AM news fall `04 G - Norwich Free Academy

PROVIDING
OPPORTUNITIES...
PREPARING
LIVES
“Brand” New Beginnings
Recent Grads Return To Offer Advice
Reunion News
Slater Museum Update
Spring 2011
Volume 21
Number 1
The Alma Matters is published up
to two times per year for alumni,
parents and friends.
The Norwich Free Academy
305 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
Tel: (860) 887-2505
Fax: (860) 889-4363
Editor:
Linda Clang Ververis ’78
Copy Editor:
Kristen Fossum
Photographers:
NFA Staff, Contributed
Design:
Lavender Design
Printer:
AM Lithography Corporation
The Norwich Free Academy
Board of Trustees
David Whitehead ’78, Chairman
Theodore Phillips ’74, Vice Chairman
Thomas Griffin ’70, Secretary
Lee-Ann Gomes ’82, Treasurer
Steven Bokoff ’72
Jeremy Booty ’74
Glenn Carberry ’72
Richard DesRoches
Thomas Hammond ’75
Robert Staley ’68
Sarette Williams ’78
Alumni Association Board of Directors
John Mathieu ’70, President
Thomas Neilan ’85, Vice President
Gale Eccleston Ennis ’78,
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeffrey Blinderman ’82
Gregory Brown ’01
Olive Buddington ’43
Timothy Cummings ’66
Nancy Delorge Farnsworth ’69
Concetta Colonna Franchetti ’78
Ethel Moshier Handley ’60
Eileen Kavanaugh Kalla ’81
Stacy Koehler ’97
Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63
The Norwich Free Academy does not discriminate in
its educational programs, services or employment on
the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin,
color, handicapping condition, age, martial status or
sexual orientation. This is in accordance with Title
VI, Title VII , Title IX and other civil rights or
discrimination issues; Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991.
Table of Contents
Page
4
A Message from the Alumni Association
Page
5
NFA Alumni Association
Board of Directors Volunteer Application
Pages
6-7
Page
8
“Brand” New Beginnings
Page
9
Student Profile – Chad Potter
Pages
10-11
Slater Museum – Re-installation and
Cast Conservation Update
Pages
12-13
The Atrium: Behind the Scenes
Pages
14-19
Reunion News
Calling All NFA Alumni
Pages
20-25
Class Notes
Pages
24-25
Memorabilia Order Form
Page
26
E-Mail Alert
Page
27
Momentous Occasions
Pages
28-29
Page
30
Recent Grads Return & Offer Advice
Page
31
Save The Date - Homecoming 2011
Back Cover
NEW
BOARD MEMBERS
ELECTED
Faculty Profile – Alysha Zaneski Carmody
Deceased
In Memorium
Coming Soon...
Endless Opportunities
Visit our website at www.norwichfreeacademy.com
Please join the Alumni
Association Board of
Directors in welcoming
new board members
Olive Buddington ’43 (left)
and Concetta Colonna
Franchetti ’78 (right),
who were elected at
the Association’s annual
meeting on November 13.
We are also pleased to
announce the election of
Vice President Tom Neilan
’85 and the re-election of
President John Mathieu ’70
and Secretary/Treasurer
Gale Eccelston Ennis ’78.
The Association extends
heartfelt appreciation to
retiring board members
Beverly Freaner Goulet ’61
and Peter Ballaro ’66, for
their hard work and
contributions during their
6 years on the Board.
A message from the
Alumni Association
Dear Fellow Alumni:
It has been a long, tough winter in Connecticut and many others areas of the country, and I
know that I am not alone in looking forward to the summer months ahead. As winter marches
on with storm after storm, meeting cancellations and school closures, there is still plenty going
on here at the Academy.
The Alumni Board of Directors is hard at work on the Association’s Annual Jubilee Reunion
for the classes of 1926 – 1951, which will take place on July 16, 2011. Last year’s event, which
reunited our Gold and Silver Jubilee classes at the Holiday Inn, was a big hit, and I have no
doubt that this year’s reunion will be another great affair.
Many other classes will hold their individual class reunions this year as well. Reunions offer a
great opportunity, for alumni who are able, to return to Norwich and reconnect with their
classmates. If you graduated in a year ending in -1 or -6, please see page 18 for reunion dates.
Any questions regarding upcoming reunions may be directed to Alumni Director Linda
Ververis at 860-425-5542 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Even though the snow still flies, NFA seniors look forward to graduation, scheduled for
June 17, 2011. While graduation marks a special time for the Class of 2011, it also offers the
Class of 1961 the wonderful opportunity to return to campus and take part in
Commencement as a part of their 50th reunion weekend activities. This event is special for
both the graduating seniors and for those who graduated 50 years ago!
As young alumni graduate college, marry or venture out on their own, many have moved from
their parents’ homes without updating their addresses with the Alumni Office. Parents, if you
continue to receive your child’s NFA mail, please contact the Alumni Office with his/her current
contact information. This will assist the office with event planning and ensure that your child
does not miss out on receiving invitations and other mailings (like the Alma Matters!).
We are so grateful to our wonderful corps of alumni volunteers for their dedication to our
Alma Mater. If you would like to become a part of this dynamic group, the Alumni Board of
Directors invites you to get involved. Complete a volunteer application or contact Linda
Ververis, Director of Alumni Relations, at 860-425-5542 for more information. Come, and be
part of the fun!
Sincerely,
John J. Mathieu ’70
President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
4
NFA Alumni Association
Board of Directors Volunteer Application
Alumni Board of Directors Volunteer
The Association is an organization that provides leadership to the alumni body and the Academy. Members and volunteers of
the Board represent a range of class years and professions and are active members of their communities. Board members and
volunteers promote the Academy and lead alumni in project development and special events.
Member representation
Board members and volunteers represent Alumni in relation to the mission, programs and activities of the Academy.
They are encouraged to be active participants in alumni functions and programs.
Name
First
Maiden
Last
Email Address
Class Year
Phone Number
Do you have experience sitting on other boards?
If so, what other boards do you currently sit on?
If you do have experience on a board, what committees have you participated in? Have you participated in any other special
board activities besides board meetings?
What special skills would you bring to this board?
Why do you want to volunteer on this board?
Signature
Our board meets every other month throughout the school year for approximately 1 hour. Many committees meet monthly
for approximately 1 hour. In addition, there are various events throughout the year that you will be required to attend. We are
looking for members who are able to commit this amount of time to meetings and other work necessary for this organization.
Please mail or fax your application to:
The Norwich Free Academy • 305 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360 • Fax: 860-889-4363
The Alumni Association appreciates your interest in the Board of Directors
5
Faculty Profile
“NFA has
always been a
wonderful
school, with so
many class
offerings, great
athletic teams,
and a club for
everyone on
campus. But,
while NFA is a
great school, a
goal of mine is
to continue to
make it better.”
– Alysha Carmody
Alysha Zaneski Carmody
Class of 2000
Technology and the Internet have transformed the graphic
design industry, requiring new knowledge and technical
skills. Through teaching and technology, art teacher Alysha
Carmody motivates her students to develop skills in
conceptual and critical thinking as they learn to design clear
and effective communications. A 2000 graduate of NFA’s
Fine Arts program, Alysha graduated from Townsend
University with a BFA in graphic design and worked in the
field for several years before becoming an educator.
Alysha had not originally planned to pursue the arts when
she stepped onto the NFA campus as a freshman. It wasn’t
until her sophomore year, when she took a clay class with
teachers Kathryn Algiere and Kathy Brandon, that she
realized her passion for fine art. Prior to her junior year, she
applied to the Norwich Art School and was thrilled when
she was accepted into NFA’s Fine Arts program.
Alysha credits each of her art teachers at NFA for steering
her towards a career in the field. She says that they were all
amazing, with different strengths, and pushed her in different ways – all while encouraging her
along the way. “To be working beside so many of them now is incredible,” she says.
Although it took her a little while to realize, teaching came to Alysha naturally. Both her parents are
educators. Her mother, Laurie Zaneski, was a longtime physical education teacher at the Academy
and is now the Assistant Principal at East Lyme High School, while her dad, Peter, is a technology
teacher at New London High School.
After working as a professional graphic designer for a few years, Alysha came to the realization that
she wanted to do something more. She decided to apply for, and was accepted into, the Connecticut
Alternate Route to Teacher Certification (ARC) program. An intensive program administered by
the Connecticut Department of Higher Education, ARC is an authorized teacher preparation
program created in 1988 to attract career adults into the teaching profession. In addition to
possessing field experience, all ARC participants are required to perform five weeks of student
teaching. Alysha was fortunate to secure a student teaching position at NFA, working with Melody
Knight Leary ’68, former Head of the Art Department. Upon successful completion of the ARC
program, Alysha applied for and secured a teaching position at the Academy in the fall of 2007.
One of Alysha’s most popular and successful classes, Community Design, was the outgrowth of a
discussion with Melody Leary during her student teaching assignment. The class, which has grown
6
CLASSES ALYSHA TEACHES AT NFA
Advanced Graphic Design & Digital Imaging
tremendously since its inception in 2007,
gives students the opportunity to work
with real-world clients from the local
area to create design pieces that fit their
needs. Alysha proudly notes that a design
by one of her students, Leoness Leon ’11,
served as the inspiration for the cover
design of The Eternal Struggle, a book
recently published by NFA social studies
teacher Jim Rourke. The class welcomes
inquiries from the public regarding
projects with which they may become
involved; the only cost to clients is
material fees.
Now that Alysha is a teacher at NFA, she
recognizes the hard work and effort that
is required for teachers to make
connections with and provide a high
quality of education to today’s students.
“Being a faculty member I now see –
although it was seamless when I was a
student – the involvement of faculty
members with special education students
and English language learners,” she says.
“NFA has always been a wonderful
school, with so many class offerings,
great athletic teams, and a club for
everyone on campus. But, while NFA is
a great school, a goal of mine is to
continue to make it better.”
Since becoming a faculty member,
Alysha has completed her master’s
degree in Educational Technology at
Eastern Connecticut State University
and is now working towards her 6th Year
Certificate of Advanced Study in
Administration, with an anticipated
completion date of May 2012. She
resides in eastern Connecticut with her
husband, Cornelius, a Norwich Police
Officer, and their son CJ. They expect
their second child in July 2011.
Advanced-level students continue to develop skills using
Adobe programs (PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign) and
strengthen their creative skills while producing individual
thesis projects as well as class assignments.
Animation & Web Layout
Students continue to develop skills using Adobe programs
(PhotoShop, Illustrator, Flash, Fireworks, Dreamweaver),
focusing on short animations and basic web layouts.
Projects are created both manually and by computer
generation.
Community Design
Provides students with both school and community links,
as creative skills are used to produce visual projects such
as posters, fliers, logos, murals, etc. for various clients with
specific art-related needs. Students develop interpersonal,
social, and verbal communication skills as they work with
a client for a specific outcome.
Digital Imaging 2
Students continue to strengthen skills and expand their
knowledge of the process of producing images that are
computer generated and enhanced through the use of
digital photography, PhotoShop, InDesign, Illustrator, and
PowerPoint.
Graphic Design 1
Students are introduced to basic design development
using computers as well as traditional art materials.
The course is designed to prepare the student for the
demands of a graphic designer using PhotoShop,
Illustrator, and PowerPoint and the skills needed in the
field of visual communication.
Graphic Design 2
Students continue to develop skills using basic design
principles and color theory to create projects such as
posters, photographic imaging, invitations, text, etc. using
PowerPoint, PhotoShop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Metal & Jewelry
Basic metalworking techniques and design concepts for
copper, brass, nickel, and sterling are presented. Sawing,
filing, soldering, shaping, cold connecting, and finishing
are covered.
7
“Brand”
New
Beginnings!
Samples of NFA’s new identity system: on letterhead, envelope and business card
In 2008 the Norwich Free Academy’s
Board of Trustees adopted a strategic
vision, the NFA 2020, to help guide
school leaders as they plan for NFA’s
future. For the past year, a committee
established under the NFA 2020’s “Pillar
4” has been working with members of
the Board of Trustees and GDA Integrated Services to help NFA define a
strategic marketing initiative, improve
written and visual identity, and develop a
well-considered communications plan.
While this is a gradual process that will
take a couple of years to complete, two
major components are due to be implemented during this academic year: an
updated visual identity and a new website.
As we begin a new decade, the Academy
is proud to be counted among the
leading schools in New England.
One way to protect and enhance
NFA’s reputation is through thoughtful
promotion of our institutional identity.
After careful consideration over the
last several months, the Academy’s
administration has approved a new
visual identity that maintains the school’s
collective appreciation for tradition while
embracing a clean, modern and inviting
look. Consistent use of this new identity
along with our new tagline, “Providing
Opportunities... Preparing Lives,” is an
important first step in a campus-wide
effort to present a clear, unified portrayal
of The Norwich Free Academy.
8
The Academy’s website is a primary tool for communicating to all
constituencies, including current and prospective parents and students,
alumni and the community at large. Over the summer, The Norwich
Free Academy contracted with finalsite, an international website
design, development and hosting firm based in East Hartford, to create
a dynamic new website for the school. NFA and finalsite are presently
in the design phase, and great care is being taken to ensure that the
design accurately reflects the character of NFA and that all aspects of
the site are user-friendly and easily navigable. The new website is
anticipated to launch this spring.
We look forward to sharing new elements with you as they are
developed and hope you will join us in embracing our “new look” with
pride and enthusiasm.
Student Profile
“Life requires
one to interact
with others,
and NFA is a
perfect place
to inherit
this ability.”
– Chad Potter
Chad Potter, Class of 2011
Senior Chad Potter has taken full advantage of the
opportunities that NFA has provided him and, during his
high school career, he has used these experiences to
become an exemplary member of the community – both
on and off campus.
Chad has been a member of NFA’s student organization,
Project Outreach, since his freshman year and, over the
past 3½ years, has worked his way up to become a leader
among his peers. Now a Coordinator for Project O, he has
learned the importance of giving back to the community,
and he is ready to provide whatever assistance is needed
when called upon. “Having the opportunity to work
within the Norwich community is what I love most about Project O,” he says. Through the club
he has volunteered at Norwichtown Rehabilitation Center, playing games and working on craft
projects with residents; has worked at the local soup kitchen, providing meals for those less
fortunate; and has been involved with several programs coordinated through the Academy and the
Norwich Public School system.
NFA’s rich and diverse atmosphere has also provided Chad with many on-campus experiences that
have not only contributed to his education, but have helped shape his character. As a former
member of the Student Advisory Board and a member of both the cross-country and volleyball
teams, he has had the opportunity to connect with peers from varied backgrounds. “This
environment allows me to be open to new ideas and challenge my own,” asserts Chad. “Life
requires one to interact with others, and NFA is a perfect place to inherit this ability.”
Intent on being a well-rounded student, Chad places as much focus on academics as he does on
his work within the community, and he is thankful for the experienced, supportive faculty that he
has worked with at the Academy. “We have faculty members who love to pass on their knowledge
to their students,” says Chad. “Without this dedication from the teachers and the standards they
set, I would not have been able to accomplish what I set out to do in my NFA career.”
He is also grateful for the wide range of curriculum offerings that NFA provides. “Prior to
attending NFA, I did not take interest in art, but NFA introduced me to metalworking,” Chad
states. “My teacher, Mr. Daniel Charron ’71, was able to make me attempt something new that,
through a lack of confidence, I was unable to make on my own. He taught me how to express
myself, be creative and take a chance through metalworking. These skills don’t only apply to art; they
will be carried with me throughout my life. I will always be grateful for the confidence that he taught
me to find within myself.”
After he graduates in June, Chad looks forward to attending the University of New Haven, where
he plans to study either Forensics or Criminal Justice. Equipped with confidence and
determination, along with a multifaceted NFA education, it is certain he will be a success throughout his college career and in life beyond.
9
To coincide with the re-opening
of the Slater Memorial Museum,
a temporary exhibition of work by
alumni artists is planned. If you are
Slater Museum
a working artist and would like to
receive the call to artists for this
exciting exhibition, please call
the Alumni Office event line at
860-425-5546 and leave your
name, graduation year, address,
phone number and email address.
The current closure of the Slater Museum,
coupled with the immense amount of insidious
dust produced by the construction, has provided
an opportunity for museum staff to bolster and
clean the cast collection. Recently, Robert and
Michael Shure of Caproni Studios spent a day
reinforcing the casts of the centaurs from the
Western Pediment of the Parthenon. As is so often the
case with older equines, their bellies had begun to
sag, which caused vertical, circular cracks. Luckily
the wall immediately behind them formed the
perfect support for additional bracing.
A comprehensive cleaning of Slater’s casts has not
been performed since the 1970’s, when thenMuseum Director Joe Gualtieri ’37, oversaw a
group of teachers on summer break to re-patinate
the casts. A recent interview with Mr. Gualtieri
indicates that the decision was made to paint the
casts at that time because they were very dirty. He
recalls that a color system was implemented to
differentiate the styles – yellow ochre was applied
to the Greek statuary and grey to the Roman. The
water-based paint was brushed on and then wiped
with rags to give it the look of antique stone.
Years of occasional roof leakage and the combination of high heat and humidity with settling dust
bonded the dirt to, in particular, the horizontal
surfaces of the casts. Add to that the areas
reachable and attractive to the greasy hands of
visitors, and you have an unattractive presentation.
Enter a HEPA vacuum and Vulpex soap! When the
work to install a new fire suppression system
required personal lift equipment, museum staff
requested that it remain in the museum through the
duration of the atrium’s construction. Using the lift,
we were able to reach even the Nike of Paionios,
who received a thorough suction-dusting. Next in
line was Nike of Samothrace. She required both
vacuuming and cleansing with a very mild solution
of water and Vulpex soap, made especially for
sensitive museum objects. It is truly remarkable
how great our girls look when they’re relieved of
simple dirt! We continue to proceed on so that,
upon re-opening, all the casts will gleam once again.
10
Vivian Zoë cleans the Nike of Paionios
Re-installation and
Cast Conservation Update
Instead of colorizing the casts, a new color
scheme for their pedestals will help visitors
maneuver through the centuries and styles while
improving the overall look of the Cast Gallery.
In addition, new hand-held guides will make it
easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to
understand the history and significance of the
figures represented by the Slater’s cast collection.
Other galleries being prepared for re-opening
include a mezzanine level space for an expanded
Crocker’s Norwich exhibition, a preliminary
installation of the Norwich Galleries and two
first floor spaces to accommodate new
permanent exhibitions. The Norwich Galleries
is a project that has been in process for about
five years. Its goal is to tell the story of Norwich
through fine and decorative art, industrial and
utilitarian objects, and documents. The
museum’s collections will be plumbed for
material to be placed on display, some for the
first time.
The former Zimmerman Gallery of African Art
will be revised and combined with other recently
acquired compatible collections, including an
extensive and extremely rare, high-quality group
of objects donated by Lewis and Betty Atherton.
Nearby, a newly created space will house an
exhibition of work by 20th-century Connecticut
artists, with a focus on Norwich and including
past Art School directors and faculty.
Finally, after receiving a new and restored roof,
Converse Gallery will re-open with a fabulous
temporary exhibition of work by NFA alumni
from classes going back several decades. If you
are a working artist, look for a mailing from
the Slater Museum asking for your participation
in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The
museum is still many months from re-opening,
but the promise of a fresh look married to the
strong traditions of the Slater Museum is evident.
Bob Shure at work on the centaurs of the Western Pediment of the Parthenon
11
the Atrium:
Behind the Scenes
Progress is evident in visible and measurable terms on NFA's new
atrium. The steel framework in place and concrete has been poured to
create the floors, ramps and stairs that will make the Slater Museum,
Converse Art Building, Norton and Alumni Gymnasiums fully
accessible. A sound booth area and a beautiful new ramping system that
leads to the Slater Building’s two multipurpose rooms have been
installed at the rear of Slater Auditorium.
Upstairs in the Slater Museum, windows covered decades ago with wood
and drywall have been reclaimed, adding natural light and a view into the
new atrium. Carpeting in the Cast Gallery has been removed, wood
floors have been stripped, and they are now undergoing refinishing.
Museum staff offices have moved up one floor to renovated quarters
(the former Zimmerman Gallery area), and work will soon begin on a
new visitors’ center.
The Slater Memorial Museum will remain closed through the 2010–2011
academic year, and looks forward to re-opening in fall 2011 with new &
revitalized exhibitions (see pages 10–11 for more details).
Top, left: Construction workers install glass
panels that make up much of the atrium’s roof
Middle, left: View looking up from the
archway area between the Slater and
Converse buildings
Bottom, left: As dark varnish is stripped
away, beautiful, light-colored wood floors
are revealed
Bottom, middle and right: One of Slater’s
mezzanine-level early American galleries
prior to renovation (below); windows in
the same gallery are exposed to let in
natural light and offer a view into the
new atrium (right)
12
Top, right: On the second level of the
atrium, a ramping system leads from
the elevator to what will soon be the
Slater Museum’s new main entrance.
Middle: As part of the renovations to
the Slater Building, the rear of the
auditorium has been outfitted with a
new access ramp (left) and sound
booth (right).
Bottom: Prior to renovation, this
mezzanine level gallery held Slater’s
Zimmerman Collection of African &
Oceanic Art (left). At right, the same
space is fitted with sub-flooring
before it is outfitted for the museum’s
administrative staff offices.
13
Reunion News
Class of 1955 Celebrates 55th Year Reunion!
...we are
Submitted by Marie Landry Bontempo
amazed at
how young
we all look!
The Class of 1955 held its 55th year reunion on
August 28, 2010. The committee, co-chaired by
Anna Brucoli Hansen and Marie Landry
Bontempo, consisted of 16 class members.
Sixty-three people attended the event at the
Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, which
included a social hour, dinner and dancing.
Norwich Bulletin photographer Jeff Evans
took class pictures, and we are amazed at how
young we all look! Class President Lew Randall
Members of the Class of 1955
14
welcomed us and offered “Words of Wisdom,”
while Jerry Navick acted as Master of Ceremonies. Several door prizes included coveted
carved wooden bowls, created and donated by
Chris Lillibridge, and an original painting by
Nancy McCarty. We paid tribute to 98 deceased
class members, and all thoroughly enjoyed a
beautiful evening renewing friendships and
sharing special memories of our high school
days at NFA.
20th Year Reunion Held for the Class of 1990
Submitted by Tara Ludlow Hurt
On Friday, October 8, 2010, the Class of 1990
celebrated its 20th year reunion at Dock & Dine
in Old Saybrook. The evening was a success –
we had a total of 120 people attend, representing
72 of our classmates. Classmates came from
near (Norwich) and far (Washington State) to
reminisce. It was a great evening along the river
with good food, a mix of ’80s and ’90s music
and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy talking
and catching up. Money raised during a
successful basket raffle has been deposited into
a Certificate of Deposit, and we plan to apply
these funds to a special 25th reunion class gift to
NFA in 2015. We hope to see everyone at our
25th reunion!
Classmates danced the night away!
A New Tradition – Decade Reunion
Results from our recent Alumni Survey indicate that alumni would be receptive to decade reunions, and the Alumni
Association looks forward creating a new tradition for our alumni. We are excited to begin planning the first, of what could
potentially be several, decade reunions with a special event for members of the Classes of 1952 – 1960, slated for Summer
2011. Invitations with specifics will be sent to members of these classes in the late spring.
Class of 2000 Reunites for the First Time
Submitted by Alysha Zaneski Carmody
Reunion committee members (left to right): Crystal Hust Ortega,
Alysha Zaneski Carmody, Jill Caulfield Charron, Jacki Pierce
Spring, Tonya Acosta, and Melissa Kocon Sevigny.
The Class of 2000 celebrated its 10th year reunion at the Uncas
Ballroom in Mohegan Sun. One hundred thirty guests attended, and
several classmates traveled from all over the United States (including
California) to share in the festivities for our first reunion. The event,
held on July 10, 2010, turned out to be a wonderful night filled with
dancing, good food, and both old and new memories. The DJ
provided us with a great mixture of music hits spanning from the
’90s to today. Everyone who attended – including two of our class
advisors, Mrs. Flahive and Mrs. Zaneski – had a great time and look
forward to the next reunion. The reunion committee thoroughly
enjoyed reconnecting with everyone and looks forward to planning
our next reunion. Thanks for a great night, Class of 2000!
15
NORWICH
RESIDENT / NFA
DOUBLE HEADER
REUNIONS...
EAST
MEETS
WEST
Submitted by
Kitty Thibault Miller ’51
The luxurious Benvenuto’s Restaurant in
Boynton Beach, Florida, was the scene of
the Annual Florida East Coast Reunion
held Tuesday, February 8, 2011.
As chair of the event for the last 5 years,
I have been fortunate to have a great
crew of volunteers. This year Marion
Hankin knitted a gorgeous afghan for the
auction; Peter Reguin ’62 photographed
the event; Mildred Sadernsky Goldstein
’55 and Barry Goldstein ’51 sold raffle
tickets; Tom LaFreniere ’46 served as the
Auctioneer; and Sue Gough Sullivan ’60,
Marion Hankin and Shirley Winkler
Tomac ’52 called invitees, reminding
them to send in their reservations.
Sue Sullivan also helped with the
program prizes and was surprised when
she won for being the first person to
send in a reservation! Other award
winners included: Dr. Steven Morris ’74,
for having a birthday closest to the
reunion; David and Thelma Shannon
Pisano ’51, for having the most grandchildren (25); and Lou ’39 and Marion
Hankin, for being the couple married
longest. The Hankins will celebrate their
63rd anniversary this spring, on May 8.
Runners-up in this category were Mimi
and Edwin Rabinowitz (63 years on
December 19, 2011) and Edward ’47
and Phyllis Zizulka (60 years on
December 1, 2011). Lou Hankin was
also recognized for being the earliest
grad at the gathering, having graduated
in 1939. The person traveling the
furthest to attend was Harry Axelrod ’50,
who came from California.
Auctioneer Tom LaFreniere gave his
all with his antics and brought in $75
for the Marion Hankin’s afghan, which
was won by Sally Adams. Next on
the agenda was a prize raffle with
lovely gifts, donated by Norwich Free
Academy Alumni Director Linda
Ververis on behalf of the Alumni
Association. An NFA cap was won by
Joann Gilman Hall ’73, tee-shirts won
16
by Harold Dizengoff ’60 and Max
Morris ’49, sweatshirts won by
Marjorie Page Hagert ’58 and Tom
Baldwin ’57, and a commemorative
NFA history book won by Colette
Trailor. Also part of the giveaway were
a ladies costume jewelry set, won by
Tom LaFreniere; a shower/pool
cover-up, won by Ken Adams ’58; a
blue tote bag, won by John Finegan
’50; an alarm clock and umbrella, won
by Chuck Walker ’47; and an original
drawing by Marie Fishbone Spellman
’77, won by Rhonda Lashbrook ’71.
Proceeds from the East Coast raffle
and auction totaled $255, and an
additional $245 in individual donations brought the overall NFA Florida
Reunion Fund gift for NFA to $480.
The West Coast celebrated their 1st
Annual Reunion on Friday, February
11, at La Venezia Restaurant in Cape
Coral. Joan Selvidio ’55 & Arthur
Gionet and Betty Schatz Rogan ’48
solicited and put together items for
the goody bags; Joan Houston Sturgis
’49, Ray Benoit ’63 and Nancy Buckley
Parzych ’66 handled raffle sales and
drawings; and Peter Reguin ’62 took
photos of the event. Auctioneer Ed
Gionet ’58, assisted by Dorothy
Kellum, successfully auctioned off a
hand-drawn picture by Betty Schatz
Award winners included: Ed ’51 and
Del Bourbeau, for sending in the first
registration; Ed Gionet, for closest
birthday (February 11th, the same day
as the event); Donald ’50 and Nancy
Vitagliano Woodmansee ’54, for the
couple with the most grandchildren
(19); and Betty and Marty Rogan, for
the longest marriage (59 years on June
15, 2011). Runners-up for this award
were: Barbara & John Finegan and Ed
& Del Bourbeau, each with marriages
of 58 years. The earliest NFA graduate
in attendance was Loretta Leone
Rispoli, Class of 1947.
won by Ric Faretta ’56; a ladies pocketbook, won by Ann Arsenault ’60; an
NFA commemorative history book,
won by Howie Kaminske ’53; a
sweatshirt, won by Arthur Gionet; a
tee-shirt, won by Patricia Hamilton
Bubenicek ’55; a fleece throw, won by
Joan Gionet; an Ulta Cosmetics tote
bag, won by Rosalie Walker Wilde ’68;
an NFA sweatshirt won by Ted Sulla
’53; and a clock calculator and
umbrella, won by Colonel Charles
Connell ’49. Other winners of gift bag/
card sets were: Arthur Gionet, Christine
Czyzewski Selvidio ’57, Peter Davis
’57, Jon Shattuck, Donald Abraham
’54, Ed Bourbeau, Darryl Godreau ’64,
Helene Wojciechowski Tompkins ’55,
and Colonel Charles Connell.
Raffle prizes included: an NFA cap, won
by Ida Konow ’63; an NFA tee-shirt,
Continued on next page
Rogan for $100 to Jon Shattuck ’55, as
well as a brick from the former NFA
clubhouse for $30 to James Gionet ’88.
Top, left: East Coast Reunion Volunteers (l-r)
Peter Reguin, Tom LaFreniere, Shirley Winkler
Tomac, Barry Goldstein, Kitty Thibault Miller,
Marion Hankin, Sue Gough Sullivan, Mildred
Sadernsky Goldstein
Bottom, left: East Coast Reunion Guests
Bottom, right: West Coast Reunion Guests
17
NORWICH RESIDENT/NFA
DOUBLE HEADER REUNIONS...
EAST MEETS WEST
Continued from previous page
2011 CLASS REUNIONS
Class of 1956
55th Year Reunion: August 20
Polish American Citizens Club, Montville
Class of 1961
50th Year Reunion Weekend: June 16 – 18
June 16 Golf Tournament, Norwich Golf Course
June 17 Pre-commencement Reception &
Commencement, NFA Campus
June 18 Campus Tour & Breakfast, NFA Campus
Reunion Dinner, Groton Inn & Suites,
Groton
Class of 1966
45th Year Reunion: September 11
The Marina at American Wharf, Norwich
This was a great kick-off for the 1st West Coast
Reunion – the raffle and auction generated $393
in income and, with the success of the event,
Nancy ’66 and Robert Parzych ’68 announced
that they will co-chair the next West Coast
Reunion in 2012 with the assistance of Darryl
Gaudreau ’64.
Chairing the two reunions this year was truly a
Herculean task, and it is comforting to know
that the West Coast will now have their own
chairs and an annual function. Another year has
come and gone and, as we head toward our next
East Coast Annual Alumni and Resident
Reunion from NFA and the Norwich area, I’d
like to take this opportunity to thank everyone
for their past support. I also hope you will
continue to support the many programs that
NFA provides by giving back to the school that
gave us so much. Truly, those of us who
graduated from NFA had a well-rounded
education, which paved the way for a very
exciting life. I can only speak for myself in
saying, “Thank you NFA – I shall never forget!”
Top: Nancy Vitagliano Woodmansee ’54 &
Don Woodmansee ’50 at the West Coast Reunion
18
Class of 1971
40th Year Reunion: June 18
Bozrah Moose Lodge
Class of 1976
35th Year Reunion: October 14
Mystic Aquarium
Class of 1981
30th Year Reunion
Planning Stages
Class of 1986
25th Year Reunion
Planning Stages
Class of 1991
20th Year Reunion: October 15
Location to be determined
Class of 1996
15th Year Reunion
No Reunion Planned – Please contact
Alumni House if interested in planning event
Class of 2001
10th Year Reunion
Planning Stages
16TH ANNUAL JUBILEE REUNION
CLASSES OF 1922 – 1951
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Holiday Inn, Norwich
12 – 4 PM
Cost $15.00 Per Person
Invitations to be mailed in May
RED & WHITE DECADE REUNION
CLASSES of 1952 – 1960
Summer 2011
Location: TBA
Invitations to be mailed in late spring
Calling
all NFA
Alumni:
Name:
Let's Stay
Connected
City/State/Zip:
Class Year:
E-Mail:
Address:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Class Notes:
The NFA Alumni Association welcomes information about events taking place in the lives of fellow graduates.
If you have information and/or a photo you would like us to include in the magazine, please fill out this form
and mail it to:
Linda Clang Ververis '78 • Director of Alumni Relations
The Norwich Free Academy • 305 Broadway • Norwich, CT 06360
19
Class Notes
What have
classmates
and friends
been up to?
What have
you been
up to? Let
us know!
1938
Wilfred Joseph Toczko, Sr. writes that for
many years he and his wife, Marcelle,
traveled to Hawaii for the month of
December. In the December 7, 2008, issue
of the Honolulu Star Bulletin, he was featured
in an article regarding his wartime service.
He has also been featured in Globe
magazine, which serves the military and
civilian communities of the Defense
Language Institute Foreign Language
Center and Presidio of Monterey,
California. Retired Army Captain Toczko
began his military career as a young enlisted
soldier, guarding Hickam Field in Hawaii
during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He later
flew heavy bombers over Germany and
went on to become a military intelligence
officer, using his language skills – Polish,
German Russian and Japanese – to
interrogate refugees and seek out potential
defectors. At the age of 49, he finished his
career as a civilian agent at Fort Huachuca,
Arizona, and has not worked for anyone
since. Until a few years ago, Wilfred
continued to fly as a private pilot and
maintained a plane at his own airstrip.
20
We know that most alumni members turn right to the Class Notes section to see the latest news on former
classmates, so please let us know if something important has happened to you: a job change, a marriage
or new baby, a degree, a transfer – anything that involves NFA alumni is of interest to us! Your can
email your news to [email protected] or mail it to NFA~Levanto Alumni House~305
Broadway~Norwich CT 06360.
1939
Rose Morton Mather and her husband, Bob,
will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary
in April 2011. Congratulations!
1940
Mary Weimann McShane celebrated the
70th anniversary of her graduation from
NFA in 2010. She still gets together during
each summer with two close friends and
classmates, Inez Abel Lattimore and Patricia
Confrey Thevenet, when she travels from
Florida to visit her children in Connecticut,
Rhode Island and Vermont.
1944
As part of the Linden Ponds Retirement
Community’s “Great Decisions” group,
Robert Galton, Ph.D. recently gave a special
presentation on British and American
policies, actions and consequence in the
Middle East and Afghanistan beginning with
disastrous decisions of the Anglo-Persian
Oil Company in 1908 and the incremental
involvement of the U.S. since then.
1946
Ralph W. Wallen writes that, after his wife
Jane passed away, he remarried Marie on
September 1, 2007. This past summer Ralph
was excited to bring Marie on a tour of NFA
and show off his school to her!
1947
Loretta Leone Rispoli traveled to Australia
and New Zealand during January 2011 and
will be visiting Connecticut in May 2011 to
see her granddaughter graduate from the
U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London.
1950
Stephen Altschuler is celebrating the 38th
year of his business, Altek Electronics, Inc.,
which manufactures printed circuit board
assemblies and control panels that are used
in fuel cells, mammography machines,
elevators and hazardous material detection
equipment, among others.
1951
Beverly LaRiviere Hitchman resides in
Washington State and writes that they
have harvested their first grapes in an
attempt to make some wines. She invites
fellow NFA alumni to “Come visit the
Great Northwest!”
1952
Mary Pedace Mahler has moved to
StoneRidge, a lifecare service community in
Mystic, Connecticut. She is retired, after
closing her Stonington antiques business.
Nellie Beetham Stark recently published
15 ebooks that can be viewed at
www.ebook.com. These books, the result of
half a lifetime of writing and painting, are all
original historical novels. Each book cover
features Nellie’s own original artwork.
One of Nellie
Stark’s book
covers: Nasty
Jack, the story of a
19th-century sailor
who smiles while
doing his duty but
turns on his men
viciously when no
one is looking.
1953
Linnea Bulford-Barry says “hi” to all the
dedicated Class Agents who spend their
time “keeping us together.”
Mary Calkins Muscarella is the proud grandmother of one-year-old Mia Muscarella.
1954
Hector Richards writes that he retired
(for the second time!) from the San
Francisco publishing branch of John Wiley
& Sons, Inc. He has lived at The Redwoods
Retirement Complex in Mill Valley,
California for 5½ years, where he belongs to
the Mill Valley Seniors and knits for Sarah
Oliver Handbags (saraholiverhandbags.com).
Sarah employs several seniors at The
Bottom Right:
The Purlettes +
One features
our own
Hector
Richards.
Redwoods to hand-knit her bags, which are
sold in boutiques all over the USA.
“Imagine, actually made in America!” writes
Hector. His salary goes to The Redwood
Scholarship Fund, which grants awards to 67 high school seniors each May.
1956
Robert B. Burns owns and operates Aiki
Farm in Ledyard, Connecticut, where he
teaches farming and Aikido. Bob, a Zen
monk, is active on the mission committee of
the Ledyard Congregational Church and has
6 children and 13 grandchildren.
Shirley Niedojadlo Hamm completed four
mission trips to Nicaragua in 2009 and 2010.
She looks forward to traveling to Thailand,
Cambodia and Laos this year, and will spend
the month of August working in a medical
clinic at a catholic orphanage in Vietnam.
After returning home for a couple of
months, she will then head to Jerusalem in
late October/early November and finish her
trip in Cairo.
As a Compliance and Accreditation manager
for Western Governors University (WGU)
in Salt Lake City, Utah, Shayna Feister
Lamson has a great appreciation for quality
higher education and quality high schools
that help students obtain that education.
Shayna appreciates the fine education that
NFA provided her and so many others.
Pat Sinclair Tressler and her husband,
Richard, celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary on June 4th aboard the Royal
Caribbean cruise line’s Grandeur of the Seas.
Their children, children’s spouses and four
grandchildren accompanied them on the
cruise. Pat writes that she now enjoys her
retirement, living in Vero Beach, Florida.
1958
Chuck Burdick is currently serving a 2-year
term as a Councilman for the town of
Duck, North Carolina, where he has lived
with his family since 2000. He has been the
town’s contract postmaster for the last four
years and worked on the “Build the Bridge”
committee, which surveyed all of the town’s
road properties. Chuck, a chemical engineer,
received his degree from Worcester
Polytechnic Institute in 1962 and has an
MBA from the University of Tennessee
at Chattanooga.
David T. Foley and his wife, Darlene, have
been enjoying sunny Florida for the past 5
years. “Sarasota is a beautiful city!” he says.
Dave is fully retired and Darlene works for
Whole Foods Market.
1959
Nearly every Tuesday since April 2002,
David Conley and his wife, Mary, have
enjoyed day hikes and snowshoe trips with
the Berkshire Chapter of the Appalachian
Mountain Club. In 2003, they completed all
of the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts
southbound and recently completed the
same route northbound with the Tuesday
hikers.
R. Alan Gross writes that, after spending 27
years in the U.S. Navy and 19 years in private
industry, he has retired from DRS
Technologies, Inc. as the Corporate Senior
Vice President of Compliance. Alan and his
wife, Susan, have moved to Eastern
Tennessee, where they enjoy life in a lake
and mountain community. Alan earned a
Bachelor of Science degree in Business
Administration from the University of
North Dakota and a Master of Business
Administration degree from the University
of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the
Industrial College of the Armed Forces and
is a Certified Public Accountant.
1960
Richard Kurth is pleased to announce that
his twin granddaughters were born on
November 2, 2010 in Townsville, Australia!
Marjorie Soby Porucznik would like to
commend the class of 2010 for their
wonderful attitudes and behavior at their
graduation. “It seemed that they truly left
their teen years and became the future adults
of which anyone could be proud. It was a
pleasure to be sharing their day,” she writes.
“Our 50th reunion was overwhelming;
every event was beautifully executed. The
welcome at the pre-commencement reception was so heartwarming, and I will never
forget the surprise and awe that I felt as I
was presented with the medallion of our
class. Many thanks to the committee for their
hard work; it truly represented the formal
stature that NFA represents. I have always
been proud to have been a part of such a fine
school. It was wonderful to see classmates
again and I hope the Internet will keep us
close. For those who were unable to attend, I
look forward to their keeping in touch.”
1963
Raymond Benoit writes that he recently
attended the 1st Annual Florida West Coast
reunion and says, “Hats off to Kitty
Sherman Thibault Miller ’51. She did an
outstanding job! ”
John Gross was recently
honored by the University
of Maine’s College of
Engineering during a
ceremony in which he
was inducted into the
Francis Crowe Society,
which recognizes UMaine
engineering graduates as they accomplish
the formidable goal of completing their
engineering degrees and pays tribute those
who have made considerable engineering
contributions and demonstrate a high regard
for the profession. John was honored as a
Distinguished Engineer who has made
major contributions to advancing the art,
science or practice of engineering. John
earned his BS and MS in Mechanical
Engineering from UMaine in 1967 and
1971, respectively, was a track letter winner,
and participated in the Phi Eta Kappa
fraternity. He later earned a doctorate in
veterinary medicine from Cornell University.
In 2006, John retired from Winthrop
Veterinary Hospital in Maine after 28 years
with the hospital. A former advisory board
member at the Gardiner Savings Institution
in Winthrop, Maine, John now enjoys flying
his single-engine airplane and supports
environmental causes.
Margaret Weir Walker moved from Venice,
Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, in
May 2010 to be near her son, daughter-inlaw and two grandsons. One grandson is
almost 2 years old and a new baby arrived in
March 2011.
21
1964
Barbara A. Brown sends best wishes to all
her classmates for health and happiness in
the New Year.
Valerie Caron Campbell had an eventful year
in 2010. A Manager for Highmark Blue
Cross Blue Shield in Camp Hill,
Pennsylvania, she presented “Best Practice:
The Bedrock of a Pay-for-Performance
Program” at the Blue National Summit in
Chicago in October. Her daughter, Sara,
who received a BA in Journalism from Penn
State in 2007, obtained a BSN from George
Mason University in August and is now a
Registered Nurse like her mother. Sara
married George Harrum on August 14th –
her parent’s 39th wedding anniversary – in
the Eisenhower Chapel at Penn State.
Following a honeymoon in Jamaica, the
newlyweds moved to Fort Worth, Texas,
where George works for the Federal
Aviation Administration. Her son, Matthew,
is a Major in the Air Force is the father of
Valerie’s first grandchild, Annabel Marie
Campbell, born in 2009. Matt lives in Little
Rock, Arkansas, with his wife Jessica. Valerie
writes that her husband, Glenn, passed away
suddenly on November 4th and was buried
with full military honors at Fort Indiantown
Gap National Cemetery in Annville,
Pennsylvania. In 2007, Valerie and Glenn
adopted three children, who are now ages
16, 15 and 12; Valerie and the children
continue to live in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
Patricia Riess Tennison, who received a
bachelor’s degree in English literature and
French from Boston University and a
master’s degree in English literature from
Boston College, is a veteran features and
news writer, movie editor, and restaurant
reviewer for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago
magazine; the author of James Beard Awardhonored cookbooks; and an adjunct professor of writing at National-Louis University in
Chicago. She has recently combined her
passion for teaching and travel in a new
venture: the Paris Café Writing Workshop
(www.pariscafewriting.com). Through the
workshop, Pat works with participants to
corral the creative process within a structure
as they focus on creative nonfiction writing.
1965
On December 15 and 16, local firefighter,
businessman and Vietnam veteran Thomas
J. Burke returned to NFA to speak with
students in William Howard’s ’90 senior
modern history class about why he
volunteered to serve in Vietnam, the nature
22
of combat, the American public’s response
to soldiers coming home and the politics of
war. Tom, who served with the U.S. Army in
Vietnam from 1967-69, is active in local
veteran affairs, was instrumental in the effort
to memorialize 12 Norwich men that died in
Vietnam and currently seeks to memorialize
NFA alumnus U.S. Army Capt. Keith
Heidtman ’01, who was killed in Iraq in
2007. Tom was named 2000 Norwich
Veteran of the Year and was inducted into
the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame,
Class of 2010, in November.
1966
In 2010, Kenneth M. Bujnowski exhibited
his work at Expressions Cultural Center in
New London, Connecticut, and the Alexey
von Schlippe Gallery of Art at the UConnAvery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut.
Ken studied at the Silvermine College of
Art, Yale University and received a Master of
Fine Arts Degree from the University of
Hartford.
In January 2010, Paul Field was elected
as Treasurer/Registration Chairman of
the Pacific Northwest Amateur Boxing
Association for the 17th consecutive year.
Covering most of Washington west of the
Cascade Mountains, Paul processes 95% of
the paperwork associated with a $60,000
budget. He arranges medical and dental
insurance for all athletes, as well as liability
insurance for every boxing event
(approximately 20-25 per year). Paul also
serves as a judge or referee for almost every
promotion. His resume includes more than
5,300 amateur and professional boxing
matches. He invites NFA alumni to contact
him at [email protected].
valuation of motor vehicles for tax
purposes. Since 2003, Donna has worked
with the DMV to allow tax assessors the
access to DMV data online, and in July
2010 her work came to fruition as assessors
were granted access to this important
information. This historical change not only
assists the assessors in their duties, but it is
also a more efficient way of doing business
for the assessors, DMV staff and taxpayers.
Donna and her husband, Bob, live in
Mystic, Connecticut. With him, she has 3
children, 2 stepchildren and 9 grandchildren.
Their son-in-law, Bill Howard ’90, teaches
history at NFA.
1969
Sharen Paster Peters and her husband, Tom,
renewed their vows on June 28, 2010 – the
25th anniversary of their first date in 1985.
The ceremony took place at sunset at the
Ocean Cliff Hotel in Newport, Rhode
Island, overlooking Narragansett Bay. On
Saturday, October 9, 2010, a semi-formal
reception was held at The Colonnade
Banquet and Conference Center in
Glastonbury, Connecticut. Over 100 guests
enjoyed the music of After Five
Entertainment. Several NFA alumni were
present and had a great time. Sharen owns
her own company – Dental Office Solutions,
LLC – and coaches dental offices on
employee relations, productivity and cash
flow. Tom works for the University of
Connecticut’s graduate school, and they live
in Mansfield, Connecticut. Sharen says “hi”
to her classmates and wants to let them
know she is on Facebook, “now if I can just
learn how to use it!”
Roger Martin is studying to become a
medical herbalist in traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine
(India) and Western medicine (USA) at East
West School of Herbology.
1968
Donna Ralston, Tax Assessor for the City of
Norwich and a Connecticut Certified
Assessor since 1983, has been nominated as
Assessor of the Year Award from the
Connecticut Association of Assessing
Officers, Inc. (CAAO) for an unprecedented
second time. She received the award once
before, in 1993, as the CAAO Motor Vehicle
Committee Chair for her efforts to negotiate
a contract with the National Automobile
Dealers Association (NADA) for electronic
First row, left to right: Janet Potter Jeffcoat ’74,
Sharen Paster Peters ’69, Stacy Baratz ’96, Ethel
Nelkin Baratz ’69, Dr. Gussie Paster Sitkin ’39;
Back row, left to right: Thomas B. Peters
(Windham High ’69), Barry Paster ’67, Laureen
Krodel Gosselin ’76, Dr. Wendy Eighme Daly ’69
1973
NFA Athletic Director Gary Makowicki
received the Connecticut Association of
Athletic Directors’ (CAAD) Distinguished
Service Award – From Inside the Field of
Athletic Administration on March 24, 2010.
This award, CAAD’s most prestigious, is
presented annually to an athletic
administrator who has made significant
contributions at the local and state levels.
1975
Debra DeChamplain Krodel is a sales
representative for Kraft Foods. Her granddaughter, Ava Brooke Vanase, was born in
January 2008.
1976
Lori Buzzell Dougherty was recently named
Director of Development Marketing for the
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Judith Pepin, PhD, has been named to a
fourth term as treasurer of the American
Medical Writers Association (AMWA). She
is a senior scientist with Procter & Gamble’s
Scientific Writing and Editing Section and
resides in Mason, Ohio. Judy is responsible
for writing projects within the cardiac,
gastrointestinal, respiratory and personal
care therapeutic areas, including protocols,
study reports, Investigational New Drug
applications, Common Technical Document
summaries, 510(k)s, manuscripts for peerreviewed journals and regulatory agency
briefing packages. She holds a doctorate and
a Master of Science degree in pharmacology
and toxicology from the University of
Connecticut School of Pharmacy and a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry
from Smith College. She completed her
postdoctoral training at the Cleveland
Clinic’s Department of Vascular Cell
Biology and Atherosclerosis.
1981
Todd Daigneault recently dropped us a note
to thank the Academy for preparing him
well for life’s challenges and opportunities.
After graduating from NFA, he attended
Johnson & Wales Culinary School. Since
then, he has traveled extensively and has
cooked for many high-profile celebrities.
In 2010, Todd represented the Northeast
as one of five chefs chosen nationwide
to participate in the Tyson National
Chef Competition.
1984
Since 2007, Beth Curran Garver has served
as the Executive Director of Royal Care
Skilled Nursing Center in Long Beach,
California, where her priority is delivering
the highest possible care to each patient in a
supportive and nurturing environment.
Royal Care was one of only three skilled
nursing facilities nationwide to receive the
prestigious 2010 AMDA/Evercare Award,
which is reserved for facilities that
demonstrate and maintain measurable
outcomes and sustained improvement in the
quality of life for their patients. With over 20
years of experience in the healthcare
industry, Beth has taken part in a variety of
industry forums. The daughter of BJ
Bushnell ’53 and Walter Curran ’51, Beth
and her husband, Dusty, have 3 daughters –
Syndey, Julia and Reagan.
1985
Lisa Hinse Morrison was recently promoted
to Regional Vice President of the Georgia
Region for Coast Dental. The southeast's
largest dental group, Coast Dental operates
120 offices, 30 of which are in Georgia. She
relocated to Atlanta in October 2010.
1987
John M. Newson – former attorney, City
of Norwich alderman and state public
defender – was confirmed as a Superior
Court judge by the Connecticut General
Assembly on February 4, 2011. A graduate
of the University of Rhode Island and the
Western New England College School of
Law, John maintained a private practice in
Norwich from 2001–2010. He is a former
member of the Alumni Association Board
of Directors and has also served as an NFA
Corporator since 2008.
1992
Kellie Miller Chambers and her husband,
Larry, welcomed identical twin sons on
November 29, 2010. The boys join big sister
Bailey, age 3. Kellie is the daughter of NFA
Campus Safety Officer Jean Miller.
Continued on page 25
Louise Plante is pleased to announce the
birth of her first grandchild, Alliana Maxine
Robles, on November 1, 2010.
1979
Michelé LaVigne is reaching out to friends,
classmates and strangers in the pursuit of a
living kidney donor. If you are interested in
becoming a potential donor for her, please
contact her at 860-917-2324 or via email at
[email protected]. She thanks you for your
consideration.
23
The Norwich Free Academy
Memorabilia Order Form
Name:
Shipping & Handling
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Product Description (Circle Color & Size Requested)
Quantity
+ $5.25
$15.01- $30
+ $8.40
Over $30.00
+ $11.45
Price
Travel Mug
$5.00*
Coffee Mug
$6.00*
Drink Koozie
$2.00*
Coaster with Caddy
$8.00*
NFA Golf Umbrella
$23.00*
NFA History Book
$10.00*
NFA Notecards Set of 10 w/envelopes
$8.00*
Decorative NFA Tapestry Throw Pillow
$10.00*
Baby Bib
$7.50
Red Short Sleeve T-Shirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$1.50)
$9.00
Gray Short Sleeve Paw Print T-Shirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$1.50)
$9.00
NFA Rain Poncho
$10.00
Heather Long Sleeve T-Shirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$10.50
Heather Long Sleeve Paw Print T-Shirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$12.00
Red or Gray Crew Sweatshirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$12.00
Red Paw Print Crew Sweatshirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$12.00
Alumni Cap
Red or Khaki
Red or Gray Hooded Sweatshirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$22.00
Gray Alumni Hooded
Zip-up Sweatshirt
S
M L
XL
(XXL +$3.00)
$25.00
Embroidered Short Sleeve
Red Polo Shirt
S M L XL (XXL +$3.00)
Specify Class Year__________
$15.00
Embroidered Red Sweatshirt
S M L XL (XXL +$3.00)
Specify Class Year__________
$37.50
Embroidered Gray
Zip Sweatshirt
S M L XL (XXL +$3.00)
Specify Class Year__________
$37.50
Embroidered Baseball Cap
Red or Khaki
Specify Class Year__________
$15.00
$15.00
Merchandise Total
METHOD OF PAYMENT
Shipping
Make CHECKS payable to: Norwich Free Academy
Mail order form and check to:
Norwich Free Academy
Levanto Alumni House
305 Broadway
Norwich, CT 06360
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*Sales Tax required CT ONLY
(CT Residents Add 6%)
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TOTAL ENCLOSED
Delivery Time: Please allow 1 - 4 weeks
Questions? Call 860-887-2505 ext 5541
To make a secure online purchase and view merchandise photos visit:
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24
$0 - $15.00
Total
Continued from page 23
1992
Lisa Tracy MacDougall and her husband,
Jim, welcomed twins Megan Tracy and
Matthew James on December 1, 2010. The
twins join big sister Sarah, who is 5 years old.
Jared Dillian is pleased to announce the
publication of his first book, Street Freak, a
memoir of his seven years working as a
trader at Lehman Brothers, from 9/11 to the
bankruptcy, and his struggle with manicdepressive illness. The book is being
published by Touchstone, an imprint of
Simon & Schuster, and will be available
September 15th, 2011. It is available for preorder at Amazon and other online retailers.
1993
NFA Information Technology Support
Specialist Kevin Pescatello and his wife,
Anna, welcomed daughter Oriana Eliza on
November 4, 2010.
1994
Elaine Finnegan Colvin married Glenn
Colvin of Clinton, Connecticut on
September 12, 2010. She is a dental hygiene
student at the University of New Haven.
NFA Art teacher Alyssa Lathrop Pendleton
and her husband, Gary, welcomed Maxwell
Benjamin Pendleton on February 14, 2011.
Maxwell weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 22
inches long.
1997
NFA Physical Education teacher Anthony
Defilippo and his wife, Anne, welcomed
son Nico Anthony Defilippo on Sunday,
February 6, 2011, right at the kickoff
(6:30 p.m.) of Superbowl 2011! Nico
weighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz.
Brooke Romanski 2024 Eileen Kavanaugh Kalla ’81
Tom Neilan ’85
Kevin Rodino ’75
Ethel Moshier Handley ’60
Shirley Longo Kutia ’79
1999
Katherine Baldwin and Jeremy Andruskiewicz
’98 announce the birth of their daughter,
Lily Mae Andruskiewicz, on February 2,
2011. Proud first-time grandparents are Liz
Congdon Baldwin ’71 and NFA Information
Systems Coordinator John Baldwin, Jr.
2001
Eric Beit married Bethany Cinque of Milford,
Connecticut, on October 8, 2010.
Jessica Stanton, daughter of Mark Stanton ’77
and Jeanne (Farr) Stanton, became engaged
on New Year’s Eve to Daniel Guglielmo, Jr.
The couple resides in Meriden, Connecticut,
where they own their own business. A
September 2012 wedding is planned.
2003
Emily Ann Fournier obtained her CPA
certification and works as an auditor at
Blum Shapiro and Co. in West Hartford,
Connecticut.
Nancy Delorge Farnsworth ’69 Stacy Koehler ’97
Greg Gates ’77
Jean LaFreniere Gilman ’76
Nuffy Jenkins Cagle ’76 Betty Buckley Avery ’69
Diane Romano Morgan ’75
Robin Presti Lawson ’81
Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63
25
E-MAIL ALERT
The internet is an integral part of our daily lives and, for that reason,
many individuals and organizations develop websites for personal or
corporate profit and gain. It has come to our attention that several
such websites have been developed that utilize the Academy's name,
mascot and school colors to entice alumni, students and friends to join
and support the NFA community. The following sites have been
brought to our attention thus far:
•
•
•
•
•
•
alumniclass.com
classsreport.org
highschoolalumnireunion.com
myschoolreunited.com
prepsportswear.com
fieldhouse.com
None of these sites are sponsored by or affiliated with NFA, the NFA
Foundation or the NFA Alumni Association. Nor have these sites
obtained permission to use our name, school colors, logo or mascot.
Please be aware that membership fees, contributions or the purchase
of apparel through these sites DO NOT support the NFA community in
any way.
The OFFICIAL site for NFA is www.norwichfreeacademy.com and our
official e-newsletter is NFANow! E-mails originating from NFA, the NFA
Foundation and the NFA Alumni Association are sent from the domain
@norwichfreeacademy.com.
Please visit our official site
to remain in touch with NFA
and your classmates.
Please be aware that some
e-mails, like this one from
alumniclass.com, may not
originate from or benefit
The Norwich Free Academy!
26
Momentous Occasions
Births
Marriages
1990s
Kellie Miller Chambers ’92 and Larry
Chambers announce the birth of identical
twin sons on November 29, 2010.
1990s
Elaine Finnegan Colvin ’94 married Glenn
Colvin of Clinton, Connecticut, on
September 12, 2010.
Lisa Tracy MacDougall ’92 and her
husband, Jim, welcomed twins Megan
Tracy and Matthew James on December 1,
2010.
2000s
Eric Beit ’01 married Bethany Cinque of
Milford, Connecticut, on October 8, 2010.
NFA Information Technology Support
Specialist Kevin Pescatello ’93 and his
wife, Anna, welcomed Oriana Eliza on
November 4, 2010.
Faculty and Staff
NFA art teacher Alyssa
Lathrop Pendleton ’94
and her husband, Gary,
announce the birth of
Maxwell Benjamin on
February 14, 2011.
Anthony Defilippo ’97, a physical
education teacher at NFA, and his wife,
Anne, welcomed son Nico Anthony on
Sunday, February 6, 2011.
Jeremy Andruskiewicz ’98 and Katherine
Baldwin ’99 announce the birth of their
daughter, Lily Mae Andruskiewicz, on
February 2, 2011.
Science teacher Kirti Patel gave birth to a
healthy baby boy, Aiden, on January 5,
2011.
Social studies teacher James Rourke’s 3rd
book was released by Open Books
Publishers on March 5. Unlike his first two
nonfiction educational works – From My
Classroom to Yours: Reflections on Teaching and
The Comic Book Curriculum – this book, The
Eternal Struggle: Two Worlds, One War, is the
first in the fictional Eternal Struggle Trilogy.
NFA digital imaging students submitted
artwork for the cover design and the
publisher’s in-house artists selected the
design created by Leoness Leon ’11.
Although some minor changes were made,
the cover is clearly her design and vision.
Congratulations to both Jim and Leoness!
Gary Makowicki ’73 received the
Connecticut Association of Athletic
Directors’ (CAAD) Distinguished Service
Award – From Inside the Field of Athletic
Administration on March 24, 2010. This
award, CAAD’s most prestigious, is
presented annually to an athletic
administrator who has made significant
contributions at the local and state levels.
27
Deceased
The following is a list of NFA graduates who are known to have passed away between November 1, 2010 and
February 20, 2011. We express our deepest sympathy to their families and classmates. They will be missed.
1921
Grace Beetham Weeman
1930
Alfred Cohn
1932
Florence Pierce
Sylvia Cohen Yoselevsky
1933
Alice Revell Clegg
Margaret O'Connell
1934
Henry Brinkman
1935
Loretta Epps Lacy
Edith Bowen McCluggage
1936
Jane Janik
Eleanor Nelson Jones
Isaac Paster
Marion Szalkowski Pratt
1937
Charles Knight
1938
Mary Judd
Ernest Ouellet
1939
John Bosko
Sophie Zinavage Gunsalus
1940
Eileen Welsh Kornacki
Claire Desmarais Lubszewicz
Mary D'Amato Marino
Elizabeth Wolfensberger
Maynard
Peter Sakellarides
28
1941
Joseph Morrissette
Jean Yerrington O'Keeffe
1950
A. James Clendennin
Berdine Elton
Donald L. Scott MacDonald
1942
Constance Millard Gabriele
Joseph Gerillo
Wilfred Rokowski
Louise Duhaime Seddon
1951
Richard Blasco
Thomas Izbicki
1943
Frances Gustamachio Brown
1952
Ronald Caron
Frances Brooks Moran
Shirley Bucovetsky Sommer
1944
Frank Baranowski
Madeline Donovan
Miriam Fox Gabler
Edward Hayden
Marie Valentine O'Connell
1953
Barbara Bielecki
Mary Twomey Blye
Barbara Chandler Pomo
1945
Kathleen Kelly Costello
Joyce Benjamin Gloman
Edwin Hanks
Charles Murkett
Arlene Morse Stencel
Genevieve Golembeske Tarryk
John Vogel
1946
Margaret Hiscox
1947
Webster Copp
1948
Jayne Ryan Armstrong
Vivian Pike Bennett
Patricia Tucker Gilbert
Paul Peltier
1949
Ruth Adams Brennan
Henry Brycki
Elaine Sebastian Koen
1955
Rose Renaldi Ernst
1956
Daniel Chiangi
1957
William Diodato
William Morrissette
1961
Lorraine Stowe Balkcom
Faith Grenier Shamrock*
1962
Robin Spencer
1963
Bernard Nowakowski
1964
Karen Chmelik Mahoney
1965
Joseph Geer
1966
James Howard
Barbara Laws Kervaski*
Ralph Ritacco
Gale Gwiazdowski Scala
Sharon Jackson Schlachter
1968
Dennis Mikutel
Robert Phagan
1970
Linda Caruso O'Brien
1975
Laura Caruso
Patricia Ryan Engerran
1976
Peter Blazejak
1977
Daniel Barrows
William Benson
1979
Alicia Morris Smith
1988
Dana Crowell Wynn
2005
Andrew Hatt
*Deceased prior to
November 1, 2010
In Memoriam
Raynold A. Lemaire, NFA
math teacher from 1965 to
1991, passed away on
November 8, 2010, after a
courageous battle with
pancreatic cancer. Mr.
Lemaire entered college at
the age of 33, working at
night to support his growing family while
attending classes at the University of
Connecticut during the day. He earned his
bachelor's degree in mathematics from
UConn and a master's degree, also in math,
from California State University in Fresno. He
loved math, his students (the Class of 1984
dedicated their yearbook to him), and The
Norwich Free Academy. He also enjoyed
teaching mathematics at night at Three Rivers
(formerly Mohegan) Community College in
Norwich, where he served as an adjunct
faculty member for 23 years.
Grace Beetham Weeman,
a member of the Class of
1921 and NFA’s oldest
surviving alumna, passed
away on December 5, 2010,
at the age of 107. Born in
1903, Grace lived on her family farm in
Norwich for a little more than 105 years and
remained active in the community throughout
her life. Before leaving the farm in 2009 for a
convalescent facility, Grace still kept small
crops growing in her farm’s root cellar and
stayed active on the 80-plus acres with help
from friends. Grace was predeceased by sister
Alice Beetham Eaton, Class of 1917, and is
survived by sister Dorothy Beetham Reeves,
Class of 1930.
Photo Credit:
John Shishmanian ’67/ NorwichBulletin.com
29
Recent Grads Return & Offer Advice
Recent alumni
discussed and
answered questions
on topics ranging
from time
management,
residence life and
finances to meeting
new friends and
connecting with
professors.
On January 5, two programs featured recent NFA alumni that returned to share their college and
art school experiences with current seniors.
Norwich Art School Director Melissa
Smith and her faculty welcomed a panel of
nine alumni artists to the Frank Center
Ensemble Room for the Art School’s
annual Alumni Reunion. Panelists talked
with current NFA art students and answered
questions about their experiences at art
school and how NFA prepared them for
their studies. The alumni panel consisted
of: Rosie Allard ’10 (Maine College of Art);
Meaghan Doyle ’10 (Wentworth Institute of
Technology); Jillian Freyer ’08 and Leah Klein
’07 (Massachusetts College of Art and Design);
Victoria Koronkiewicz ’09 (Maine College of
Art); Tara Lukaszewicz ’09 (Eastern Connecticut
State University); Matthew McIntosh ’10
(University of Connecticut); Akanksha Sule ’09
(Quinebaug Valley Community College); and
Katherine Waterman ’09 (Stonehill College).
After the program, alumni and students were
invited to the opening reception for an
exhibition featuring the work of Jillian
Freyer, 2010 Charlotte Fuller Eastman
Scholarship winner, hosted by the Student
Art Association (SAA) in the Frank Center’s
Student Gallery. The SAA, advised by art
teacher Robert Davidson, provides students
with opportunities to explore the art field
beyond the classroom through exposure to
professional artists, artistic experiences,
creative processes and career opportunities
within the discipline.
30
Meanwhile, another group of recent alumni
gathered in Slater Auditorium to speak
candidly with more than 75 NFA seniors
about their personal, social, emotional and
academic transition to college life. They
discussed and answered questions on topics
ranging from time management, residence
life and finances to meeting new friends
and connecting with professors. The hourlong forum, arranged by Director of
Guidance Jeanne Elliott and guidance
counselor Ronald Noyes, featured a panel
of the following alumni: Justin Cline ’10
(George Washington University); John Conway
’10, Nicholas Migani ’08, Thomas Teixeira
’09 and Addison Zhao ’09 (University of
Connecticut); Lara Day ’09 (Mount Holyoke
College); Matthew ’10 and Shane Donahue
’10 (Wesleyan University); Chelsea Evans ’10
(Lehigh University); Matthew Exley ’10
(Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); Lucienne
Fernandez ’10 (Brown University); Giulianna
Franchetti ’10 (Assumption College); Kaila
Madera ’10 (Roger Williams University);
Casey McGarvey ’08 (Eastern Connecticut
State University); Victoria Moebus ’10 and
Margaret Tucker ’10 (University of Rhode
Island); Maura Tramontozzi ’10 (Suffolk
University); Derell ’10 and Terrell Wilson ’10
(American International College); and QingWai
Wong ’10 (Boston College).
Save the Date!
Homecoming
2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Visit:
www.norwichfreeacademy.com/alumni/
for updated Homecoming information
O
NFA WILDCATS
vs
WOODSTOCK ACADEMY CENTAURS
GAME TIME 1:30 pm
O Join us for the NFA Alumni Association’s
annual tailgating party prior to the game!
12:00 pm ‘til kickoff in the Shattuck Building Area.
O Tailgating parking spaces available by reservation
only! Contact the Alumni Office at 860-425-5542
or via e-mail at [email protected]
after September 1, 2011 to reserve your spot.
Game Tickets:
Adults $3 O Sr.Citizens/ Students $2 O Under 10 FREE
31
The Norwich Free Academy
Norwich, Connecticut 06360
Change Service Requested
NON-PROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #130
SPRINGFIELD, MA
Alumni & Development Staff:
Deborah J. Lee, Director of Development
860-887-2507 x5540 [email protected]
Ellen Bremner, Director of Annual Fund
860-887-2507 x5545 [email protected]
Kristen Fossum, Assistant Director of Development
860-887-2507 x5547 [email protected]
Allison Turcotte, Development Associate
860-887-2507 x5541 [email protected]
Linda Clang Ververis '78, Director of Alumni Relations
& Constituent Research
860-887-2507 x5542 [email protected]
Coming Soon...
The NFA Foundation, Inc. has something new planned for fall 2011!
Be on the lookout for more information in the upcoming months.
Endless Opportunities
Do you have a child or grandchild who lives in southeastern Connecticut and will enter the 7th
or 8th grade this fall? Consider NFA’s fun and exciting Endless Opportunities: A Summer of
Exploration! This summer program offers students the chance to explore interests in topics
related to academics, sports and the arts as they experience the Academy’s campus atmosphere.
For more information regarding Endless Opportunities, call Bryant Sheldon, Summer
Intersession Director, at 860-425-5760, email [email protected] or visit the
NFA website at: www.norwichfreeacademy.com/academics/summer-intersession programs/
endless-opportunities/.