone to keep that in the back of their minds. It would be great to see at least half of the class back for that one.

1980 Deana Washburn 12 Craig Place Cranford, NJ 07016-2307 908-272-4229 deanadw@aol.com Susan Knapp Thomas writes: I have been appointed acting principal harp for the Hartford Symphony for the ’11-’12 season, and am busily preparing for a very exciting year of concerts. Am loving taking breaks in Stuart, FL, where we have a condo. Enjoyed catching up with Laura Whiteman ’81 in Stuart over the 4th of July holiday. Great to see Sarah-Jane “Sarah” McCarthy Markoe at Centennial, whose daughter is abroad at school in Scotland. In regular touch with Marion Leger Murphy, whose daughter is a very active equestrienne, Drika Hubbell Constantino, who has just moved into a new home, Ann O’Reilly and Jennifer Hetzler in Ohio, who is doing an amazing job as sales director for Equus Now! Tack Shop.

Shelley Marks ’81, Veronica “Roni” Leger ’81, Andrea “Andy” Little Eaton ’81 and Mary Beth Rettger ’81 at Ba-Na-Na.

Roni shares: What can I say? Our class rocks! Once again we won the prize (a silver bowl) for the highest percent of the class returning for reunion. If you look at our yearbook, we had 71 girls in our class at graduation, and unfortunately we are down to 66. This reunion 35 returned — 53%! That is just amazing. Over half of our class returned and some from very far — California, Colorado, Panama, etc. I really do feel lucky to be in our class. I think the highlight for my class pride was at the Ba-Na-Na. Everyone was having fun, but I think our class was the only one to dance on the tables. And, when you looked at those dancing on the bleachers, it was mostly the class of ’81.

It was great to see everyone, hear all the stories, and look through some old photos. We were a great class of girls who have become amazing women. I look forward staying in touch and seeing everyone again in five years, when, I'm sure, we will still be dancing on the tables.

1981 Roni “Veronica” Leger 91 Fayerweather Street #3 Cambridge, MA 02138 veronical@alum.mit.edu

76

THE SUNDIAL

Roni Leger ’81 wrote about the Class of ’81’s return to campus for Centennial: “I’m not sure everyone saw the Alison/Amy rental car. When they rolled up, we all just smiled…especially the Suns.

Now that is school spirit.”

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

A re-creation of the Class of 1981 graduation picture. Starting at back left, Meleda Wegner Lowry, Sarah Crosskey Marvin, Yolanda “Yoli” Eleta De Varela, Laura Whiteman, Shelley Marks, Marian Bradley-Kohr, Elizabeth “Lisa” Peyton Ierodiaconou, Coulson Duerksen, Veronica “Roni” Leger, Andrea “Andy” Baier, Louise Gabrielle Onesti, Elizabeth “Bizzy” England, Elizabeth “Betsy” Schreier Davis, Anne Herr, Suzanne Hirsch Grocki, Merrill Collins, Robin Lorton Danell, Susan “Sue” Kostick, Sabrina “Nina” Smithers DiMiceli, Amy Cleveland Bowman, Alison Bruce Creichton-Stuart, Andrea “Andy” Little Eaton, Kari Richardson Riess, Pamela “Pam” Safford, Margaret “Meg” S. Filoon, Gizella “Anne” Callender Crawford, Julie Yindra, McCall Watson Eng and Tricia Kiley. Those who attended reunion but missed this picture were Ann Marenakos, Deborah “Debbie” Loven-Gray, Barbara “Barb” Atkatz Ogden, Mary Bebel Schinke, Lisa Levis von Braun and Mary Beth Rettger.

1982 Eve A. Agush 16 Porter Road Natick, MA01760-2411 617-879-6062 AdamAnt_Eve@hotmail.com Emily Eckelberry Johnson writes: Heather Sweeny joined me at a VERY EARLY time in the morning to cheer on Riggs (my son), age 12, in the Greenwich Gold squash tournament. She even brought me a coffee! After the first match, we jumped in Heather’s car, and she took Riggs and me to Poppy’s Diner in Rye for what turned out literally to be the breakfast of champions!! To top it all off, Heather gave Riggs some valuable tips to enhance his playing. Heather is the JV squash coach at Greenwich Academy. Sally Goodrich will be proud!! Stay tuned!!!

Susan “Hooey” Stewart Wilks tells us: It was very fun to see everyone and Walker’s did a terrific job with the Centennial! As usual, the Suns ruled the day (and last 100 years) and won the spirit bowl. Emily Eckelberry Johnson attributed it to the fact that the last few words on the word search competition were really hard! I attributed it to the fact that I danced the Maypole in my kilt for extra points. Who knew you

Susan “Hooey” Stewart Wilks ’82 does the Maypole dance.

could actually get winded doing the Maypole dance?

The Ba-Na-Na was a blast with the great playlist Eve Agush compiled with EWS friends on Facebook.

Looking forward to the 35th!

Eve Agush notes: Sadly, I was not able to attend Centennial, as I was commencing my 500 hour yoga teacher training and my first weekend of classes was that weekend! Yoga is awesome and along with my

Winter 2012 77

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Class of ’82 members, Emily Eckelberry Johnson and Heather Sweeny, at the Greenwich Field Club on November 6, 2011.

Tracey Reifler ’82, Lucinda Atkins Sheffield ’82 and Leila Howland Wetmore ’82

500 hour-certification program, I have started to train for my level-one certification with Warriors At Ease, a yoga program aimed at the military community. It is such an awesome opportunity for me to spread my love of yoga with a group of people who really need the body-mind support system.

1985

Karen Simmons Rose is the executive director of The Children’s Law Center. (The Mission of CLC is to give a child a strong and effective voice in a legal proceeding that has a critical impact on his or her life.) Karen was featured in “NYC Women: Make it Here, Make it Karen Simmons Rose ’82 Happen,” a video series honoring the achievements and successes of local women in honor of Women’s History Month.

Emily Eckelberry Johnson ’82 and Caitlin Nammack Weissman ’82

78

THE SUNDIAL

Elizabeth “Betsy” Potter Giddings 6 Wellington Heights Road Avon, CT 06001 860-679-9593 dearepg@aol.com Elizabeth “Betsy” Potter Giddings writes: Formal celebrations for Centennial Clarissa “Lissa” Potter ’85 have come and gone, and son, Ethan however, friendships were rekindled and new conversations discovered! The essence of Walker’s is discovery. And for those classmates who were not able to attend, you were missed! I discovered Claudia Mesch Smith ’86 and her daughter in the alumnae parade, sat with Susan “Sue” Lewis Mather ’84, Beth Phelps Hadden ’84, Jacqueline “Jackie” Konefal Brooke ’84 and Kelly Finn Mazo ’83 P’14 during Chapel and was able to take in hours of great conversation with Tracey Himmel Isham. Tracey and I stumbled into Vera Gibbons whose wit and happenstance haven’t changed at all and for that moment in time…time stopped. And it was Walker’s as we remembered. Hope this note finds all those connected to EWS in good health and happiness!

In some way, rediscover Walker’s! Some aspect of the last 100 years is alive in all of us!

Surina Khan shares: I recently started a new job at the Ford Foundation as a program officer in the Gender Rights and Equality Unit, where I am developing the foundation’s very first Initiative on Advancing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights. The Ford Foundation is located in Manhattan, and I relocated from California for this exciting opportunity. I am living in Brooklyn, traveling back and forth to California until my partner, Jenny, can join me in New York next summer.

1986

Daphne Church McGinn sends in that she has left the agency-side of the business and accepted a marketing job at a non-profit called Common Sense Media. “We provide nonpartisan reviews of children's media (TV, books, games, movies, etc.) as well as advice on how to help your children navigate this new tech-dominated world. So far it’s been really wonderful, and I feel as if I have truly found the work/life balance we all search for by working for a company that is all about helping our children.”

Micaela “Miki” Porta is “still loving being a full-time mother to my two boys, Victor (11) and Lucas (5) here in New Canaan, CT, a town my husband and I moved to two years ago and have enthusiastically embraced. I occasionally run into Pamela “Pammie” Johnson Gammill ’87 in town, and am so happy to have reconnected with Jennifer “Jennie” Pivirotto Altieri ’88, who even belongs to the same church where we attend services, take classes, and volunteer. My sister, Gabriela “Gaby” Porta Beecher ’91, lives a few blocks away and our kids ride the same bus to school.

Right now I’m working on a grassroots campaign called “Pesticide-Free New Canaan,” in which we encourage homeowners to stop using lawn pesticides, or at least cut back on applications.”

Hillary Bush ’86 shares a photo and news of Nathan McDonald Bush Lewis, born May 3, 2011, and big sister, Malia, age 4.

1987 Lori Stewart PO Box 330774 West Hartford, CT 06133-0774 860-205-9920 ews1987@gmail.com 25 years! Returning to Walker’s for Centennial Weekend, there were moments where it felt as if scarcely any time had passed since our student years. I have attended past Walker’s Reunions, but this one was truly special. It was a blessing to see as many of our classmates in attendance as were there; I only wish

The first Centennial event in which I participated was the walking tour of Walker’s Woods. My son, Caiden, and goddaughter Cheyenne Watts (EWS 2017), accompanied me. Completing the hike, I had an opportunity to visit briefly with Tara Harris ’87, and her son, Chase, in Beaver Brook Lobby. At the Ba-Na-Na, ran into party-girls Wendy Smith ’87 and Christina “Christy” Coyne ’86. “We Suns loyal ever be, Faithful to the club we love.” We danced the night away with a few Dials, too.

On Saturday morning, I attended the Black and Latina Student Union “Welcome Reception for Alumnae of Color.” What an inspiring and wonderful reception where we heard stories from a few alumnae panelists of color about their Walker’s years, their transition into academic settings and life beyond Walker’s, and the benefit of a Walker’s foundation for a myriad of areas in their lives. I was also especially proud and honored to be included with Alumnae from Classes of 1984-88 in notifying Walker’s of our intent to establish a book scholarship for future students of color. What a special, groundbreaking group of women! Thank you to those that generated the idea and sought to include all of us.

At the Centennial Celebration the “Six Generations of Walker’s Women” panel had our classmate Lamonda Williams serving as panelist for the ’80s generation. I heard that the panel was phenomenal and that Winter 2012 79

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Micaela “Miki” Porta 204 Park Street #16 New Canaan, CT 06840 203-594-7288 enginebooks@yahoo.com

more of you would have joined us. Please make a promise to yourselves to attend our next one. I would like to share these photos, and Centennial attendance regrets from Sigrid “Sigi” Kuhse, who writes: Hello, all!

Sorry, I will miss Sigrid “Sigi” Kuhse ’87 and daughter, Charlotte, in Beijing. our reunion this year. Would love to come, but have too many commitments through a busy work travel schedule and leisure travel with my 31/2 year old, Charlotte, and husband Philippe. We still live in DC. I hope all is well with you! Best, Sigi. After receiving my response to her email, she replied: So glad it was a lovely time, and people connected. Will try the next one — still in regular touch with Elizabeth “Liz” West Glidden. Can you help? I am looking for Gloriana Jimenez’s contact information — she was from Costa Rica.”

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Enterprises, offering her services as a freelance English teacher, editor, translator and massage therapist.

1989 Fiona Cox 7757 35th Avenue, NE Seattle, WA 98115-4812 206-568-2390 fionaccox@aol.com

Lori Stewart ’87 and Tara Harris ’87 with Caiden Stewart and Chase Harris

Lamonda did a fantastic job speaking about her role as a woman in the ’80s power generation. So very proud of Lamonda! In the afternoon, I returned with the looming question in mind: “To Woonie, or not to Woonie?” Apparently classes after the ’90s have no clue what a Woonie is. While debating the Woonie possibilities, I enjoyed the company of Elizabeth “Liz” Ortecho Rose, Amy Benussis and Pansy Chang Zelinsky, as we swapped more stories, hugs and laughs and said our farewells until we meet again with Kelly Schmidt ’87 and Heather Rems Corwin ’87, at our November 5th mini-reunion in NYC. We also said our evening farewells to Deb Whitfield Wiese ’87 and radiant, mother-to-be Liz West Conroy ’87.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a Strawberries & Cream Brunch send-off with friends. Almost last, but certainly not least, I did get an opportunity to meet Diedra “Dee Dee” Roach-Quarles ’72, one of the first AfricanAmerican women to graduate Walker’s. For me, as the first African-American Student Body President of Walker’s, it was such a humbling and historic opportunity: one of the first Black students to attend and graduate Walker’s embracing the first AfricanAmerican Walker’s School President. “Hooray, Sunray!” to you, Walker’s, for such an amazing Reunion event.

1988 Melissa Jackson Loree 3055 East Pine Valley Road NW Atlanta, GA 30305 404-816-9463 melissaloree@me.com Margo Clare Cummings has realized her childhood dream of moving to Switzerland to become a ski teacher for the Swiss Ski School. She has also started her own business, MCE: Margot Cummings 80

THE SUNDIAL

Colleen Szabo ’89 with her fiancé

1990 Katherine Graetzer 823 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054-9735 518-729-2147 kbgraetzer@mac.com

1991 Gabriela “Gaby” Porta Beecher 363 Main Street New Canaan, CT 06840-5903 203-972-2121 GBeecher1@yahoo.com Nancy Lombardo Valente shares: I enjoyed seeing everyone at the Centennial! I had dinner with Mercedes Rodriguez ’92 and her husband a few weeks ago when they were visiting NYC. Life is good — we just got a new puppy, Stanley!

Dore Atwill Kesterson says: Sorry to miss the reunion.

We were closing in our new house. We moved to Alabama in June 2010 following a job transfer for my husband. We sold our house in Arkansas in April 2011 and have just moved into our new house, Yahoo!

Sarah Keefer ’91, Tatyana “Tanya” Bradford Ouhrabka ’90, Claire Reese Ketchum ’90, Allyson “Ally” Wainer ’91, Amanda Pitman ’90, Holly Legler Cortes ’91, Gabriela “Gaby” Porta Beecher ’91

Madeline is 8 and Hannah just turned 5, and we are homeschooling this year, for the first time and loving it.

So far, so good. Hope all is well with everyone. Take care.

Allyson “Ally” Wainer notes: Loved seeing my classmates and friends at our 20th Reunion at Centennial Weekend! What a wonderful time to catch up and reconnect with everyone. We are still happy here in Ethiopia and are looking forward to our Christmas holiday in South Africa and whatever adventures the new year brings.

Karin Spies Kovacs says: I’m sorry I didn’t get to see everyone at the Centennial, but I had a reason to miss it — I just started nursing clinical. In May 2013, I should have my R.N. About a year ago, I remarried and also gained two stepchildren. It has been a very busy and exciting time in a household of six. I always enjoy the pictures and posts from Walker’s alumnae on Facebook, and I’m looking forward to a time when I can actually travel and meet up with some of you!

Amanda Cobb Leedom writes: I will be getting together with Halley Potter over Thanksgiving weekend!

Holly Legler Cortes had a great time at Centennial, as can be seen by her spirited purple and yellow dress, which has now been donated to the school! She had so much fun in fact, that she is looking to revisit it at the EWS Sotheby’s event in New York City in January 2012, so make sure to mark your calendars. Who knows what she’ll be wearing then??

Keep the updates coming; everyone loves to read them.

Jonathan Schorr, Toan Huynh ’93, Catherine “Cat” Beach ’92

1993 Toan C. Huynh 196 Court Street #2 Brooklyn, NY 11201 917-328-9344 toan3huynh@gmail.com Nancy “Nan” Flanagan writes: It was wonderful to see generations of EWS women come together over Centennial Nan Flanagan ’93 and Weekend. School looked husband, Rick Taplin, amazing, the food was welcomed Jack Manley wonderful and the Saturday Taplin, born Dec. 18, night tent was fabulous. Even 2011. Jack weighed 8 more fabulous was spending lbs., 13 oz. and measured time with girls that were a year 21 inches. or two ahead of me or behind me — girls I hadn’t seen since our EWS days. On a more personal note, my husband, Rick, and I are expecting our first baby in December. It’s a little boy, so unfortunately Walker’s isn’t in his future, but we are thrilled and can’t wait for his arrival.

Winter 2012 81

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Naomi Servante McNally ’92, Nancy “Nan” Flanagan ’93, Eliza David Massaro ’92

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

1994 Alexandra “Alex” Flood Alcoff 115 4th Avenue Apartment 8G New York, NY 10003 212-358-0687 Alexalcoff@gmail.com Darcy Bailey has recently moved from Miami to Boston and is teaching Spanish at Shore Country Day. She is very happy there and would love to touch base with other Walker’s alumnae in the area.

1995 Alexandra “Ali” Townson 666 West Ferry Street Apartment #26 Buffalo, NY 14222-1625 716-308-6697 alexandratownson@hotmail.com Nicole Lewenson Shargel 109 College Avenue Somerville, MA 02144 617-776-6007 nicky@shargellawoffice.com

1996 Drusilla “Dru” Carter 308 South Cedar Street Pageland, SC 29728 843-672-3339 jdrusillacarter@gmail.com Leslie Davies Huguenin shares: Penelope Rose-Marie de la Pena Huguenin was born June 11, 2011, at 1:24 a.m. She was 6 lbs., 7 oz. and 21 inches long. Penelope came to us a week early and took her mom through 48 hours of labor, which was completely worth it! She is the light of our lives and is a super happy baby.

Now five months (November 11, 2011), she is rolling over, laughing and almost sleeping through the night. She has her first two teeth ready to pop out on the bottom and is drooling Leslie Davies Huguenin ’96 and to prove it. I am Penelope enjoying staying at

82

THE SUNDIAL

home more than I thought I would. Scott and I look forward to more children in the next few years. Dru and Leslie calculate that Penelope will be EWS Class of 2030!

1997 Alicia Kelly Benedetto 6 Little Bear Drive Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 aliciacassandra@hotmail.com Karen Crowe 790 Boylston Street Apartment Boston, MA 02199-7923 617-695-6781 kcrowe79@gmail.com Katherine “Kate” Flanagan Shoss and her husband, Avi, welcomed a baby boy, Samuel Porter Shoss on September 17, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz.

1998 Brooke Berescik-Johns 118 West 75th Street #3A New York, NY 10023 BrookeBJohns@gmail.com

1999 Vivienne Felix 113-33 201 Street Apartment St. Albans, NY 11412 Vivienne_Felix@yahoo.com

2000 Allison Quigley 151 Bunker Hill Avenue Stratham, NH 03885-2432 603-772-8507 abatw@yahoo.com I had a fun summer, visiting with friends and enjoying my freedom before nursing classes began again. In June, Emily Cole-Chu, Kimberly Wagner Patterson and I got together to celebrate Emily’s birthday; later on, during August, Emily and I celebrated my birthday with a visit from Marisabel Portillo ’99! As usual, it was wonderful to see everyone. There’s nothing like celebrating life with some of your oldest friends!

I had lots of fun seeing everyone who came out for Centennial. Our class had a nice turnout with Samara Khalique, Jamiah Tappin, Emily Cole-Chu, Sarah

As I write this, I’m looking forward to visiting Sarah in NYC, and then beginning to solidify plans for a minialumnae event in Boston.

Erin Grimshaw reports: I’ve just returned from a year in Asia. I am currently working on the transplant unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, MA. and working towards my Ph.D. at Harvard. Hope all is well!

Sorry I missed out on the recent reunion festivities!

Elizabeth “Liz” Boozan Small shares: I have been working at Terry Bicycles in Burlington, VT, since August 2010 as their graphic designer. I love working for a company whose mission is to get more women on bicycles, especially since cycling is such a maledominated sport. It’s very rewarding. I am still living in Cambridge, VT, with my husband, Eric, and 3-year-old daughter, Savannah.

Our long-lost classmate Mae Tanner writes: Right now, I’m living in Apoa, Somoa. Tell you what, Facebook may have its downfalls, but it’s been great for getting back in touch with some of the old Walker’s crew — I thought most of you were lost forever! I’d love to hear what you’ve all been up to, so stay in touch. Sorry I wasn’t able to turn up state-side for Centennial.

2001 Alicia Little Hodge 142 Hampton Avenue West Hartford, CT 06110 860-573-5136 alittlehodge@gmail.com

Allesandra “Ali” Attard ’04, Michelle Bosch ’03 and baby, Nathan Creager, Thara Mathews ’03

Michelle Bosch writes: Ryan and I welcomed a new addition to our family, Nathan Creager, born June 4, 2011. I’m enjoying life in Columbus, OH, and miss all my Walker’s friends!

2004 Sarah Prager shares: I got married on June 12, 2011. to Elizabeth (Liz) Oliver, who is now a Prager! The wedding was on Cape Cod, where she is from, and it was a perfect day. My sister, Alexandra (Alex) Prager ’07 was my maid of honor. In true Mr. Prager fashion, my dad, who is in his 26th year of teaching at Walker’s, wrote a funny engagement limerick for my fiancee. My parents, now house parents in Smith again like when I was 5, helped a lot and were a wonderful presence.

Jenny Petrauskas ’03 and Danielle Staubitz ’03 also made the trip to attend. Liz and I are back from our honeymoon in Italy, still living in Boston and enjoying newlywed life.

2002 Stephanie Caviglia 39 Tannen Drive Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 914-456-5199 sc284@aol.com

2003 Thara K. Mathews 7305 Quarry Chase Trails Plano, TX 75025 972-618-0741 thara_mathews@hotmail.com

Alexandra “Alex” Prager ’07, Rich Prager, Liz Oliver Prager, Sarah Prager ’04, Beverly Prager

Winter 2012 83

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

Heinemann, Elizabeth “Liz” Boozan Small, Joo Hee Lee and Elizabeth “E.J.” Ross. We all enjoyed the festivities and the opportunity to see so many people from ’96 through ’05.

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

2005

2006

Meredythe Goethe 155 Ayrshire Lane Avon, CT 06001 righteouscrubabe@aol.com

Alle S. Colen 9609 Mockingbird Trail Jupiter, FL 33478 561-744-7747 alle@knights.ucf.edu

Alexandra “Alex” B. Tapley 58 Garden Street Cambridge, MA 02138 617-441-0625 Nicole E. Rougeot 2787 Torringford Street Torrington, CT 06790 860-489-7153 nicole.rougeot@gmail.com

Emily Casey 446 Cedar Lane New Hartford, CT 06057 860-489-4700 emily.casey@colorado.edu

2010 Elizabeth F. Greenberg 26 Latimer Lane Simsbury, CT 06070 860-214-1494 egreenberg@elon.edu

2008 2007 Carter E. Margison P.O. Box 11212 Savannah, GA 31412 860-677-4282 carter.margison@gmail.com

Lauren E. Milka 10 Wood Lane Simsbury, CT 06070 860-651-4217 lmilka@assumption.edu Kathleen A. Kirby 425 Coppermill Road Wethersfield, CT 06109 860-257-9725

2011 Kelsey A. Ballard 80 Pilgrim Road Windsor, CT 06095 860-688-9589 kelseyballard11@gmail.com

Weddings at Walker’s Walker’s offers special arrangements and discounted fees for alumnae and their families interested in wedding ceremonies in our beautiful Chapel. Many ancillary services and local referrals are provided.

When it comes time to celebrate that very special day, please contact Alice Chrystal at weddings@ethelwalker.org, or at 860.408.4273 for details.

If your class does not have a Class Correspondent listed, please consider joining a great group of correspondents who help compile Take Note. If interested, please contact alumnae@ethelwalker.org. We’d love to have you join the team!

Please stay in touch!

We need your email address as well as any changes to your home address, and any other contact information, e.g. home phone number. Please send this information to alumnae@ethelwalker.org.

Submit your Class Notes Online!

Visit ethelwalker.org, and click on the Alumnae link at bottom right; there, you will find a link to the Take Note section. An easy-to-use form will allow you to submit your news directly from that page. If you have a longer submission, or photos to send (we hope you do!), all the information you need appears on that page.

84

THE SUNDIAL

Stay Connected with Walker’s Wherever You Are The Ethel Walker School wants you to keep in touch! You can easily find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and on our own website at www.ethelwalker.org.

Catch up with old friends and discover new ones on Facebook by logging onto our page at

www.facebook.com/EthelWalkerSchool.

This “Ethel Walker School Alums” page is perfect for staying up to date! Check back often to share your memories, and find out what your fellow alumnae are up to. This is where we regularly post trivia, news from campus, and notifications of alumnae gatherings.

Follow us on Twitter @ethelwalkersch.

Get your Walker’s news quickly and on-the-go!

LinkedIn provides our alumnae with the perfect opportunity for networking, across sectors, across the country, and around the world. Find us at Ethel Walker School Alumnae and Friends.

Births & Adoptions

1992 Connie Morales Marco Ildefonso Rivera, September 16, 2011 1993 Nancy “Nan” Flanagan Jack Manley Taplin, December 18, 2011 1996 Leslie Davies Huguenin Penelope Rose-Marie de la Pena Huguenin June 11, 2011 1997 Kate Flanagan Shoss Samuel Porter Shoss, September 17, 2011 Alicia Kelly Benedetto Madeline Kelly Benedetto, December 28, 2011 2003 Michelle Bosch Nathan Craeger, June 4, 2011

Faculty/Staff Births & Adoptions Ken Poppe, History Faculty Grandson: Luke David Rose, October 1, 2011 Carol Clark-Flanagan, History, Personal Fitness Grandson: Samuel Porter Shoss September 17, 2011 Grandson: Jack Manley Taplin December 18, 2011

Engagements 1989 Colleen Szabo 2007 Alex Prager To Alexander Scalfano

Marriages & Unions 2004 Sarah Prager To Elizabeth “Liz” Oliver, June 12, 2011

In Memoriam 1930 1930 1932 1934 1935 1936 1937 1937

MARJORIE REILLY BROMLEY ELIZABETH SAWYER MIXTER GABRIELLE MORGAN LIESE KATHERINE GORDON KRON ETHEL WORTHINGTON RILEY MARJORIE BROWN JUMP NANCY DAY MILLER BEVERLY SARTORIUS VANDER POEL Daughters: Beverly Vander Poel Banker ’60, Linda Vander Poel Duryea ’65, Susan Vander Poel Barrett ’68; granddaughter: Billings Day Cay ’82; nieces: Gretchen Miller Elkus ’60, Wendell Miller Steavenson ’58; sister-in-law: Wendy Vander Poel Russell ’37 (deceased)

1941 EILEEN “SIS” SMITH BARKER 1944 FRANCES “FRANNY” ROBERTSON CHANDLER 1945 ANNE O'NEILL-BUTLER WOLFGANG

In Sympathy STEVEN R. APPLETREE, father of Sarah Appletree ’99 CHRYSOSTOM E. BLANCHARD, grandfather of Kelly Blanchard ’06 and Kim Blanchard, former employee ANDREAS ALOIS BOELKE, father of Alexandra Boelke ’11 BARBARA LOUISE BRONZINO, grandmother of Chelsea Regan ’13 JAMES GRONAU CARR, husband of Marion Linen Carr ’58 OSCAR EDWARD VALENTINE CESARE, husband of Sue Cesare, Trustee Emerita and past president of the Board of Trustees MARILYN MAKSYM CHURCHILL, mother of Pamela Churchill, EWS Director of Development DAVID COHEN, father of Lily S. Cohen ’08 PHILIPPA M. COUGHLAN, friend of EWS PHILIP CROWE, SR., grandfather of Karen Crowe ’97 and

great-grandfather of Keelyn Crowe ’13 GERALD E. D’AMOUR, grandfather of Catherine Baker ’11 MICHAEL VOORHEES DAWES, SR., father of Margaret Dawes Bernholz ’89 DR. SHARAD DEODHAR, husband of Frances Glee Deodhar ’57 VICTOR DOWLING, grandfather of Allison Dowling ’07 SERENA EPSTEIN, daughter of faculty member Grace Epstein DAVID GRAHAM, grandfather of John Monagan, EWS Director of Athletics BOYNTON “BUZZ” HUSSEY, father of Kimberly Hussey Ross ’11 FRANK LOTHAR, grandfather of Abigail “Abby” Demke ’11, Shelby Demke ’10 FREDERICK J. KAISER, husband of Susan “Sunny” Rodormer Kaiser ’57 CATHERINE (COAKLEY) MAHONEY, mother-in-law of Meg Mahoney, History Department Chair JOHN S. MURTHA, former Trustee EMILY STEIN PARSONS, sister-in-law of former Trustee Kathy Parsons ’75 PHILIP F. W. PECK, father of Pamela Peck ’68 VINCENT SALMON, husband of Elsie L. Darling ’32 SHEREN TAGE, grandmother of Sahra Ibrahim ’13 HENRY P. WHEELER, husband of Florence Forgan Wheeler ’42 MERCER MCCALL “MACK” THARPE II, father-in-law to Kerry Henegan Sharp ’91 YVONNE WIGHTMAN, grandmother of Isabel Beeman ’16 ERIC W. WODLINGER, husband of Hilary Coulter Wodlinger ’66 Winter 2012 85

TAKE NOTE | Alumnae Updates

1986 Hillary Bush Nathan McDonald Bush Lewis, May 3, 2011

1948 JOANNE MUNZERT DAYTON 1950 MARGUERITE BROWNE HOUSTON 1952 SUSAN SALMON DONALDSON Sister, Nancy Salmon Gould ’63 1968 NANCY BULKELEY CROCKER Mother, Frances Hazen Bulkeley ’44 (deceased) 1981 JACQUELINE LUCAS ROCKS Sisters: Lisa Lucas Randall ’77 and Monique Lucas Conroy ’79

SUPPORTING ALUMNAEWALKER’S NEWS

FROM YOUR PARENTS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

I

write as a parent who was here yesterday, is here today, and will be gone tomorrow. As an active parent in the Ethel Walker School Parents Association (EWSPA) for seven years, I’ve had the comfort of knowing that if I didn’t get it quite right this time, there was always next year. But this year is different, just as it is for my graduating senior. It’s a time to reflect, celebrate accomplishments, and project forward.

In reflecting, I realize that while it was my daughter’s educational experience that ignited my service, it’s the ongoing enrichment of a Walker’s education that has kept me going. I want to know that Kelsey will always look back with pride in her school and perhaps one day will envision EWS for her daughter. I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite songs by Harry Chapin: “All my life’s a circle, from sunrise to sundown.” It’s the giving back that keeps us going and comes ’round again.

In projecting forward, I want to share my vision for the focus and role of the EWSPA this year. First and foremost, we are here to “friend raise,” to be a resource for parents as they navigate new waters and a friendly face on and off campus. This fall’s Centennial activities were certainly a great time to rally around EWS, and I thank parents who gave so generously of their time over Centennial Weekend and during our student celebrations. It was also great to visit with many of you at the Family Weekend reception hosted by the EWSPA, with invitations extended to faculty and staff.

Secondly, our mission is to help EWS fundraise to insure that the high-caliber Walker’s education continues to be attainable by a diverse population of bright, intellectually curious, and caring students. While we have made the decision to take a one-year hiatus from the very successful EWSPA Auction during this Centennial Campaign year, it is nonetheless a key time to plan. We started off fundraising with a bang as we hosted our annual welcome-back skirt sale; a “win-win” event for parents and students alike, raising over $600 to support the student scholarship fund. At this first event, we also asked Stephen Dunn to familiarize parents with our new portal on the re-designed website. I am also delighted to report that 100 percent of our EWSPA Board have committed to supporting the Annual Fund.

In essence, the key word for the EWSPA this year is partnership. We are moving away from determining whether our events are sponsored by EWS or the EWSPA and towards the mindset that together we are building one school and one student body. It is our collective efforts that matter.

In that vein, Bessie and I worked together on the scheduling of parent forums to insure these and other meaningful events

86 THE SUNDIAL

are held at times that work best for busy parents. We are also trying to piggy back on times when parents may already be on campus and to look for ways to involve boarding parents.

Of course, the sad reality is that succession planning is a key focus of my year. Fortunately, Walker’s is a community of committed parents, many of whom have volunteered for years and keep on giving. These parents, in combination with new parents who step forward, will continue to shape the Walker’s experience.

As you read this in the cold depths of winter (hopefully not as snowy as last year!), please remember that all parents are members of the EWSPA and new volunteers are always needed. I hope you will consider taking an active role in the auction and event planning.

The blending of old and new — students, parents, staff, faculty, and ideas — is the essence of a Walker’s education. We celebrate our heritage and traditions and embrace the change that will lead us forward.

Gail M. Shelton P’12 PRESIDENT, EWSPA

THE ETHEL WALKER SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION 2011 – 2012 The EWSPA Board Gail Shelton P’12

Sophia Clarke P’12, ’17

PRESIDENT

MS VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Kirsten Fuchs P’17

Meryl Mallery P’14

SECRETARY

US VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Pat Olesh P’15

Renee Alexander P’13

TREASURER

US MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Tracey Backman P’16, ’18

Carla Gregory P’13

CHAIR, MS ACTIVITY COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT EMERITA

Rene Daguerre-Bradford P’13 CHAIR, US ACTIVITY COMMITTEE

Kristen Arnold P’15 CHAIR, ALL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

SUPPORTING WALKER’S

Dear Walker’s Alumnae, Parents and Friends: The success and energy of our Centennial celebration, and all the events surrounding it, is still very much a part of Walker’s today. I want to offer this special note of thanks and recognition. Our Centennial told the story of the School’s legacy, pride, and future.

The volunteer Centennial Committee CoChairs — Eve Chilton Martirano ’79, Maureen Margolis P’12, Brooke Gaffney Redmond ’90, Leslie Hailand Newman ’66, Elizabeth Nash Muench ’55, Donya Nagib Sabet ’90, and Abra Prentice Wilkin ’60 — have earned the gratitude of everyone who participated in the weekend. Our parent volunteers, faculty, and staff worked tirelessly to bring more than 1,100 people to campus. Their efforts made it an event worthy of its title.

The memory I most want to keep alive is when Sarah Gates Colley ’75, our capital campaign chair, announced the $50 million capital campaign on Saturday night. I remember there was a collective gasp from the crowd.

And when she then announced that $17.5 million had already been raised, I think we collectively recognized that the future of our school was stepping forth from that very moment — and that Walker’s is a place where individuals stand up, and stand out.

It was a moment made possible by many, including you. I thank you.

Sincerely,

Pamela Churchill DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

…we collectively recognized that the future of our school was stepping forth from that very moment–and that Walker’s is a place where individuals stand up, and stand out.

Winter 2012 87

SUPPORTING WALKER’S

The Development Office The Development Office is always interested in knowing how we can best serve the alumnae, parents and friends of The Ethel Walker School. To help us keep our records up-to-date, please contact the Office with address or email changes so that you continue to receive news about the School. We will continue to send our electronic alumnae newsletter to keep everyone informed of the most current news and events.

If you are not currently subscribed to receive this communication, please email alumnae@ethelwalker.org and we will add you to the list. If you have questions about making a donation to the School, please contact any of the staff listed below.

Pamela Churchill, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 860.408.4256 • pchurchill@ethelwalker.org Sandra Baker, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES 860.408.4257 • sbaker@ethelwalker.org Eleanor Barnes, DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE RELATIONS 860.408.4254 • ebarnes@ethelwalker.org Jane Bradford, DIRECTOR OF GIFT PLANNING 860.408.4260 • jbradford@ethelwalker.org Paula Brink, ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 860.408.4252 • pbrink@ethelwalker.org Kate Coleman-Burns, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PROSPECT RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT

860.408.4258 • kcolemanburns@ethelwalker.org Kitty Friedman, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 860.408.4253 • kfriedman@ethelwalker.org Allison Grebe, DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL FUND 860.408.4259 • agrebe@ethelwalker.org Genie Lomba, DATABASE MANAGER 860.408.4251 • glomba@ethelwalker.org Heidi McCann, DIRECTOR OF CENTENNIAL REUNION GIVING 860.408.4250 • hmccann@ethelwalker.org Erin Ross-Moses, DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH AND SUMMER PROGRAMS, VARSITY SOCCER COACH

860.408.4370 • erossmoses@ethelwalker.org Tom Speers, PLANNED GIVING 860.408.4252 • tspeers@ethelwalker.org Diane Thomas, DIRECTOR OF PARENT PROGRAMS 860.408.4255 • dthomas@ethelwalker.org

Ways to Support Walker’s Cash, Check or Credit Card Many gifts are cash contributions that are made by check or credit card. These gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law and provide immediate funding for the School.

Securities and Property Gifts of stock, other securities, or property benefit the institution and provide the donor with a tax deduction for the fair market value of the gift when it is made.

Additionally, the donor does not have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciated value of the stock or property.

Matching Gifts Many companies provide their employees with the benefit of increasing their gifts to certain organizations by matching those gifts. Please check with your employer about their matching gifts program.

Planned Giving Gifts made through estate planning provide for the future growth of the School as these gifts, unless otherwise specified, are directed to the School’s endowment. The Ethel Walker Heritage Society honors those who have made provisions for Walker’s in their estate plans.

Gifts-in-Kind Walker’s welcomes gifts in kind, including donations of goods and services that meet the educational and programmatic needs of the School.

Special and Restricted Gifts Walker’s has a number of funds that have been established by donors for special purposes such as the support of educational programs, scholarships or endowment.

For further information about making a gift, please contact Pamela Churchill, Director of Development, at 860.408.4256.

Give online at ethelwalker.org/annualfund 88 THE SUNDIAL

TH E

t "Please join me in welcoming our new Director of Gif er Planning, Jane Rae Bradford, to The Ethel Walk, 27 of School. Jane has 32 years of fund raising experience Mawr those years in the area of Planned Giving at Bryn rnegie College, Princeton University and most recently at Cal and Mellon University. She is a frequent speaker at locamake national conferences and is known for her ability to forward complex gift planning topics easy to understand. I lookm welcome to working with Jane and hope you will extend a war to her as she visits alumnae around the country.

Gift This page in our Sundial will be dedicated to our newand Planning Corner. Jane will share ideas, interviewsCampaign information on how to participate in the Centennial She will through a current planned gift or future estate gift. lanthropic endeavor to give you food for thought as you set your phise unstable priorities, and challenge you to think creatively in the economic times. one of those The information below concerning "Tuition Trusts" is Jane, and concepts worth reviewing with your financial advisor. The all of her colleagues here, stand ready to help you and educating Ethel Walker School embrace the second century of ld. Please young women to compete successfully in a changing wor partner with us on this important journey.

PL AN NE D

GI VI NG

Jane Rae Bradford Director of Gift Planning

If you are interested in making a planned gift to The Ethel Walker School, please contact Director of Gift Planning Jane Rae Bradford at 860-408-4260 or jbradford@ethelwalker.org.

Pamela Churchill Director of Development H ELP Y OUR S CHOOL , H ELP Did you know that you can establish a “short-term” charitable remainder trust with The Ethel Walker School that will generate a charitable deduction in the year of the gift, while providing quarterly income for a grandchild's tuition? A tax-wise way to fund this charitable gift is to use appreciated securities that you have held at least a year and a day.

The grandchild receives the income for a period of years (and taxed on the income payments in his or her tax bracket). When

A

CO RN ER

G RANDCHILD

the trust terminates, the remaining principal will be added to Walker’s endowment. Gift tax may apply, so it is important to discuss this gift with your tax advisor prior to creating the trust.

The payout rate will be approximately 5 percent, and the minimum gift required is $250,000.

Please contact Director of Gift Planning Jane Rae Bradford at 860-408-4260 or jbradford@ethelwalker.org for more information or a confidential chat.

When making any philanthropic commitment to Walker’s, please be sure to include your attorney and/or financial advisor in the conversation to ensure the transaction is arranged with respect to your individual requirements.

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID SIMSBURY, CT PERMIT NO. 21

230 Bushy Hill Road Simsbury, CT 06070

C

NIAL N E ENT

WEEKEND SNAP SH

OTS