2018 Winter Forman Letter

F O R M A N L E T T E R

CREATIVELY UNSTOPPABLE

WINTER 2018

F O R M A N

L E T T E R

2 Head of School Message

24 Alumna Profile: Candace Lovely ’71

12 Master Motivator

28 Giving

4 Doers, Dreamers, and Different Thinkers 16 Around the Green

18 Farm to Fork to Forman

20 Alumnus Profile: Pepper Baumer ’08

26 Hall of Fame Inductees Announced 30 Alumnus Profile: Brian Liddy ’92 32 Class Notes

22 Lion’s Pride

Head of School: Adam K. Man P’15 Assistant Head of School for Operations and Enrollment: E. Michael Kowalchick Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement: Justin Solomon Director of the Annual Fund: Benjamin Nadeau Director of Database Management: Susan Reis Address corrections & Class Notes: alumni@formanschool.org

Editor: Kerry Durkin, Director of Communications Photo Editor: Kerry Durkin, Director of Communications Class Notes Editor: Rachel White, Alumni Coordinator Designer: Julie Hammill, Hammill Design Photography: Chuck Choi, Richard Schultz, Steven Valenti, John LaPerch, Kerry Durkin, Austin Zimmer

Mission Statement Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences.

Forman develops the whole student, based on his or her unique learning profile, so that every graduate becomes an educated, confident, self-advocate throughout life.

Forman School Board of Trustees President of the Board Scott M. Sutherland ’69, P’93 Vice President David D. Walter ’69 Vice President Jon E. Zagrodzky P’18, P’19 Treasurer Thomas G. Sorell P’12 Secretary Michael L. Cook P’15 Anne Q. Buckley P’13, P’20 Barbara Chace ’87 Elizabeth Garber Daniels ’93 L. Laird Davis Kenneth I. Deane ’93 Eric Ebbert P’16 Anthony C. Everett P’18 Annette R. Jenner-Matthews, Ph.D. ’87 Preethi Krishna P’16 Frederick M. Lione, Jr. P’91 Kevin Lorenz P’19, Ex Officio Adam K. Man P’15​, Head of School Dennis Manning P’00 ​David A. Shaggy ’85 David H. White ’71 Trustees Emeriti J. Seward Johnson ’49, P’91 and Cecelia Johnson P’91 Diane F. Kessenich P’86, Chairman Emerita Kenneth R. Latham ’48 This page: The lobby of the new Visual and Performing Arts Center and Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater Cover: Louise Weidner ’20 in ceramics class on a new Shimpo pottery wheel

John A. Meyers P’84 ​Peter L. Phillips ’65 Monroe B. Scharff ’42, P’69​

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HEAD OF SCHOOL LETTER

Room to Imagine Many students come to Forman to achieve a re-setting of their academic experience.

Often, our students have found sports and the creative arts to be areas where true praise and accomplishments are plenty. These two disciplines have been where many students have done better than okay; they have excelled and their work has been recognized. These successes form a strong, personal foundation for academic growth and progress in the classroom.

Our athletes have always had ample playing fields and courts and now we can say the same thing about our various studios and arts classrooms. Our new Visual and Performing Arts Center, above all else, provides our students with a most precious commodity: state-of-the-art space in which to learn, create, achieve, and grow.

Forman has always had a top-notch selection of courses in the creative arts. Now, we have more and better facilities in which to teach and learn. We offer jewelry making classes and now we have introduced enameling. There are two soldering stations, a large anvil and a rolling mill to work with metals. There wasn’t room for those things before.

The new green screen room allowed our film students to explore their creativity and produce a wonderful element for the fall ’17 school stage production of Alice in Wonderland. Alice’s trip down

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the rabbit hole was filmed by students and inserted into the show for the whole school to see and enjoy. It wasn’t abstract and they didn’t use images gleaned from a Google search. That’s powerful, hands-on learning.

In ceramics, a class can now have every student on a wheel because, again, we have the space for it. The new spray booth enables our students to do more sophisticated glazing and coloring than they could before. The Raku kiln shows the students an entirely new way of firing from the rather simplistic electric firing we did before. These improvements are true differencemakers. Our ceramics facilities now rival and often surpass what you may see on many college campuses.

In the academic year of 2017-’18, the Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater in the Visual and Performing Arts Center hosted a series of performances and lectures. Our goal was to expose our student body to artists working at the highest levels of their fields. In addition to

“It is very important in the teenage years for students with learning differences to learn how to tap into their creative sides and to explore their own powerful, subjective imaginations.�

performances, many of the artists conducted master classes for our students. Forman student musicians had the opportunity to play with professionals in informal jam sessions and ask them questions in a relaxed question-and-answer period, a setting in which dreams can become goals.

At Forman, the arts provide a forum in which kids can imagine.

In so many subjects, we teach students to be analytical, logical, and disciplined in the way they think and approach their school work. The arts complement those methods in the most wonderful way. It is very important in the teenage years for students with learning differences to learn how to

tap into their creative sides and to explore their own powerful, subjective imaginations. They need to see that they can throw a bowl and then color and glaze it they way they wish. And it will be beautiful.

Arts play a vital role in education for students with learning differences and, thanks to the versatility and quality of the Visual and Performing Arts Center, our campus can now incorporate the arts in our academic programs on a whole new level.

Adam K. Man Head of School

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Doers, Dreamers, and Different Thinkers Visual and Performing Arts Center and Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater

by Leesa Lawson

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The program that Conner Boyer ’18 uses to edit a full-length film is the same one the film industry uses. Down the hall, Matthew Stanley ’19 has his own potter’s wheel and two different kilns. “I feel like I have my own ceramics studio,” Stanley says.

The arts, always strong at Forman, got stronger last fall.

Creativity met reality when the 24,000 square foot Visual and Performing Arts Center and Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater opened last fall and began humming with creative purpose and projects.

The demonstrations, followed by hands-on learning, allow students to create in many mediums: “It’s all designed to get the best out of Forman students’ imaginations,” Head of School Adam K. Man says. The arts are an integral part of academics. They drive critical thinking and help students in every academic subject; each strengthens the other.

Every creative vision needs doers, dreamers, and some different thinking – this building had all of those from inception to completion.

A New Academic Green

The new building creates an academic green that links nearby Williams and the Science Center. Compatible colors and materials unite all three buildings in one cohesive look. Large, but not monolithic, the new building hugs the hill behind Henderson, so land and structure become one.

It started with a different architect. “Maryann Thompson took the time to learn about our hopes and dreams for the project,” Trustee Frederick M. Lione, Jr. P’91 notes. But that was just the beginning.

Everything about the building and what’s happening inside are different by design.

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Studios Designed by Artists for Artists

Allied Arts Department Chair Austin Zimmer, was part of the decision-making process from the beginning; weighing in on decisions large and small, like choosing inspiration-boosting colors. In addition to a new drawing studio, there’s a studio exclusively for painting, to serve that growing program.

New Ways to Think and a New Cultural Series

A new cultural series of performances and master classes was the vision of Mr. Man. “Seeing and hearing various artistic expressions encourages our students to think in new ways,” he says. The series showcases national artists every few weeks. Recent performances include an award-winning photojournalist; a professor of Jazz Trumpet and his band; and a renowned guitar player. Students learn how artists think, work, and practice their craft.

These performances are not the only reason the building is busy most nights. Students make use of new supervised evening studio hours three nights a week. Faculty help students gain creative independence.

“I love the relaxation of working alone; it’s like meditation,” says Matthew Stanley ’18.

Students don’t miss a chance to create.

Variety and Mastery at the Highest Level

For students who like variety, they have more choices than ever. But students can also concentrate in one medium. Forman requires two credits, or four semesters of the arts, for graduation, but many students exceed that. “Unlike other schools, all four semesters may be in one medium,” Zimmer says.

The arts at Forman differ from other schools in another way; the art teachers are all practicing artists.

When they model a new technique, they’re not just going through the motions. They’re modelling the whole creative process.

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“Art makes me a better, more relaxed me.”

— Garret Grier ’19

Creative Collaborators

The 300-seat Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater’s first performance, Alice in Wonderland, used new special effects created with green screen technology to drop Alice down the rabbit hole. “It’s nice to be able to incorporate other arts, such as the use of green screen, and collaborate on a show that’s a group effort,” Allied Arts teacher Tammy Grella says. The winter production of Shrek puts the large scene shop to use with its elaborate set and quick scene changes.

Many studios and spaces are dedicated to students, faculty, and family members; all are equipped with projectors that can display large high-resolution images.

Students learn the fundamentals of film and videography, which includes work with the software used in the film industry. There’s animation and stop motion, special effects, and podcasting. When students produce a full-length film or 10-minute shorts, they learn all aspects of the filmmaking process: scriptwriting, editing, and production. “The new space is so dynamic, it allows me to give students more opportunities than ever before,” Video and Film teacher Sean Kelly says.

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The light-filled ceramics studio is equal to any college program: with 11 potter’s wheels, there’s one for every student. Two different kilns, including an outdoor Raku kiln, offer students a whole new firing process.

The music department has access to a professional sound system. And for students who crave movement, but not a competitive sport, there’s dance. While not yet a class, dance is an after-school sports elective. There are more nonathletic offerings with the new space.

44 Inches Wide by Infinity

The traditional darkroom and a digital darkroom are equal to an expert studio. “I like how traditional photography translates to digital,” Garret Grier ’19 says.

“Art makes me a better, more relaxed me.” If he wants to print, the possibilities match his imagination with a color printer that can print an unlimited length.

If metal is your medium, and metalsmithing classes are one of the most popular every year, the new soldering stations and drills help students progress in many metal skills.

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Confident Creators and Cambridge International

The creative work culminates in the spring for seniors.

The Portfolio Class helps Senior Madeline Sharpless ’18 prepare her portfolio for review. Forman uses the exam standards set by Cambridge International, which are followed by most universities. Students must do more than communicate and demonstrate technical terms and techniques; they must display the confidence to take a concept and create a finished piece that’s innovative, intuitive, and imaginative. “I feel like I will be well prepared for college,” Sharpless says.

Matt Stanley ’18 says: “I love Raku, the dramatic firing to over 1,800 degrees followed by a dramatic reduction in temperature. The process is as dramatic as the results.”

So are the creative forces inside the new building. On display every day are eye-opening expressions of wonder, hope, and audacity. It’s hard work that requires certain habits of minds that are unafraid to create.

Over eight decades, Forman has produced a long list of world-renowned artists in many disciplines: photographer Lucinda Bunnen ’48; sculptor J. Seward Johnson ’49; cinematographers Eli Morgan Gesner ’88 and Richard Henkels ’88 . . .

That list of creative doers, dreamers, and different thinkers gets longer every day.

Passion and Persistence Jake Cloobeck ’16 has never been inside the new Visual and Performing Arts Center and the 300-seat theater that bears his name.

When the theater held its first assembly last fall, Jake was on the other side of the continent. He was a college sophomore pursuing his passion in film at Chapman University in California—one of the top film schools in the nation. He was being pushed by world-class professors with real-world experience on a campus with its own production studio.

Cloobeck is learning all aspects of the film industry: how to produce and how to get by on four hours of sleep, so he can create films six days a week.

Forman’s Video and Film teacher Sean Kelly remembers “Jake’s a hard worker.”

Cloobeck knows he’s picked a tough business. That only fuels him: “I’m willing to work 10 times harder than anyone.”

He’s also launched a few businesses. When he attended Forman’s Entrepreneurship class, teacher Joe Odell saw that “Jake possesses the skills of a true entrepreneur.” He’s not afraid to fail.

Wherever he goes, he carries the lesson his parents taught him: “If you can inspire just one person to do the right thing, you’ve served your purpose.”

As he heads to the Sundance Film Festival, Jake Cloobeck feels good knowing that students are using the theater, and “they’re back at Forman creating.”

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F A C U L T Y

P R O F I L E

Master Motivator Austin Zimmer, Chair of Allied Arts

by Leesa Lawson

His original ceramic pieces are all soft curves. They undulate with movement; pinched rims, vibrant glazes and swirl designs display his whimsy.

But don’t be fooled.

Allied Arts Teacher and Chair, Austin Zimmer’s work is not art for art’s sake. This is art with a purpose. It is art that’s utilitarian, and Zimmer himself is a man with purpose.

His award-winning work and teaching reveal his intelligence, discipline, sensitivity, hard work, critical thinking, ability to understand students, and knowledge of the art market. He uses all of these talents as a teacher and Chair.

He’s been at the center of a pivotal year for the arts: decisions that helped shape the new arts building; new classes and equipment; new supervised evening studio time; and the move into the new building last fall.

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A Creative Path with Purpose

Something about Zimmer was different as a child, and so he had to find his own way. “Art was the way in to everything for me,” he says. “My work ethic was valued in art.” Art is also a bridge for many Forman students, and it trains them to think critically. Their success in the arts translates into academic success.

“Critical thinking skills are a unique part of studio arts,” Zimmer says. “You merge both sides of the brain: rational and intuitive. Our students are resourceful and divergent thinkers, and the creative process matches up with their ability to take a concept and come up with many possibilities.”

“Mr. Zimmer gets the best out of me,” says Emily Chandler ’18. “He motivates me, and he teaches me not only how to work like an artist, but also how to think like an artist.”

Whether he’s teaching ceramics, photography, drawing, or painting, he understands that students need many paths to learn: “You have to engage all of their senses,” he says.

Finding His Way and Helping Others Find Theirs

Zimmer spent his early childhood with Peace Corps parents in Fiji and Tonga. No one could figure out how to teach him to read. The longer the family stayed in the South Pacific, the further he fell behind. “They tried everything and nothing worked,” he remembers. “I developed my people skills because of my dyslexia. Our students have those skills, too. And they refuse to be defined by their learning difference. They want to be defined by their character.”

He knows that feeling all too well.

Surrounded by water as a child, he sought solace in sailing and boatbuilding. He learned to sail a Sunfish as a toddler, and he built his first boat at the age of 10. When he arrived at Forman in 2014, he shared these passions in Boatbuilding class and he started the first Sailing Team.

Back in the U.S., his hard work and the support from high school art teachers gave him the confidence to test his talent at two world-class art schools: Alfred University School of Art and Cranbrook Academy of Art, where he earned an MFA. He immediately began teaching, but after 22 years at a private day school in Washington, D.C., he decided to challenge another side of his brain.

Real-World Success

Zimmer spent four years managing 28 employees, in five retail locations and four states at Boston’s Cutter Ceramics.

He also handled sales and marketing. Then he spent two years in his private studio, exhibiting nationally. That meant doing everything: presenting, building a website, and working around the clock in his studio. “But I missed motivating others and the creative collaboration,” he says.

“I found my dream job at Forman,” Zimmer confesses.

He uses everything he knows about art, from a lifetime of driving himself creatively. He lives to motivate other creative people, and he even likes budgeting. In class, he models what a practicing artist’s craft looks like at the highest level. He demonstrates his craft on pieces he’ll exhibit this summer at an art show at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Creative Courage

A bowl made by Austin Zimmer

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He knows the stakes are high in creative work: the courage needed to trust yourself, to dwell in ambiguity, to be patient as possibilities emerge, to work with nowhere to hide, to rework, to open yourself up to it all.

He sees it daily.

He also knows he’s privileged to witness creative breakthroughs – some from his students and some of his own.

“Teaching at Forman has made me a better teacher,” he says.

Every day he helps students go beyond what they thought they could do. He knows art has the power to change and save lives. “Some of our students, by the time they discover Forman, have given up on education,” he says. “But once they’re motivated and feel empowered, their strength returns.”

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P R O F I L E

“Mr. Zimmer gets the best out of me.

He motivates me, and he teaches me not only how to work like an artist, but also how to think like an artist.”

— Emily Chandler ’18

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1 Leon Garcia ’19 examining leaf packs in ecology class 2 Grace Miller ’18 enjoys the first Monday morning assembly in the new Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater 3 History teacher Michael Grassi with Clayton Kies ’21 4 Student Ambassadors Rory McRae ’19 and Kseniya Kotova ’18 during Winter Open House 5 Mary Maroney ’20, Olivia Minor ’20, and Sophia Lobkowicz ’21 enjoy the wintry weather 6 Byungwoo Seo ’20 retouches his photo in Advanced Digital Photography 7 The Forman Boatworks Team launches their 14-foot, solar-powered motor boat onto Bantam Lake 8 Rene Burkert ’19 and Alexandra Becker ’18 in the fall play Alice and Wonderland 9 Music teacher Jerrod Cattey leads his class in a jam session

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Farm to Fork to Forman

by Leesa Lawson Lawson

Chef Matthew Thomas remembers being told “you can’t” by some and “you can” by others.

“Both were great motivators,” says the New Orleans native.

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When his wife accepted a position at Forman last fall, Thomas planned to look for work. But Head of School Adam K. Man had a vision to tap Thomas’ talents for the new Lion’s Den Bistro, and offer students healthier choices from locally sourced meats and produce. Man’s vision also included an innovative new program for students: a Culinary Arts Program.

Chef Thomas, himself a different learner, saw a chance to fuse his passion for food with education. “I see myself in Forman students.”

Despite working with his family in the food business, they didn’t believe a kid diagnosed with ADD and ADHD could succeed in the competitive culinary world.

But others believed in him. The current chef of Emeril’s in Orlando encouraged him to attend the International Culinary Center in New York City. His teachers saw a focused, entrepreneurial student and inspired him to study in Italy. “Everything I’ve done in my career, from small to Michelin-star restaurants, I offer all my real-world business experience to Forman students,” says Thomas.

Inspiration, Creation, Execution

“Headmaster Man is forward-thinking about food,” says Thomas. “I don’t know of any other private boarding school in the country that has a program like this.” Man sees it differently: “I had lots of ideas, but there’s a big difference between ideas and execution. Chef Thomas and our students have done an excellent job of executing,” says Man. Students cover the entire food industry, from sustainable farming practices to determining what will sell.

Forty-five vegetables, countless meats, and 30 spices later, a bestseller is born: the patty melt. Sourdough bread loaded with healthy probiotics, local organic cheese topped with bacon jam preserved from last year’s organic peppers, and local maple syrup. “That’s my favorite,” says Russell George ’21.

Designed for Different Learners

Chef Thomas creates ideal experiences for different learners. He combines hands-on learning of French, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese cooking techniques. Students build menus, braise meats, roast vegetables, learn how to make classic stock reductions, and infuse foods with spices.

Chef Thomas counsels, cajoles, sniffs, steams, juliennes, dices, purees, and parses alongside students.

“The culinary class helps me in many other classes like math and history,” says Zoe Schwartz ’21. “We cover nearly

every subject: soil science, nutrition, business, you name it. It’s so creative,” she adds, “but you learn about so much more than cooking.”

Locally Sourced: Nourishing Partnerships

Just as students draw on their own strengths, Chef Thomas draws from the fertile farms near Forman.

Renowned Arethusa Farm supplies organic cheese; grass-fed beef and pork comes from Laurel Ridge Farms; chickens and pigs are from Earth Palate Farm; organic produce comes from Wild Carrot Farm. The list of farms keeps growing, and so do the Lion’s Den Bistro hours.

Originally open from 6-10 pm, Chef Thomas has added morning hours for organic coffee.

The International Power of Food

Theo McGirr ’19 from Dublin, Ireland, by way of Singapore, was doing some research for class on his own: “Ten of the top killers in the United States are foodrelated, like heart disease. And brain scans show that you can actually boost grey matter by your food choices.”

The warm, welcoming kitchen is also full of students that aren’t in the culinary class. Kseniya Kotova ’18 created Russian cookies, and then she made potato pierogies. Far from home, she loves the familiar smells. Plus, the crosscountry season had ended. “This kitchen has saved me,” she adds “In winter, I miss cross-country running.”

Christopher Matta ’19 likes how Chef Thomas teaches: “He throws in large portions of reality. I’ve found a new outlet — a new home. Our culture focuses too much on perfection defined by other people’s way of thinking. In this class, I’m free to think and learn from my mistakes.”

As he makes his rounds to local farms, Chef Thomas and his students’ creative ideas keep coming. They’re working on an online ordering system. Soon that patty melt will be ready when you arrive.

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P R O F I L E

Relentless Learner Pepper Baumer ’08

by Leesa Lawson

He’s overcome a label. He’s driven to learn everything: a disciplined and tireless student of business, who’s learned digital marketing and new regulations. He’s a fierce competitor and a generous boss who can be counted on to do the right thing, yet takes nothing for granted.

Every morning at 7:00 am, Pepper Baumer is right where he wants to be: at Baumer Food’s plant in Reserve, LA. It’s where 240 employees in three shifts make eight top-selling sauces.

One of those sauces alone, the iconic kitchen staple Crystal Hot Sauce, accounts for 4.5 million gallons shipped in the U.S. and 75 other countries.

He’s the third generation to bring his own brand of innovative thinking to the successful brand. Baumer embodies the kind of student that comes to Forman: he’s bright, learns differently, and he’s driven.

A Cult Following Among Top Chefs

It’s a pressure cooker to master all aspects of the business and keep Crystal Hot Sauce the top brand among chefs worldwide. But Baumer plans to grow the brand. He knows he has a lot to learn: “I’m still green,” he says.

He started at the bottom: sweeping floors while in high school. And he remembers some real-world lessons from his great aunt. “She had me read the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, and we’d discuss the business stories.”

But he struggled in school.

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“At Forman I learned by osmosis. I learned new ways of thinking.”

— Pepper Baumer ’08

A Label and A Different Way to Think and Learn

“I despised English in public schools in New Orleans, and a teacher told my parents that I was stupid,” he remembers. His mother sought help, and he was diagnosed with dyslexia.

At Forman he found an advisor, Brooke Crossman, Chair of World Languages. “I clicked with her, and I loved doing my homework with Ms. Crossman and her husband,” he says. “I learned different ways to study.”

Crossman recalls, “Pepper was a kind, smart, energetic, and polite young man.” Her husband, Don Crossman, coached Pepper on Forman’s basketball team: “He was a fierce competitor. Loyal to his team and coaches, he was always doing the right thing,” says Crossman.

Crystal Hot Sauce Heats Up Forman

Before long, cases of Crystal Hot Sauce arrived at Forman, so the local pizza could be “doctored up.” And it didn’t take long for Pepper to master English, once he was immersed in a new way of teaching. “I loved English with Mr. Tubman,” he says. “At Forman I learned by osmosis; I learned new ways of thinking.” He headed to the University of Alabama, confidently.

His college G.P.A. of 3.5 proved how wrong that early label was. He earned a degree in Restaurant and Hotel Management, “but I always gravitated to the marketing side,” he says.

He pushed himself to learn more about marketing through internships. He helped pitch and attract entrepreneurial talent to New Orleans at IDEA Village. Later, at New Orleans Tourism and Marketing, he edited their website and helped create an advertising campaign.

For most, that would be enough learning, but not for Baumer.

At the Commander’s Family Restaurants, he was the catalyst for e-commerce and oversaw social media. But he knew one day he would have to choose: “the restaurant or hot sauce side.” His drive to learn more took him back to Baumer Foods.

Learning to Shore Up Weaknesses

In his current role as Chief Operations Officer, he’s had to learn and become certified in complex regulations on everything from food safety to hazardous materials. He has to find efficiencies.

That student who didn’t like to read, keeps up with it all, and he keeps learning.

He rereads his favorite business book, Good to Great, and reviews the case studies on how companies differentiate their brand. He’s learned you have to “attract people that shore up your weaknesses; you cannot go it alone.”

He takes nothing for granted.

Baumer feels lucky to learn the business from three men at the top of Baumer Foods, all willing to share their lifelong experience with him. He likes to create a culture where people like to work: when production reaches its goals, there’s everything from pizza to crawfish parties.

Differentiate the Brand for a New Century

The 95-year-old company has relied solely on wordof-mouth. But Baumer, a student of the ever-changing marketing terrain, plans to change that. While previous generations think of marketing in the traditional sense, like using TV and print, Baumer knows that to build a following among millennials his marketing must use digital media tools; it will be more economical.

Every day he must stay on top of the challenges of the business world. Baumer wouldn’t have it any other way: “If I had to sit in a cubicle and do the same thing every day, I would never last.”

“Nothing is stagnant in this business,” he says. Pepper Baumer keeps learning something new every day. That’s exactly how he likes it.

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The Forman Athletics Program is as exciting as ever.

Whether it is fall, winter, or spring, Forman students have a wide variety of sports to play. After a day of classes, participating in athletics is a great way to keep the mind-body connection going strong. Teambuilding, goal-setting, and having fun are just a few of the reasons sports are a vital part of the boarding school experience at Forman.

This year, we will see the second round of inductees to The Athletic Hall of Fame and, with 13 spring teams with full slates of games and matches, maybe a future Hall of Famer is on campus now! From golf and lacrosse to baseball and crew, sports at Forman are an integral part of campus life and a great source of Lion pride.

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Making Positive Impressions Candace Lovely ’71

By John Hassan

“When I was at Forman, I would tell people that I was going to be an art major,” says Candace Whittemore Lovely. “I made my own clothes and jewelry. I remember hammering an earring on a door frame in my dorm. I was always doing something with my hands.”

Today it is fair to say that Lovely is still doing things with her hands. She is an accomplished teacher and artist, an American Impressionist and Copley Master, the highest credential conferred by the Copley Society of Art, the oldest nonprofit art association in America.

Born in Springfield, VT, Lovely struggled with dyslexia in her youth. Her parents, while not wanting to label her, were looking for ways to help. Cynthia Parsons, who was the education editor for The Christian Science Monitor and a family friend who knew Candace well, suggested Forman School. Lovely started at Forman in the fall of 1969 for her junior year.

“It was a different time for the country and the School.

Girls lived off the main campus and were bussed over every day,” says Lovely. “Skirt-length was mid-knee and you could only hold hands on Saturday night. I’ll be honest. If I wanted to hold somebody’s hand, I was not worried about what day it was.”

Lovely found herself caught up in the rebellious spirit of the times. One day, Candace and some friends decided to strike over two important issues: the right to wear blue jeans and the hours of the arts building. All the girls wanted to wear blue jeans now and then but Candace was truly irritated that the basement of Hopkins was closed during her free time when she wanted to work on her art.

“We were over at the Ripley Campus and prepared to

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not get on the bus in protest,” says Candace. “The word came from Julie Forman almost immediately. ‘We’ve cancelled school today.’ She ignored our concerns that morning and really just cooled us off. Took the wind out of our sails. No punishment either. Eventually, we were allowed to wear blue jeans and they modified the hours of the arts building to accommodate the schedules of interested students. I didn’t really get to know Mrs. Forman well, but she handled that situation beautifully.”

Lovely has good memories of her school work at Forman. “I remember classes with my Bible teacher, Mr. Wade. He had everyone in the class write a sermon. He told us that we would all come back to him some day and ask for a copy of what we had written. But I never did.

Oh, well …”

“We did not have rows of desks and chairs,” she says.

“We sat in living rooms, on couches, chairs and on the floor. It was new to me but I liked it.”

There were other unusual aspects to Lovely’s time at Forman. She lived in the Rose Cottage on the Ripley Campus. “I had three roommates who went to bed earlier than I did. I would study in the bathtub, fully dressed.

Just me, my books, and some pillows.”

That solitude suited Lovely at the time. “I did not talk much at all in those years. I think I was hesitant due to the dyslexia and the undermining it can cause,” she

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says. “I didn’t really engage in full-blown, back-and-forth conversations until many years later when I explored acting.”

After college at the University of Vermont, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in art and a fifth-year teaching certificate, Lovely pursued her calling as an artist in Boston.

She studied painting with artists from The Boston School, Robert Cormier, and Paul Ingbretson at Fenway Studios.

Now living and working in Hilton Head, SC, Lovely has established herself as an esteemed artist with a unique style.

Her paintings reflect a sunny, upbeat view of life, as her many beach scenes, portraits, and landscapes project.

In a career of accomplishment and many highlights, Lovely received the honor of creating the official portrait of former First Lady Barbara Bush. “She had never sat for a painting before,” says Lovely. “But she was delightful to spend time with. She’s known for many things, but her interest in promoting literacy and her wonderful dog, Millie, made for great elements in the portrait.” Lovely is writing a book about her time with Mrs. Bush, with whom she has stayed in touch.

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Like most teenagers, Candace had a stubborn, intractable streak. “I wanted to pick a fight with my mother,” she recalls. “When I came home from Forman for the summer, I said I didn’t want to go back.”

Her mother responded the same way Julie Forman did. No opposition, no push back, no punishment. So, Candace stayed in Vermont and spent her senior year at Springfield High School.

“I guess I was lucky in that way. I had adults in my life who knew how to handle teenagers and didn’t add to the drama so prevalent in the teenage years.”

Lovely has returned to campus occasionally over the years. In 2002, she gave a presentation to students and faculty to introduce her latest show, “Good and Plenty,” and came out dressed as Marilyn Monroe. After all, she is an impressionist.

“I treasure my time at Forman,” she says. “I’d love to do anything to help the School, especially students looking to pursue a career in art.”

Candace Lovely paints former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1991

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2018 Hall of Fame Nigel Daniel Forman School has selected its second class of inductees to join the Athletic Hall of Fame this spring. Seven iconic athletes were selected by the Hall of Fame committee and will be inducted during an official ceremony taking place during Alumni Weekend, May 4-6, 2018.

“It was an exciting process for me to hear the incredible stories of these phenomenal athletes and coaches, and how they helped shape Forman athletics over the years,” Alumni Coordinator Rachel White says. “We are all looking forward to celebrate this May and

Nigel has been a coach and mentor at Forman for many decades. In 1986, when he arrived at Forman, he had the opportunity to work in various departments at the School, but being a soccer coach has remained constant. He was named the Assistant Coach of the Year Award for Independent Schools by the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association in 2012. As a coach, Nigel was able to inspire his teams and promote a sense of comradery here at Forman. His commitment to the School, students, and athletics has made a world of difference to so many students. After Forman, Nigel plans on moving to New Hampshire to keep active in the education field.

seeing a lot of alumni back on campus.”

The Athletic Hall of Fame honors members of the Forman community who have made significant contributions to Forman Athletics through their accomplishments and dedication.

All Forman alumni are welcome to attend the Athletic Hall of Fame luncheon to celebrate their classmates being inducted.

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Kenneth Latham ’48 While attending Forman, Ken stood out in athletics. Whether on the slopes, at bat, or on the soccer field, Ken was a fierce competitor.

He currently is an active golfer at his country club, and looking forward to celebrating his 70th class reunion this year.

Inductees Announced Benjamin Quintana ’89 When describing Benjamin Quintana, Athletic Director Scotty McCarty ‘76 says, “Ben was a star athlete.

Phenomenal. He was untouchable.”

Ben dominated the soccer fields during his time at Forman with his exceptional skill. Captain of the varsity boys’ basketball and baseball team, Ben helped lead his teams to victory many times.

Carla McKay Lucey ’67 Carla excelled in athletics while attending Forman. She was the captain of the cheerleading squad and an avid tennis player. Carla also played field hockey where she was very effective on the field and a tough competitor.

David White ’71 While attending Forman, David participated in all aspects of team athletics at Forman and loved to hit the slopes in the winter (and still does!). However, it was on water skis where David was exceptional. He went on to set national records in water skiing and water ski jumping and continues to teach water skiing to kids today.

Julia Strobos ’02 Julia was honored as Female Athlete of the Year and won the Julie Ripley Forman Athletic Award in 2002. Julia was a competitive athlete and it was evident she had a passion for the sports she played.

Not only was she a team player, she understood the importance of school pride.

Doug Rosenblum ’93 Doug was an all-star athlete during his time at Forman. His unparalleled soccer ability was truly inspiring to watch. His coaches remember him standing out as an exceptional athlete and an asset to Forman’s athletic teams.

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G I V I N G

Your Place in Advancement A Forman education is a life-long privilege and an opportunity.

It is an experience of lasting impact for our students and their families.

I know that privilege extends to all of us who serve the educational goals of this School. Once I was a teacher, but now I make my educational impact in the management and funding of the operations. These recent years at Forman have been the most exciting in my educational career. The warmth and support of this community has transformed this campus and enhanced the student opportunities in the way all educators dream of.

I have written before about our new Visual and Performing Arts Center, Ingenuity Lab, Student Center and Music Building, dorms, faculty housing, and Science Center.

This is quite a list of recent accomplishments for a small school. It is also a list of “needs” and not “wants” to bask in the glow of. Forman is strategic and student-centered in all of its expenses. We never build or expand for reputation; we do it all for education.

I consistently hear from you, our community of supporters, what a privilege it is to donate for these transformative projects. Forman is still the caring empathetic educational community it has always been, but now these spaces add an inspirational element to the

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campus. Your support has raised over nine million dollars in recent years and we have taken a five-year “bridge loan” to cover the last five million dollars needed. Our Board secured it to “buy some time,” because of their faith in you and your generosity.

Our goal is close and I am asking you to contact me.

Help us retire this debt and strengthen our financial picture! Let our dollars go to scholarship and ongoing training for our faculty, not interest on a loan. Select a naming opportunity or just commit to the project. It starts with a conversation and ends in a partnership at a level of your comfort. We are blessed with a wide variety of donor levels and all gifts are welcome!

This is our first general public appeal for these capital projects, and I hope it is our last. Be our next supporter to give a room, a building, or a chair. I only ask that you be supportive. You are part of a rich heritage of philanthropy; help us pay our debt to the bank and to all of those students and families that preceded us in support of Forman. Add to your Forman legacy and take pride in the excellence that is Forman today.

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The Visual and Performing Arts Center contains a 300-seat theater and our goal is that every chair gets named, from a row to honor a teacher, or a single chair to honor a parent.

You can name a chair for only $200 and you too can be part of a multi-million dollar success.

Please reach out to learn about the opportunities available for your support and let me come by and update you on all things Forman. If you have ever considered what you could do for Forman, you are well on the road to adding to our success.

“Add to your Forman legacy and take pride in the excellence that is Forman today.�

Justin Solomon Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement 860.567.1896 justin.solomon@formanschool.org

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A L U M N U S

P R O F I L E

The Curious Case of the Jeweler in the Funeral Home Brian Liddy ’92

By John Hassan

It is an understatement to say that Brian Liddy is grateful for his time at Forman. “Forman taught me how to learn the way I learn,” says Liddy. “I’ve used the tools I acquired there ever since I left.”

Today, Liddy is the head jeweler at Merit Diamond Corporation in Hollywood, FL. He works on prototypes of designs before they go into production, produces master versions of designs, repairs settings, and works with quarter karat Sirena diamonds. And don’t call him from about August 15 to December every year. During that time, Liddy will produce over 4,000 pendants for Merit as well as custom pieces for various clients.

“I really love what I do,” says Liddy. “My job allows me to work at every stage of jewelry design and production, from casting to the finished product.”

So, Liddy found his dream job. But it wasn’t easy.

After high school, Liddy attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL, and studied mortuary science. His grandfather was in the funeral home business and Liddy was drawn to aspects of that profession. “Clearly I went from the darkness of mortuary science to the light of jewelry making,” says Liddy. “But they both require using your hands. The embalming process is very precise and technical. But ultimately, it wasn’t for me.”

After graduating college in 1999, Liddy took a job at the Nie Funeral Home in Ann Arbor, MI. One day in 2000, Liddy got the inspiration to build a crystal wand,

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Brian working on a ring in his studio

encrusted with gems and gold. (“Don’t ask me why.”) But he had no idea where or how to start.

“I learned at Forman to pursue things that attracted me, that I was curious about,” says Liddy. “And I was very curious about how to begin the process of working with gold, silver, diamonds, and jewels. Waking that desire and interest was a turning point.”

Ann Arbor was the home of a nationally-acclaimed jewelry maker, Matthew C. Hoffmann, and Liddy paid a visit to his store. Liddy was looking for advice.

“I asked him if I should take jewelry making classes at the University of Michigan,” says Liddy. “He said I could do that and learn how to make jewelry from books. Or I could come to work for him and learn how to do it firsthand. He offered me a job on the spot.”

Liddy left the funeral home and went to work for Hoffmann. He spent a year working with sapphires, peridots, yellow canary diamonds, and rubies. In addition to doing the various kinds of polishing, from pre-polishing to the final polish, Liddy worked on “lapping” which is getting flat surfaces on the jewelry and truing up the edges to get them ready for setting. “It was tremendous experience but it was a dirty, dirty job,” says Liddy. “My hands and fingernails were always dusty and filthy from the endless working and shaping of the jewels. But it was better than reading about it.”

One day, Liddy proposed a deal to Hoffmann. Liddy had found a one-week course on stone setting in Boca Raton. He asked Hoffman to pay for the course if Liddy could manage a good grade. “Self-advocacy is something I discovered at Forman,” he says. Liddy would cover his own traveling expenses. Hoffman agreed and soon Liddy had added more skills to his tool kit. He spent another two years with Hoffmann and learned how to solder metal, another foundational ability for a jewelry maker.

After three years, Liddy left Ann Arbor to attend The New Approach School for Jewelers in Virginia Beach, VA. Working under Blaine Lewis, Liddy discovered new ideas about stone-setting, casting, and soldering.

Armed with experience and skills, Liddy traveled in the American northwest for a few years as a bench jeweler, an artisan with varied talents that works on jewelry design and repair. After a stint in Hood River, OR, Liddy went to Salt Lake City, UT, and eventually opened his own business, Liddy Jewelry Designs, and also did custom work for a gallery. Then in 2011, Liddy made another connection that would change the course of his career.

“I was introduced to a man who ran a diamond business,” says Liddy. “Initially, I did not think much would come of it.

But soon, I was moving back to Florida.”

Custom ring made by Brian Liddy

“I found out at Forman that using your hands leads to creativity and helps the learning process.”

— Brian Liddy ’92

The diamond connection was a man named Abraham Kaplan, “Gagi” to his friends. Gagi needed a head jeweler and Liddy had the resume to fit the job.

Brian Liddy’s quirky, out-of-the-blue desire to build a crystal wand eleven years earlier had started him on a journey and an apprenticeship and led him to a wonderful job in a profession he truly loves.

“I found out at Forman that using your hands leads to creativity and helps the learning process,” says Liddy.

“I’m so happy to hear about all of the creative and visual arts offerings at Forman today. And in the arts, you learn to finish what you start and that’s a vital skill you can use your whole life.”

And whatever happened to that crystal wand that started it all?

“I have not completed that project quite yet,” says Liddy.”But I have developed the skills for it. And someday, yes, I will build a crystal wand.”

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CLASS NOTES

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S. Sherman Clark, Jr. _____________________________

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Michael N. Cohen Richard P. Barker msg463@msn.com _____________________________

T. Dennie Williams II retired from the Hartford Courant in 2005 where he was an Investigative News Reporter for many years, but still doing some freelance work. Now, full-time at Kilravock, where the Forman girls once boarded, Dennie and his wife, Ina, have operated a tennis club since 1980. They also rent six apartments at another Kilravock building. “The building survived the tragic, massive fire that burned down the historic and beautiful Kilravock Inn in late July 1976. That Scottish castle-type building was Julie Forman’s and Constance Williams’ (my mother) home when they were growing up along with their brothers, Dillon and Louis Ripley and being cared for by their wonderful mother, Constance Bailey Ripley.”

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Edward T. Marks Ted@AtwaterVineyards.com _____________________________

George K. Allison gallison70@gmail.com _____________________________

Carol E. Goepfert enjoyed the year she spent at Forman (1953-1954) very much and is grateful that the School helped her improve her spelling and reading skills. Carol is living in Ohio and an avid painter.

She paints landscapes and mountains and told us her latest painting was a windmill with a solar eclipse in the background. Carol also enjoys crossstitch and needlepoint.

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th reunion

Al “Ace” Body skibumal43@gmail.com _____________________________

Al “Ace” Body is retired and living in Chagrin Falls, OH, a small town just about 30 miles Southeast of Cleveland.

His wife, Joyce, passed away in 2004, but his three wonderful kids keep him very busy. Ace keeps active and tries to ride his bicycle 16-25 miles per

STAY CON N ECTED 32

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Eric D. Murray ericdmu@netzero.com _____________________________

Les Steele is a Real Estate Broker in Avon, CT. Les visited campus this past fall and is looking forward to getting in touch with classmates in hopes of forming a large multi-year class reunion.

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day, one to two times a week, in the warmer weather to keep in shape. He enjoys riding the local “Rails to Trails,” however he is fortunate to ride the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Erie Canal Towpath Trail all the time. Ace would love to hear from all of his 1963 classmates and is looking forward to seeing them at the 2018 reunion this May. He would love for his class to get in touch with him at skibumal43@gmail.com or call 216.832.2084.

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Sara L. Fleiss sallyfl47@pubgames.com Jeffrey T. Whipple _____________________________

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Bartow Curtis, Jr. bart_curtis65@yahoo.com Debora Gould Petersen Hugs38@aol.com _____________________________

Sally Taylor has enjoyed spending a lot of time with her family. Her son, Kevin, got married this year and Sally is thrilled to have a new daughter-in-

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law, Danielle. Sally had a wonderful vacation with her daughter, Kristen, and granddaughter, Sierra (2.5), on the cape this past summer while Kristen’s husband, Andy, had to work. The three loved exploring the beach and playing in the sand together.

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Carla McKay Lucey CMCKLU@gmail.com _____________________________

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Nancy Walton Marikar _____________________________

Mitchell Block was a visiting professor at USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China presenting workshops about feature, short, and documentary film production in November. The workshop looked at producing series and news for cable and television and featured Oscar and Emmy winner, Chris Donahue, and multi-Oscar and Emmy nominated filmmaker, Jon Singleton. Block produced the Academy Award winning documentary, Big Mama, and the Academy Award-nominated documentary, Poster Girl; both were for HBO. His most recently produced documentary films look at America’s involvement in world’s fairs, Face of a Nation, and women survivors of the Russian Gulag, Women of the Gulag.

They both were screened for the first time in Washington, DC in November.

Mitchell Block ’68 (center) Part of ICCI delegation in Shandong, China

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Davis A. Dewey davisdeweysr@gmail.com Scott M. Sutherland jms208@aol.com _____________________________

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Susan Spadone Holmes _____________________________

Debra Pardridge St. Jacques sends her love to everyone at Forman and can’t wait to return to see the new arts center. She writes, “I loved Forman when I was there but I wish I could go back now for the amazing new arts that are offered.”

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Craig J. Hanson craigjhanson@yahoo.com Andrew Krens, Jr. drew_krens@yahoo.com _____________________________

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David E. Swift not_too@hotmail.com _____________________________

Priscilla Bishop Henry thinks of Forman often. She retired a couple of years ago and moved back to Monterey with her husband, Reginald. Their children and grandchildren live all over the world: NYC and Sydney, Australia. Priscilla misses hearing from Forman friends and would love to reconnect. Her email is prhenry15@gmail.com.

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Joan G. Bielizna joanrealtor@snet.net _____________________________

Matthew L. LaFlamme matt_laflamme@msn.com _____________________________

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Paula Nichols-Dille _____________________________

Andrew Y. Covert andrewycovert@gmail.com _____________________________

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Diana Curtis Price Dcprice2000@aol.com _____________________________

Kendra R. Van Pelt sassyk105@gmail.com _____________________________

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_____________________________

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Gardiner S. Mulford gardiner@mulfordrealty.com _____________________________

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Peter M. Ahfeld pahfeld@gmail.com

Nancy Robinson Swift nancysunnyswift@yahoo.com _____________________________

Peter G. M. Roberts pgmroberts@hotmail.com

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Christopher D. Gaynor cdgaynor@gmail.com

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Hilary L. Taylor Hilzo@aol.com _____________________________

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out to rally his classmates about attending the upcoming Alumni Weekend this spring.

Christopher Gaynor has been in the construction business for 16 years.

His specialties are new construction, historic restoration, and renovation.

He has worked on projects in Quogue, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, Shelter Island, and East Hampton. Chris, a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, is an active member in his community volunteering with the Southampton Fire Department and a member of local Fraternal organizations. As a fourth generation Southampton resident, he is concerned about preserving the Historic East End while modernizing homes for both efficiency and comfort. Chris is a family man and animal lover, living in Southampton with his wife, Becky, daughter Carla, and two dogs, Teddy and Ginger. Don’t be surprised if you hear from Chris. He will be reaching

Simon Jacobsen is a founding partner of the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Jacobsen Architecture, LLC with his father, Hugh Newell Jacobsen. Simon’s work is widely published in print and television such as The Wall Street Journal, Casa VOGUE, HGTV’s Extreme Homes, Architectural Digest, The Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, DC Modern Luxury, Home & Design, Design Bureau Magazine, HGTV, Entra Magazine and many online publications and blogs. Simon lives in Georgetown, Washington, DC with his wife, Ruth, and two children, Gigi Jacobsen (15) and Hughie Jacobsen (10).

Simon Jacobsen ’84 has received many awards for his work in Architecture and design.

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Jennie Alexandre Bono jenniebono@gmail.com William L. Freeman freeman.will@gmail.com _____________________________

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Lisa Richardson Palmer larfal@aol.com _____________________________

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Holly Jones Weisenburger holly@theweisenburgers.com _____________________________

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Neesha Nicks Allen _____________________________

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Sean P. Maguire smaguire21@verizon.net Curt F. Pfannenstiehl curtphan@baystate.edu W. David Thorn, Jr. dthorn30@yahoo.com _____________________________

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20 years. This August, he has the option to retire, but can stay on for another year if he chooses. Once he officially retires, Tim plans to move to Florida where he can enter the next phase of his life and pursue his passion of flying planes. Tim is an active alumnus and participated in the Alumni Hockey Game this past January with his son, Hunter.

and Performing Arts Center is a great addition to campus.

Christine Chamides Korde has been visiting campus a lot this school year. She currently has a freshman enrolled. Reid ’21 is loving Forman and had a role in the inaugural theater production of Alice in Wonderland.

Christine has another son, Joey (11), who likes to visit his brother at school and maybe wants to attend one day.

Christine is currently teaching in a private school in New Jersey for 2E (twice exceptional) kids. She says that the Forman campus is still as beautiful as she remembers and loves all of the new buildings and opportunities that Forman now offers. The new Visual

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Timothy McAlpin has been a dedicated State Trooper with the Litchfield State Police, Troop L, for

Scott Epp heads a family owned Property Management Company in San Francisco, CA. He is happily married with two children. A 14 yearold son and three year-old daughter.

Scott is looking forward to attending Alumni Weekend this May and seeing many of his classmates and friends!

Jennifer Winkler Balzi jenrwink@gmail.com Karine Opdyke Lawrence karinelawrence@yahoo.com _____________________________

Patrick Noone has been working in the entertainment industry on lighting and staging. This past summer, Patrick worked with Lady Gaga and Pink Floyd.

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Amy Owen Stettner aostett@hotmail.com Rob P. Tarantino Rob_Tarantino@ML.com Jenny Virgopia _____________________________

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Kenneth I. Deane kenneth.deane@gmail.com Gilah E. Gersten gilahg@gmail.com _____________________________ Tim McAlpin ’89 and his son, Hunter, at the Alumni Hockey Game this past January

Reid Korde ’21 gives little brother, Joey, a tour of the Alice in Wonderland set

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Christopher D. Kellogg Brooke H. Labriola bhlabriola@gmail.com Drew S. Weinstein weinstein.drew@gmail.com _____________________________

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Christina E. Bodine-Aysseh ChristinaBodine@msn.com Allison Herron Gsell allison_herron@hotmail.com Elizabeth G. Thomas lizgthomas@yahoo.com _____________________________

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Marikay Geib marikaygeib212@msn.com Lauren Cuticelli Patton lauren@cuticelli.com Tyler Renn tylerrenn@rennwealth.com _____________________________

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Susan A. Schonfeld suzy195954@aol.com _____________________________

James Edmund Carpenter II is an author who has published several spiritual books. He wrote to us about

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Elizabeth Hanway Johnson ehjohnson100@gmail.com Jessica Davis Raitz jessica.raitz@gmail.com _____________________________

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Elizabeth A. Monroe lizmonroe@comcast.net Kevin T. Smallwood smallwkt@gmail.com _____________________________

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Laura J. Goodkind ljgoodkind@msn.com Katie John Blume john.katie@gmail.com _____________________________

Katie John Blume and husband, Christian, welcomed their first child last year, Stanley Lawrence Blume, on July 17, 2017.

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Jesse J. E. Resnick jesse.res@gmail.com _____________________________

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Matthew A. Bonzagni mattbonzagni232@charter.net

Abbie Graham Durkin abbiedurkin@gmail.com _____________________________

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his experience at Forman and how it helped ignite his love for writing.

“Thank you to all the great teachers at Forman. The ‘disabilities’ we are said to have, are truly abilities once seen as such and enabled in the proper direction. Forman teachers recognize this. Thank you to all of Forman friends, teachers and staff, past and present. You’ve all made the world a better place and have done amazing things for so many, including myself.”

Leith T. Sharp leithal29@gmail.com _____________________________

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Mark M. Roscio gradywhaler@gmail.com _____________________________

Katie Blume’s son, Stanley Lawrence Blume, gives the camera a big smile.

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Pearse P. Matthews pmatthews@hillhooks.org Cyril P. Thorton thorntcp@gmail.com _____________________________

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graduate school for spring/summer 2018! Shannon says, “It’s also been great meeting up with Parker Beard ’07 for various hiking paths around the Raleigh and Durham area, as well as visiting Laura Kruczek Bragg ’07 and her family for a long weekend in Virginia Beach this past summer.”

Ian C. Hayward ianhayward88@gmail.com Charles A. Phillips cphillips1836@aol.com _____________________________

After graduating from Forman, Olivia Hanson moved to NYC and recently celebrated her 10th year of living there. However, two years ago she felt the itch to be around more trees (something NYC sadly lacks). After loads of planning, she’ll be hiking the Appalachian Trail this May! Olivia plans to hike all 2,181 miles for Cancer Research in honor of all her family and friends affected by cancer, including her mother whose strength while overcoming breast cancer has been inspirational!

For more information on Olivia’s journey and to read the full story, check out her Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/ OliviaHikesTheAppalachianTrail/

Parker Beard ’07 pictured outside of the Durham Convention Center during the holidays

Durham has been great, and I want to continue to grow as a Supervisor at the Durham Convention Center!

Something he always keeps in mind is, “Don’t ever let someone tell you that can’t do something.” He is very grateful for where he is in life and knows results will come if you work hard.

Katie (Halloran) Gacek ’07 and Michael Gacek were married on August 4 in Harwichport, MA.

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Parker Beard pwsb87@sbcglobal.net Audrey Stout Micca micca.audrey@gmail.com _____________________________

Parker Beard is living in North Carolina and working at the Durham Convention Center as an Operations Supervisor. Parker tells us, “Each year, my experience here has grown! Life in

08

10

th reunion

Hannah Dodd Morton hmorton1008@gmail.com _____________________________

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Justin W. DeCausey justindecausey@gmail.com Candice R. Earlington wacky_candy@hotmail.com Kelly Solk ksolk90@gmail.com _____________________________

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Cameron S. Billik csbillik@gmail.com Gretchen G. Conyers gretchc23@gmail.com

Shannon W. Hallenbeck shannon.hallenbeck@gmail.com Kenneth P. Reid pwsb87@sbcglobal.net

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Katie (Halloran) Gacek ’07 and Michael Gacek with her brother, Kyle Halloran ’05 (L), and his wife, Amanda (R)

This past year, Shannon Hallenbeck bid farewell to Bright Horizons Family Solutions in Raleigh, NC, where he had been working for three years, after receiving a job offer as a Two’s Teacher at Heather Park Child Development Center in Garner, NC. He also moved to a new house, and has been in the process of applying for

Dayne J. Price dayneprice@gmail.com _____________________________

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Rachel C. Hafer rcatharinee@gmail.com Nicholas V. Manzella nv.manzella@gmail.com Michael D. Satalic msatalic@saic.edu _____________________________

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Lauren A. Morrow lauren.morrow1993@gmail.com Shelby L. Pierce shelby.pierce93@gmail.com Daniel S. Sotherland dsslandscaping@comcast.net _____________________________

Connor Clancy joined the Forman Admissions team last April as an Admissions Counselor. He travels to educational events across the country representing Forman. Connor also coaches hockey and lacrosse and absolutely loves being back on campus connecting students and alumni.

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Natalie R. Canterbury nataliecanterbury386@yahoo.com Grant A. Oslan grant.oslan@comcast.net Jacob H. Sussman jacob.sussman33@gmail.com Coleman C. Walker colewalker1@me.com _____________________________

Madeline Funk “Doodle” ran in the Staten Island Half Marathon. She also interned for the New York Road Runners and met Kathrine Switzer.

Katherine was the first woman to run a marathon and helped change the history of women’s athletics. Doodle currently lives in New York City.

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Emily Cross emilycross9@gmail.com David N. Shaw davidshaw1213@gmail.com Dominic L. Weir domweir@gmail.com _____________________________

Connor Clancey ’12 attending our Parents’ Weekend reception

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David R. Buckley davidb21@gmail.com Francis R. Fiore fiorefr@mx.lakeforest.edu

Doodle Funk ’12 pictured with Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run a marathon

alumni weekend SAVE THE DATE!

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Mark A. Malburg mmalburg@elon.edu _____________________________

Forman School Welcomes Alumni Back to Campus to Celebrate Reunion!

MAY 4-6, 2018

Emily Cross is in her junior year at Maryland Institute College of Art and is majoring in architecture with a minor in fine arts paining.

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Allison C. Herdje aherdje@gmail.com Davis W. Ebbert davisebbert@yahoo.com Lacey O. McCaw lmccaw03@gmail.com _____________________________

Davis Ebbert is a sophomore at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. He’s been in the Air Force ROTC for two years and this semester has received two recognitions. The academic excellence ribbon (earned by the top 10% of the unit based on GPA), and the physical fitness ribbon

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(earned by the top 15% of the unit for top scores on the physical fitness tests and leadership within each workout).

Davis is also pursuing his next pilot rating. He will be speaking at Forman’s Parents’ Weekend in April.

Summer ’14, is currently in her second year at Fairfield University School of Nursing. In addition, Caroline returned to serve as an alumni staff member at Forman Summer 2016 and 2017. Throughout her Forman journey, Caroline worked hard to build her skills, strategies, and confidence, and is succeeding in her goal of becoming a nurse.

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Parker Broadnax parkerbroadnax@gmail.com Mee Mee B. Filan filanmeemee@gmail.com Davis Ebbert ’16 (middle) with two cadets at Samford University in Alabama

Ellie Kaplan is doing well at Wheaton College in Norton, MA and became an RA this year.

Emma M. Forrester emma.forrester@me.com _____________________________

Parker Broadnax has finished up his first semester at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. It was difficult work but he is enjoying it and thriving.

FACULTY NOTES --------------------------

Tyler Christie and his wife, Sahsha, welcomed their first child together, Logan Harrison on November 28, 2017.

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Alumni Class Agents Needed Do you have contact with many of your classmates from Forman?

Do you enjoy reaching out to your friends to find out what is new?

If so, you may be an ideal Class Agent for Forman! Class Agents are needed for the following classes: 1952 1953 1955 1956

1957 1958 1959 1977

1978 1979 1992

If you are interested in reaching out to your classmates and collecting Class Notes, please contact Rachel White in the Alumni Office at rachel.white@formanschool.org.

Be sure to include your full name, class year, mailing address, email address, and telephone number(s).

Don and Stephanie Levinsky were married on September 29, 2017 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Waterbury, CT.

Ellie Kaplan ran into faculty member, Jane Benson, by sheer coincidence at an airport over Thanksgiving break

Caroline Herdje, an alumna of both Forman School ’16 and Forman

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I N

M E M O R I A M

IN MEMORIAM --------------------------

Alden Besse ’43, of Vineyard Haven, died on December 13, 2017, at Long Hill of Edgartown, MA. Adlen and his brothers, known as the “Besse Boys,” were avid sailing competitors on Martha’s Vineyard, where they summered as children.

Alden spent his formative years at Forman School and Brooks School before attending and graduating from Harvard with a B.A. degree in 1948.

He felt called to the ministry, and received his master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in 1951. After his ordination to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, Alden continued his life of service in Annapolis, MD., as curate at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church. He first served as rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Altoona, PA, starting in 1957, the same year he married his beloved wife, Barbara Ham, of Arlington, VA. In 1963, Alden, his wife and their two children moved to serve as rector of St. Michael’s and All Angels Church in Rumford, RI. Alden always incorporated peace, justice, and reconciliation in all of his outreach.

Barbara and Alden retired to their beloved Martha’s Vineyard in 1990, where Alden became actively involved in Vineyard life. Alden was well known around Vineyard and he will be truly missed. He is survived by his wife of 60 years and their children: Linda Besse, Mark Alden Besse, Ellen Besse Susman, grandchildren, and many other family members.

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Alexander Farnham ’44 passed away June 5, 2017 at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandson Alexander served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a member of the armed guard and an illustrator for naval publications. When he returned from the war, he continued his education at the Art Students League and later married Barbara Jean Kes, a fellow artist. Alexander and Barbara had four daughters, Barbara, Susan, Vivian, and Alexandra. As committed as he was to his painting, his family came first and foremost. Alexander’s spare time was filled with long walks, sled rides, and swimming in the pool with his daughters. His love of family spread to his grandchildren and great grandchild as he exposed them to a world of excitement and good old fashion outdoor fun.

Alexander received hundreds of prestigious awards for his paintings. In 1976, he was one of thirteen leading American artists commissioned by the Franklin Mint to design pewter plates commemorating the American Revolution. His plate was a depiction of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. To see his work, please visit www.farnhamstudio.com and search “Alexander Farnham Luxury Bazaar” on Youtube.

Alexander is survived by his wife, Barbara Farnham, his sister, Susan Ford, his daughters, Barbara Farnham Paradise, Susan Farnham, Vivian Farnham Rice, Alexandra Farnham, ten grandchildren, and a great grandson.

Jo Anne Wood ’54 passed away this past June. She had 63 happily married years to her husband, Theodore.

Paul Bishins ’63, 72, passed away peacefully October 25, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Rona (Perkins) Bishins; they were married for 34 years. He was born in Oakland, CA, the son of Harold and Erika (Wasserman) Bishins. He will be remembered as a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, and friend.

Paul was a successful real estate developer. He also was a fun-loving and outgoing person who loved to socialize and always lit up the room.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and boating.

Carrington Beach Day ’61 passed away on April 20th after a brief illness.

George Allison ’61 At press time, we were saddened to learn of the passing of former faculty member and administrator George Allison ’61. His family is planning a memorial service for sometime this spring. We will post more details regarding the service on the Forman School Alumni Facebook page as they become available.

JULY 2 – JULY 27, 2018 Coed • Boarding & Day • Grades 7-11 The Forman School Summer Program is a four-week, coed boarding and day camp for bright students who learn differently entering grades 7-11. Students attend individualized classes, where they discover their learning styles, self-advocacy, research-proven strategies, and executive function skills. Afternoon activities include jewelry making, boat building, athletics, ropes course, theater, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

For more information, please visit formanschool.org/summer or email admission@formanschool.org.

Forman School 12 Norfolk Road P.O. Box 80 Litchfield, CT 06759-0080 Change Service Requested

The Alumni Hockey Game was held Sunday, January 7, 2018.

The alumni team, which consisted of Forman graduates, faculty, and staff were consistent and strong against the current Varsity Hockey team. It was a close game, but ultimately the students won 7-5. Great turnout and a great game!

IMPORTANT DATES Spring Parents’ Weekend April 26-28, 2018

Commencement May 26, 2018

Alumni Weekend May 4-6, 2018

Summer Program July 2-27, 2018

Printed on recycled paper.