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“Brand” New Beginnings Reunion NewsRecent Grads Return To Offer Advice Slater Museum Update

The Alma Matters is published up to two times per year for alumni, parents and friends.

The Norwich Free Academy305 BroadwayNorwich, CT 06360Tel: (860) 887-2505Fax: (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 AcademyBoard of TrusteesDavid Whitehead ’78, ChairmanTheodore Phillips ’74, Vice ChairmanThomas Griffin ’70, SecretaryLee-Ann Gomes ’82, TreasurerSteven Bokoff ’72 Jeremy Booty ’74Glenn Carberry ’72Richard DesRochesThomas Hammond ’75Robert Staley ’68 Sarette Williams ’78

Alumni Association Board of DirectorsJohn Mathieu ’70, PresidentThomas Neilan ’85, Vice PresidentGale Eccleston Ennis ’78,

Secretary/TreasurerJeffrey 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 inits educational programs, services or employment onthe basis of race, religion, gender, national origin,color, handicapping condition, age, martial status orsexual orientation. This is in accordance with TitleVI, Title VII , Title IX and other civil rights ordiscrimination issues; Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended and theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1991.

Spri

ng

2011

Volume 21

Number 1

Table of Contents

Page 4 A Message from the Alumni Association

Page 5 NFA Alumni Association

Board of Directors Volunteer Application

Pages 6-7 Faculty Profile – Alysha Zaneski Carmody

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 Deceased

In Memorium

Page 30 Recent Grads Return & Offer Advice

Page 31 Save The Date - Homecoming 2011

Back Cover Coming Soon...

Endless Opportunities

Visit our website at www.norwichfreeacademy.com

NEW

BOARD MEMBERS

ELECTED

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.

4

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 ververisl@norwichfreeacademy.com.

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

A message from the

Alumni Association

NFA Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors Volunteer Application

Alumni Board of Directors VolunteerThe 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 representationBoard 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.

NameFirst Maiden Last Class Year

Email Address 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 Directors5

6

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

Fac

ult

yP

rofi

le

“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

Class of 2000 Alysha Zaneski Carmody

CLASSES ALYSHA TEACHES AT NFA

Advanced Graphic Design & Digital Imaging

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

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.

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 Inte-

grated 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 imple-

mented 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.

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.

“Brand” New

Beginnings!

8

Samples of NFA’s new identity system: on letterhead, envelope and business card

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 through-

out his college career and in life beyond.

Studen

t P

rofi

le

“Life requires

one to interact

with others,

and NFA is a

perfect place

to inherit

this ability.”

– Chad Potter

Chad Potter, Class of 2011

9

10

Slater Museum

To coincide with the re-opening of the Slater Memorial Museum, a temporary exhibition of work byalumni artists is planned. If you area working artist and would like toreceive the call to artists for thisexciting exhibition, please call the Alumni Office event line at860-425-5546 and leave yourname, 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 then-

Museum 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 combi-

nation 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.

Vivian Zoë cleans the Nike of Paionios

Bob Shure at work on the centaurs of the Western Pediment of the Parthenon

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.

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

14

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

welcomed us and offered “Words of Wisdom,”

while Jerry Navick acted as Master of Cere-

monies. 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.

...we are

amazed at

how young

we all look!

Reu

nio

n N

ews

Class of 1955 Celebrates 55th Year Reunion!

Submitted by Marie Landry Bontempo

Members of the Class of 1955

15

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.

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!

20th Year Reunion Held for the Class of 1990

Submitted by Tara Ludlow Hurt

Classmates danced the night away!

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!

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.

A New Tradition – Decade Reunion

NORWICH RESIDENT / NFA DOUBLE HEADERREUNIONS...

EASTMEETSWEST 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 grand-

children (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 dona-

tions 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

Rogan for $100 to Jon Shattuck ’55, as

well as a brick from the former NFA

clubhouse for $30 to James Gionet ’88.

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.

Raffle prizes included: an NFA cap, won

by Ida Konow ’63; an NFA tee-shirt,

won by Ric Faretta ’56; a ladies pocket-

book, 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.

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

Continued on next page

17

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!”

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

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 ReunionPlanning Stages

Class of 1986 25th Year ReunionPlanning Stages

Class of 1991 20th Year Reunion: October 15 Location to be determined

Class of 1996 15th Year ReunionNo Reunion Planned – Please contact Alumni House if interested in planning event

Class of 2001 10th Year ReunionPlanning Stages

Top: Nancy Vitagliano Woodmansee ’54 &

Don Woodmansee ’50 at the West Coast Reunion

18

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

Callingall NFAAlumni:

Let's Stay

Connected

Name:

Class Year: E-Mail:

Address:

City/State/Zip:

Home Phone:

Business Phone:

Class Notes:

RED & WHITE DECADE REUNION

CLASSES of 1952 – 1960Summer 2011Location: TBAInvitations to be mailed in late spring

16TH ANNUAL JUBILEE REUNION

CLASSES OF 1922 – 1951Saturday, July 16, 2011Holiday Inn, Norwich12 – 4 PMCost $15.00 Per PersonInvitations to be mailed in May

19

20

1938

Wilfred Joseph Toczko, Sr. writes that formany years he and his wife, Marcelle,traveled to Hawaii for the month ofDecember. In the December 7, 2008, issueof the Honolulu Star Bulletin, he was featuredin an article regarding his wartime service.He has also been featured in Globemagazine, which serves the military andcivilian communities of the DefenseLanguage Institute Foreign LanguageCenter and Presidio of Monterey,California. Retired Army Captain Toczkobegan his military career as a young enlistedsoldier, guarding Hickam Field in Hawaiiduring the attack on Pearl Harbor. He laterflew heavy bombers over Germany andwent on to become a military intelligenceofficer, using his language skills – Polish,German Russian and Japanese – tointerrogate refugees and seek out potentialdefectors. At the age of 49, he finished hiscareer as a civilian agent at Fort Huachuca,Arizona, and has not worked for anyonesince. Until a few years ago, Wilfredcontinued to fly as a private pilot andmaintained a plane at his own airstrip.

1939

Rose Morton Mather and her husband, Bob,will celebrate their 69th wedding anniversaryin April 2011. Congratulations!

1940

Mary Weimann McShane celebrated the70th anniversary of her graduation fromNFA in 2010. She still gets together duringeach summer with two close friends andclassmates, Inez Abel Lattimore and PatriciaConfrey Thevenet, when she travels fromFlorida to visit her children in Connecticut,Rhode Island and Vermont.

1944

As part of the Linden Ponds RetirementCommunity’s “Great Decisions” group,Robert Galton, Ph.D. recently gave a specialpresentation on British and Americanpolicies, actions and consequence in theMiddle East and Afghanistan beginning withdisastrous decisions of the Anglo-PersianOil Company in 1908 and the incrementalinvolvement of the U.S. since then.

1946

Ralph W. Wallen writes that, after his wifeJane passed away, he remarried Marie onSeptember 1, 2007. This past summer Ralphwas excited to bring Marie on a tour of NFAand show off his school to her!

1947

Loretta Leone Rispoli traveled to Australiaand New Zealand during January 2011 andwill be visiting Connecticut in May 2011 tosee her granddaughter graduate from theU.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London.

1950

Stephen Altschuler is celebrating the 38thyear of his business, Altek Electronics, Inc.,which manufactures printed circuit boardassemblies and control panels that are usedin fuel cells, mammography machines,elevators and hazardous material detectionequipment, among others.

1951

Beverly LaRiviere Hitchman resides inWashington State and writes that they have harvested their first grapes in anattempt to make some wines. She invitesfellow NFA alumni to “Come visit theGreat Northwest!”

1952

Mary Pedace Mahler has moved toStoneRidge, a lifecare service community inMystic, Connecticut. She is retired, afterclosing her Stonington antiques business.

Nellie Beetham Stark recently published 15 ebooks that can be viewed atwww.ebook.com. These books, the result ofhalf a lifetime of writing and painting, are alloriginal historical novels. Each book coverfeatures Nellie’s own original artwork.

1953

Linnea Bulford-Barry says “hi” to all thededicated Class Agents who spend theirtime “keeping us together.”

Mary Calkins Muscarella is the proud grand-mother of one-year-old Mia Muscarella.

1954

Hector Richards writes that he retired (for the second time!) from the SanFrancisco publishing branch of John Wiley& Sons, Inc. He has lived at The RedwoodsRetirement Complex in Mill Valley,California for 5½ years, where he belongs tothe Mill Valley Seniors and knits for SarahOliver Handbags (saraholiverhandbags.com).Sarah employs several seniors at The

Cla

ss N

ote

s What haveclassmates

and friends

been up to?

What have

you been

up to? Let

us know!

We know that most alumni members turn right to the Class Notes section to see the latest news on formerclassmates, so please let us know if something important has happened to you: a job change, a marriageor new baby, a degree, a transfer – anything that involves NFA alumni is of interest to us! Your canemail your news to alumni@norwichfreeacademy.com or mail it to NFA~Levanto Alumni House~305Broadway~Norwich CT 06360.

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.

21

Redwoods to hand-knit her bags, which aresold in boutiques all over the USA.“Imagine, actually made in America!” writesHector. His salary goes to The RedwoodScholarship Fund, which grants awards to 6-7 high school seniors each May.

1956

Robert B. Burns owns and operates AikiFarm in Ledyard, Connecticut, where heteaches farming and Aikido. Bob, a Zenmonk, is active on the mission committee ofthe Ledyard Congregational Church and has6 children and 13 grandchildren.

Shirley Niedojadlo Hamm completed fourmission trips to Nicaragua in 2009 and 2010.She looks forward to traveling to Thailand,Cambodia and Laos this year, and will spendthe month of August working in a medicalclinic at a catholic orphanage in Vietnam.After returning home for a couple ofmonths, she will then head to Jerusalem inlate October/early November and finish hertrip in Cairo.

As a Compliance and Accreditation managerfor Western Governors University (WGU)in Salt Lake City, Utah, Shayna FeisterLamson has a great appreciation for qualityhigher education and quality high schoolsthat help students obtain that education.Shayna appreciates the fine education thatNFA provided her and so many others.

Pat Sinclair Tressler and her husband,Richard, celebrated their 50th weddinganniversary on June 4th aboard the RoyalCaribbean cruise line’s Grandeur of the Seas.Their children, children’s spouses and fourgrandchildren accompanied them on thecruise. Pat writes that she now enjoys herretirement, living in Vero Beach, Florida.

1958

Chuck Burdick is currently serving a 2-yearterm as a Councilman for the town of Duck, North Carolina, where he has livedwith his family since 2000. He has been thetown’s contract postmaster for the last fouryears and worked on the “Build the Bridge”committee, which surveyed all of the town’sroad properties. Chuck, a chemical engineer,received his degree from WorcesterPolytechnic Institute in 1962 and has anMBA from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

David T. Foley and his wife, Darlene, havebeen enjoying sunny Florida for the past 5years. “Sarasota is a beautiful city!” he says.Dave is fully retired and Darlene works forWhole Foods Market.

1959

Nearly every Tuesday since April 2002,David Conley and his wife, Mary, haveenjoyed day hikes and snowshoe trips withthe Berkshire Chapter of the AppalachianMountain Club. In 2003, they completed allof the Appalachian Trail in Massachusettssouthbound and recently completed thesame route northbound with the Tuesdayhikers.

R. Alan Gross writes that, after spending 27years in the U.S. Navy and 19 years in privateindustry, he has retired from DRSTechnologies, Inc. as the Corporate SeniorVice President of Compliance. Alan and hiswife, Susan, have moved to EasternTennessee, where they enjoy life in a lakeand mountain community. Alan earned aBachelor of Science degree in BusinessAdministration from the University ofNorth Dakota and a Master of BusinessAdministration degree from the Universityof Michigan. He is also a graduate of theIndustrial College of the Armed Forces andis a Certified Public Accountant.

1960

Richard Kurth is pleased to announce thathis twin granddaughters were born onNovember 2, 2010 in Townsville, Australia!

Marjorie Soby Porucznik would like tocommend the class of 2010 for theirwonderful attitudes and behavior at theirgraduation. “It seemed that they truly lefttheir teen years and became the future adultsof which anyone could be proud. It was apleasure to be sharing their day,” she writes.

“Our 50th reunion was overwhelming;every event was beautifully executed. Thewelcome at the pre-commencement recep-tion was so heartwarming, and I will neverforget the surprise and awe that I felt as Iwas presented with the medallion of ourclass. Many thanks to the committee for theirhard work; it truly represented the formalstature that NFA represents. I have alwaysbeen proud to have been a part of such a fineschool. It was wonderful to see classmatesagain and I hope the Internet will keep usclose. For those who were unable to attend, Ilook forward to their keeping in touch.”

1963

Raymond Benoit writes that he recentlyattended the 1st Annual Florida West Coastreunion and says, “Hats off to KittySherman Thibault Miller ’51. She did anoutstanding job! ”

John Gross was recentlyhonored by the Universityof Maine’s College ofEngineering during aceremony in which hewas inducted into theFrancis Crowe Society,which recognizes UMaine

engineering graduates as they accomplishthe formidable goal of completing theirengineering degrees and pays tribute thosewho have made considerable engineeringcontributions and demonstrate a high regardfor the profession. John was honored as aDistinguished Engineer who has mademajor contributions to advancing the art,science or practice of engineering. Johnearned his BS and MS in MechanicalEngineering from UMaine in 1967 and1971, respectively, was a track letter winner,and participated in the Phi Eta Kappafraternity. He later earned a doctorate inveterinary medicine from Cornell University.In 2006, John retired from WinthropVeterinary Hospital in Maine after 28 yearswith the hospital. A former advisory boardmember at the Gardiner Savings Institutionin Winthrop, Maine, John now enjoys flyinghis single-engine airplane and supportsenvironmental causes.

Margaret Weir Walker moved from Venice,Florida, to Charlotte, North Carolina, inMay 2010 to be near her son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons. One grandson isalmost 2 years old and a new baby arrived inMarch 2011.

Bottom Right:

The Purlettes +One features

our own

Hector

Richards.

22

1964Barbara A. Brown sends best wishes to allher classmates for health and happiness inthe New Year.

Valerie Caron Campbell had an eventful yearin 2010. A Manager for Highmark BlueCross Blue Shield in Camp Hill,Pennsylvania, she presented “Best Practice:The Bedrock of a Pay-for-PerformanceProgram” at the Blue National Summit inChicago in October. Her daughter, Sara,who received a BA in Journalism from PennState in 2007, obtained a BSN from GeorgeMason University in August and is now aRegistered Nurse like her mother. Saramarried George Harrum on August 14th –her parent’s 39th wedding anniversary – inthe Eisenhower Chapel at Penn State.Following a honeymoon in Jamaica, thenewlyweds moved to Fort Worth, Texas,where George works for the FederalAviation Administration. Her son, Matthew,is a Major in the Air Force is the father ofValerie’s first grandchild, Annabel MarieCampbell, born in 2009. Matt lives in LittleRock, Arkansas, with his wife Jessica. Valeriewrites that her husband, Glenn, passed awaysuddenly on November 4th and was buriedwith full military honors at Fort IndiantownGap National Cemetery in Annville,Pennsylvania. In 2007, Valerie and Glennadopted three children, who are now ages16, 15 and 12; Valerie and the childrencontinue to live in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.

Patricia Riess Tennison, who received abachelor’s degree in English literature andFrench from Boston University and amaster’s degree in English literature fromBoston College, is a veteran features andnews writer, movie editor, and restaurantreviewer for the Chicago Tribune and Chicagomagazine; the author of James Beard Award-honored cookbooks; and an adjunct profes-sor of writing at National-Louis University inChicago. She has recently combined herpassion for teaching and travel in a newventure: the Paris Café Writing Workshop(www.pariscafewriting.com). Through theworkshop, Pat works with participants tocorral the creative process within a structureas they focus on creative nonfiction writing.

1965

On December 15 and 16, local firefighter,businessman and Vietnam veteran ThomasJ. Burke returned to NFA to speak withstudents in William Howard’s ’90 seniormodern history class about why hevolunteered to serve in Vietnam, the nature

of combat, the American public’s responseto soldiers coming home and the politics ofwar. Tom, who served with the U.S. Army inVietnam from 1967-69, is active in localveteran affairs, was instrumental in the effortto memorialize 12 Norwich men that died inVietnam and currently seeks to memorializeNFA alumnus U.S. Army Capt. KeithHeidtman ’01, who was killed in Iraq in2007. Tom was named 2000 NorwichVeteran of the Year and was inducted intothe Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame,Class of 2010, in November.

1966

In 2010, Kenneth M. Bujnowski exhibitedhis work at Expressions Cultural Center inNew London, Connecticut, and the Alexeyvon Schlippe Gallery of Art at the UConn-Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut.Ken studied at the Silvermine College ofArt, Yale University and received a Master ofFine Arts Degree from the University ofHartford.

In January 2010, Paul Field was elected as Treasurer/Registration Chairman of the Pacific Northwest Amateur BoxingAssociation for the 17th consecutive year.Covering most of Washington west of theCascade Mountains, Paul processes 95% ofthe paperwork associated with a $60,000budget. He arranges medical and dentalinsurance for all athletes, as well as liabilityinsurance for every boxing event(approximately 20-25 per year). Paul alsoserves as a judge or referee for almost everypromotion. His resume includes more than5,300 amateur and professional boxingmatches. He invites NFA alumni to contacthim at kojiki@bmi.net.

Roger Martin is studying to become amedical herbalist in traditional Chinesemedicine (TCM), Ayurvedic medicine(India) and Western medicine (USA) at EastWest School of Herbology.

1968

Donna Ralston, Tax Assessor for the City ofNorwich and a Connecticut CertifiedAssessor since 1983, has been nominated asAssessor of the Year Award from theConnecticut Association of AssessingOfficers, Inc. (CAAO) for an unprecedentedsecond time. She received the award oncebefore, in 1993, as the CAAO Motor VehicleCommittee Chair for her efforts to negotiatea contract with the National AutomobileDealers Association (NADA) for electronic

valuation of motor vehicles for taxpurposes. Since 2003, Donna has workedwith the DMV to allow tax assessors theaccess to DMV data online, and in July2010 her work came to fruition as assessors were granted access to this importantinformation. This historical change not onlyassists the assessors in their duties, but it isalso a more efficient way of doing businessfor the assessors, DMV staff and taxpayers.Donna and her husband, Bob, live inMystic, Connecticut. With him, she has 3children, 2 stepchildren and 9 grandchildren.Their son-in-law, Bill Howard ’90, teacheshistory at NFA.

1969

Sharen Paster Peters and her husband, Tom,renewed their vows on June 28, 2010 – the25th anniversary of their first date in 1985.The ceremony took place at sunset at theOcean Cliff Hotel in Newport, RhodeIsland, overlooking Narragansett Bay. OnSaturday, October 9, 2010, a semi-formalreception was held at The ColonnadeBanquet and Conference Center inGlastonbury, Connecticut. Over 100 guestsenjoyed the music of After FiveEntertainment. Several NFA alumni werepresent and had a great time. Sharen ownsher own company – Dental Office Solutions,LLC – and coaches dental offices onemployee relations, productivity and cashflow. Tom works for the University ofConnecticut’s graduate school, and they livein Mansfield, Connecticut. Sharen says “hi”to her classmates and wants to let themknow she is on Facebook, “now if I can justlearn how to use it!”

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

23

1973

NFA Athletic Director Gary Makowickireceived the Connecticut Association ofAthletic Directors’ (CAAD) DistinguishedService Award – From Inside the Field ofAthletic Administration on March 24, 2010.This award, CAAD’s most prestigious, ispresented annually to an athleticadministrator who has made significantcontributions at the local and state levels.

1975

Debra DeChamplain Krodel is a salesrepresentative for Kraft Foods. Her grand-daughter, Ava Brooke Vanase, was born inJanuary 2008.

1976

Lori Buzzell Dougherty was recently namedDirector of Development Marketing for theDana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Judith Pepin, PhD, has been named to afourth term as treasurer of the AmericanMedical Writers Association (AMWA). Sheis a senior scientist with Procter & Gamble’sScientific Writing and Editing Section andresides in Mason, Ohio. Judy is responsiblefor writing projects within the cardiac,gastrointestinal, respiratory and personalcare therapeutic areas, including protocols,study reports, Investigational New Drugapplications, Common Technical Documentsummaries, 510(k)s, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and regulatory agencybriefing packages. She holds a doctorate anda Master of Science degree in pharmacologyand toxicology from the University ofConnecticut School of Pharmacy and aBachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistryfrom Smith College. She completed herpostdoctoral training at the ClevelandClinic’s Department of Vascular CellBiology and Atherosclerosis.

Louise Plante is pleased to announce thebirth of her first grandchild, Alliana MaxineRobles, on November 1, 2010.

1979

Michelé LaVigne is reaching out to friends,classmates and strangers in the pursuit of aliving kidney donor. If you are interested inbecoming a potential donor for her, pleasecontact her at 860-917-2324 or via email atmmlavigne@att.net. She thanks you for yourconsideration.

1981

Todd Daigneault recently dropped us a noteto thank the Academy for preparing himwell for life’s challenges and opportunities.After graduating from NFA, he attendedJohnson & Wales Culinary School. Sincethen, he has traveled extensively and hascooked 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 servedas the Executive Director of Royal CareSkilled Nursing Center in Long Beach,California, where her priority is deliveringthe highest possible care to each patient in asupportive and nurturing environment.Royal Care was one of only three skillednursing facilities nationwide to receive theprestigious 2010 AMDA/Evercare Award,which is reserved for facilities thatdemonstrate and maintain measurableoutcomes and sustained improvement in thequality of life for their patients. With over 20years of experience in the healthcareindustry, Beth has taken part in a variety ofindustry forums. The daughter of BJBushnell ’53 and Walter Curran ’51, Bethand her husband, Dusty, have 3 daughters –Syndey, Julia and Reagan.

1985

Lisa Hinse Morrison was recently promotedto Regional Vice President of the GeorgiaRegion for Coast Dental. The southeast'slargest dental group, Coast Dental operates120 offices, 30 of which are in Georgia. Sherelocated to Atlanta in October 2010.

1987

John M. Newson – former attorney, City of Norwich alderman and state publicdefender – was confirmed as a SuperiorCourt judge by the Connecticut GeneralAssembly on February 4, 2011. A graduateof the University of Rhode Island and theWestern New England College School ofLaw, John maintained a private practice inNorwich from 2001–2010. He is a formermember of the Alumni Association Boardof Directors and has also served as an NFACorporator since 2008.

1992

Kellie Miller Chambers and her husband,Larry, welcomed identical twin sons onNovember 29, 2010. The boys join big sisterBailey, age 3. Kellie is the daughter of NFACampus Safety Officer Jean Miller.

Continued on page 25

24

The Norwich Free Academy Memorabilia Order Form

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone:

Email:

Product Description (Circle Color & Size Requested) Quantity Price Total

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 $15.00

Red or Gray Hooded Sweatshirt S M L XL (XXL +$3.00) $22.00

Gray Alumni Hooded S M L XL (XXL +$3.00) $25.00Zip-up Sweatshirt

Embroidered Short Sleeve S M L XL (XXL +$3.00) $15.00Red Polo Shirt Specify Class Year__________

Embroidered Red Sweatshirt S M L XL (XXL +$3.00) $37.50Specify Class Year__________

Embroidered Gray S M L XL (XXL +$3.00) $37.50Zip Sweatshirt Specify Class Year__________

Embroidered Baseball Cap Red or Khaki $15.00Specify Class Year__________

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Continued from page 23

1992

Lisa Tracy MacDougall and her husband,Jim, welcomed twins Megan Tracy andMatthew James on December 1, 2010. Thetwins join big sister Sarah, who is 5 years old.

Jared Dillian is pleased to announce thepublication of his first book, Street Freak, amemoir of his seven years working as atrader at Lehman Brothers, from 9/11 to thebankruptcy, and his struggle with manic-depressive illness. The book is beingpublished by Touchstone, an imprint ofSimon & Schuster, and will be availableSeptember 15th, 2011. It is available for pre-order at Amazon and other online retailers.

1993

NFA Information Technology SupportSpecialist Kevin Pescatello and his wife,Anna, welcomed daughter Oriana Eliza onNovember 4, 2010.

1994

Elaine Finnegan Colvin married GlennColvin of Clinton, Connecticut onSeptember 12, 2010. She is a dental hygienestudent at the University of New Haven.

NFA Art teacher Alyssa Lathrop Pendletonand her husband, Gary, welcomed MaxwellBenjamin Pendleton on February 14, 2011.Maxwell weighed 8 lbs. 4 oz. and was 22inches long.

1997

NFA Physical Education teacher AnthonyDefilippo 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! Nicoweighed in at 8 lbs. 7 oz.

1999Katherine Baldwin and Jeremy Andruskiewicz’98 announce the birth of their daughter,Lily Mae Andruskiewicz, on February 2,2011. Proud first-time grandparents are LizCongdon Baldwin ’71 and NFA InformationSystems Coordinator John Baldwin, Jr.

2001

Eric Beit married Bethany Cinque of Milford,Connecticut, on October 8, 2010.

Jessica Stanton, daughter of Mark Stanton ’77and Jeanne (Farr) Stanton, became engagedon New Year’s Eve to Daniel Guglielmo, Jr.The couple resides in Meriden, Connecticut,where they own their own business. ASeptember 2012 wedding is planned.

2003

Emily Ann Fournier obtained her CPAcertification and works as an auditor atBlum Shapiro and Co. in West Hartford,Connecticut.

Brooke Romanski 2024 Eileen Kavanaugh Kalla ’81 Nancy Delorge Farnsworth ’69 Stacy Koehler ’97 Nuffy Jenkins Cagle ’76 Betty Buckley Avery ’69

Tom Neilan ’85 Ethel Moshier Handley ’60 Greg Gates ’77 Diane Romano Morgan ’75 Robin Presti Lawson ’81

Kevin Rodino ’75 Shirley Longo Kutia ’79 Jean LaFreniere Gilman ’76 Mary Barnett Messerschmidt ’63

Please be aware that some

e-mails, like this one from

alumniclass.com, may not

originate from or benefit

The Norwich Free Academy!

26

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.

Births1990sKellie Miller Chambers ’92 and Larry

Chambers announce the birth of identical

twin sons on November 29, 2010.

Lisa Tracy MacDougall ’92 and her

husband, Jim, welcomed twins Megan

Tracy and Matthew James on December 1,

2010.

NFA Information Technology Support

Specialist Kevin Pescatello ’93 and his

wife, Anna, welcomed Oriana Eliza on

November 4, 2010.

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.

Marriages1990sElaine Finnegan Colvin ’94 married Glenn

Colvin of Clinton, Connecticut, on

September 12, 2010.

2000sEric Beit ’01 married Bethany Cinque of

Milford, Connecticut, on October 8, 2010.

Faculty and StaffScience 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.

Mo

men

tous

Occ

asio

ns

27

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

1941

Joseph Morrissette

Jean Yerrington O'Keeffe

1942

Constance Millard Gabriele

Joseph Gerillo

Wilfred Rokowski

Louise Duhaime Seddon

1943

Frances Gustamachio Brown

1944

Frank Baranowski

Madeline Donovan

Miriam Fox Gabler

Edward Hayden

Marie Valentine O'Connell

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

1950

A. James Clendennin

Berdine Elton

Donald L. Scott MacDonald

1951

Richard Blasco

Thomas Izbicki

1952

Ronald Caron

Frances Brooks Moran

Shirley Bucovetsky Sommer

1953

Barbara Bielecki

Mary Twomey Blye

Barbara Chandler Pomo

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

DeceasedThe 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.

28

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

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.

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 hour-

long 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).

Recent Grads Return & Offer Advice

On January 5, two programs featured recent NFA alumni that returned to share their college and

art school experiences with current seniors.

Recent alumni

discussed and

answered questions

on topics ranging

from time

management,

residence life and

finances to meeting

new friends and

connecting with

professors.

30

Save the Date!

Homecoming

2011Saturday, October 15, 2011

Visit:www.norwichfreeacademy.com/alumni/ for updated Homecoming information

31

ONFA WILDCATS vs WOODSTOCK ACADEMY CENTAURS

GAME TIME 1:30 pm

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.

Tailgating parking spaces available by reservation only! Contact the Alumni Office at 860-425-5542 or via e-mail at alumni@norwichfreeacademy.comafter September 1, 2011 to reserve your spot.

Game Tickets: Adults $3 O Sr.Citizens/ Students $2 O Under 10 FREE

O

O

The Norwich Free Academy

Norwich, Connecticut 06360

Change Service Requested

NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #130

SPRINGFIELD, MA

Alumni & Development Staff:

Deborah J. Lee, Director of Development

860-887-2507 x5540 leed@norwichfreeacademy.com

Ellen Bremner, Director of Annual Fund

860-887-2507 x5545 bremnere@norwichfreeacademy.com

Kristen Fossum, Assistant Director of Development

860-887-2507 x5547 fossumk@norwichfreeacademy.com

Allison Turcotte, Development Associate

860-887-2507 x5541 turcottea@norwichfreeacademy.com

Linda Clang Ververis '78, Director of Alumni Relations

& Constituent Research

860-887-2507 x5542 ververisl@norwichfreeacademy.com

Coming Soon...The NFA Foundation, Inc. has something new planned for fall 2011! Be on the lookout for more information in the upcoming months.

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 sheldonb@norwichfreeacademy.com or visit the

NFA website at: www.norwichfreeacademy.com/academics/summer-intersession programs/

endless-opportunities/.

Endless Opportunities