Times of Brunswick Winter 2011 by Brunswick School

Winter 2011

A S urprise for M ac C aputo King Street Visionary

China Care: A Mission of Inspiration

Excellence Maximus: Classics Endowment Honors Father Cipolla

W i n te r 2 0 1 1

Brunswick School 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 Tel: 203.625.5800 BrunswickSchool.org H ead ma s te r Thomas W. Philip Di r ector o f De v e l o pme nt Thomas Murray Ed ito r - in-Chief Bonni Brodnick bbrodnick@brunswickschool.org C l a s s N ote s Editor Libby Edwards ledwards@brunswickschool.org S p o rt s Editor Diana Samponaro dsamponaro@brunswickschool.org C o n t r ibuto rs Ali Al-Maqtari, Rhonda Bonom, John Booth, Diane Briggs, Krista Bruce, Libby Edwards, Brett Farson, Leslie Lopez, Joan Michie, Paul Raaen, Jarrett Shine, Suzanne Zekonis C o n t r ibuti ng W r ite r s Sarah Crawford, Jeanne DeLarm-Neri, Mike Hannigan, Tucker Hastings, Fanning Hearon, Amy Kundrat, John Martin, Steve Polikoff, Bob Rands ’60, Zach Ruchman ’06, Rick Salame ’12, Eric Tillman, Thomas Wiener ’19 Cu b Rep orte r Keshav Raghavan ’17 Cov e r Ph oto Matthew Savitt ’12 B ac k C over Ill ustration Torrie Morrison, Nancy Weld Con t r ibuti ng Ph oto g rap he rs David Blumenthal ’10, John Booth, Diane Briggs, Dan Burns, Tim Coupe, Sarah Crawford, Libby Edwards, Jamie Fassenden, Eileen Grasso, Fanning Hearon, Cheryl Renn, Matthew Savitt ’12 De s i g n e r Good Design LLC, gooddesignusa.com Pr i n tin g Original Impressions, Miami, Florida

B o a r d o f T r u s tee s 2 0 1 0 – 2 0 1 1 William A. Durkin III ’72 Chairman W. Preston Baldwin III Nancy M. Better Mark Camel Michael P. Castine Leslie Dahl B. Cort Delany ’73 Matthew S. DeSalvo John R. Harvey ’84 Carlos Hernandez

Andrew H. Jacobson David B. MacFarlane Lisa G. Matthews Ian McKinnon Sanjeev K. Mehra Ian C. Murray ’93 Shepherd P. Murray ’89 Thomas D. O’Malley, Jr. ’85 Michael J. Odrich Charles Paternina Suzanne P. Peisch Philip F. Pierce

Clifton S. Robbins William A. Schneider ’72 Lucy M. Stitzer Michael A. Troy John S. Weinberg Simon J. Williams Tracy R. Wolstencroft Ex Officio Julie Johnson

Brunswick School, founded in 1902, is an independent college-preparatory day school for 936 boys in grades Pre-K through 12. The Upper School grades 9 through 12 have a coordinate program with Greenwich Academy, a neighboring girls’ school. In a community of challenging academics; comprehensive arts, drama and music programs; along with 33 varsity and sub-varsity sports teams, time for Brunswick School students is also reserved both for reflection and service to others. We believe in the potential of boys and have successfully developed an educational experience that emphasizes rigorous traditional learning, self-discipline, and character development. The School’s motto, “Courage, Honor, Truth,” is a phrase familiar to students who have graced our halls and one that is followed in both word and deed. For more information, please contact Gina Hurd, Admission Director, at 203.625.5800 or go to BrunswickSchool.org.

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F eat u r e s

A Surprise for Mac Caputo: King Street Visionary by Bonni Brodnick

10 Excellence Maximus: Newly Endowed Classics Fund Named in Honor of Father Richard G. Cipolla by Bonni Brodnick

16 De p a r tme n t s

24 28

Message from the Headmaster

Letters to the Editor

26 Brunswick 2.0 28 ’Wick Snippets English-free Zone; Messier & Richter; Cheryl Renn; John Quiñones; Autumn Boys; Real Men Read; ’Wick Shares Its Blues; Calling All Vintage Items; Environmental Club; Arrivederci Roma; John Irving 38 Sports Roundup

43 Beyond the Classroom Where’s Waldo?; Jeff Harris; Blue Notes; Matthew Savitt ’12 Winning Photo; Colorful Caps; Trip to Japan 46 Brunswick Alumni 60 Class Notes 66 In Memoriam 68 You Answered the Call

China Care®: A Mission of Inspiration by Bonni Brodnick

16 Tapas and Bullfights: Destination: España by Fanning Hearon

18 22

Letter from Amman, Jordan by Zachary Ruchman ’06 Matt McCarty ’05 Takes Stock in Zylie the Bear by Rick Salame ’12 23 The Plush Life by Bonni Brodnick

24 John Hill Wilson Remembered 49 Homecoming IS WHere the Heart is by Bonni Brodnick 50 Homecoming 2010 53 ’Wick Alumni Association Launches Its First Pre-Homecoming Bash 56 The 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award Honors Alums in the Military 59 Has It Really Been Fifty Years?! by Bob Rands ’60

Message from the HE A D M A S TER

anxiety Although many suspect anxiety is a by-product of our times, it is an accepted fact that parent anxiety is a growing problem … not only for parents and schools but, most importantly, for children. On occasion, it seems that some parents are anxious to the point of distraction about virtually all things at all levels. Fortunately, or perhaps not so fortunately, this phenomenon is not unique to Brunswick School. As a reflection of the widespread nature of the problem and the attendant concerns, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) issued a bulletin entitled “Understanding Your Child: A Guide for Anxious Parents.”* Rather than focus on instances and lessons available from my Brunswick experience (as that might hit too close to home), below are some interesting quotes on the topic of parent anxiety drawn from other educators, and included in the NAIS bulletin: “Remember that, at school, we ask everyone to do everything well. As adults, we figure out what we do well and capitalize on those things … as children they have to do it all.” —Dorothy Hutcheson, Head, Nightingale-Bamford School, NYC “What is sometimes alarming to parents is often part of a child’s normal developmental cycle. Being mean in Middle School is normal. Not wanting your parents to look at your homework is normal. I wish parents would chill out.” —Aggie Underwood, Head, National Cathedral School, Washington, D.C. “Forty years ago, top colleges like Harvard admitted two out of three applicants. Today, Harvard takes 2,000 out of 20,000. That means 20,000 families are anxious about Harvard alone. They need to realize that some of the nation’s leading felons have a Harvard diploma and that thousands of adults who didn’t attend elite colleges are leading happy, fulfilled, successful lives” —Rob Evans, clinical psychologist and author “I really want parents to understand that people who work in schools are professionals, not babysitters. Parents need the understanding that we are highly trained and should be regarded like other professionals in their lives.” —Reuel Jordan, Director, Bank Street School, NYC

The NAIS bulletin concluded with nine pointers for parents: • “Try to make new adult friends with children who are either the same age, or ideally, older than your own. As parents, too, they will offer you perspective and help keep your expectations in check.” • “When problems arise with your children, watch before intervening. A child who makes mistakes will never learn if mom or dad constantly swoop in to the rescue.” • “Respect teachers as the child development experts they are. Even novice interns have seen many, many more children in a school setting than most parents.” • “Don’t set yourself up as an adversary of your child’s school. The ideal is a partnership between parents and school.” • “Follow your child’s lead about activities. Rather than forcing him to continue something that has lost its joy, make decisions together.” • “Remember that kids of all ages will talk, but on their timetable, not yours.” • “Realize that children thrive on having limits. Rather than seek popularity, it is far more important for children to feel that adults are in charge and can keep them safe.” • “Of course, especially as children grow older, it’s impossible to protect them from everything.” • “Relieve your own particular brand of parental anxiety by reflecting on what you do well as a parent, and then do it more.” And, lastly, one last piece of advice of my own: Reflect upon your own childhood. Didn’t you become the successful adult that you are because of the lessons you learned from your own mistakes along the way, not in spite of the fact that you missed the opportunity to learn from those mistakes because you were “rescued” by a parent? We are anxious as parents because we all love our children so much. Remember that our parents, no doubt, loved us with equal strength. They raised us though in a time when it was accepted to let a child learn and grow with a somewhat more limited “safety net”… and believe it or not … we turned out OK!

Thomas W. Philip

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

* “Understanding Your Child: A Guide for Anxious Parents,” written by Karla Taylor, edited by Nancy Raley, 2003 by the National Association of Independent Schools

0 Summe r 201

Letters to the EDITOR ventive, Inspiring, In n: Foxy & Fu fter 37 Years ires A

et Ted Stolar R

The

Night! Oh, What a Spring Benefit Brunswick’s ’86 s Conrades Legacy of Gu

It’s rare that I pick up a magazine and feel chills when I open the pages. I would say extremely rare. I opened the latest issue of Times of Brunswick (summer 2010) to see a picture of Gus Conrades on page 44 and flashed back to almost 25 years ago. It really feels like yesterday. Now I have two sons, 10 and 12 years old, and see them reliving much of what I lived. You do an incredible job with the magazine. It’s not just a job, but a labor of love. It certainly does not go without notice. Sincerely, Kevin Wassong ’86 Thank you for publishing Times of Brunswick. It’s very interesting to read and it has grown quite a bit since the early-’50s. I thought I would share a few good remembrances from my days at ’Wick: Our freshman algebra teacher, Ken Merritt, was also the football and baseball coach. Whenever we had liver and bacon for lunch, the faculty person sitting at our table always took all the bacon from the serving plate set in the middle. Our English teacher, Mr. Sword, wore a bow tie, as did Jacques Bouffier, our French teacher. This inspired my friend and me to start wearing bow ties, which turned into a lifetime practice. However, I now live on an island in

Sweden and we rarely wear any sort of tie. Our science teacher, Mr. Keaney, taught three subjects: chemistry, biology, and physics. Prior to Brunswick, I attended a Catholic parochial grade school taught by nuns. It was a bit embarrassing when I came to ’Wick and responded to a faculty person with “Yes, Sister” rather than “Yes, Sir.” At one of the socials at Greenwich Academy, I danced with a girl whose name was Jane Fonda. I believe her brother, Peter, attended Brunswick. My four years at Brunswick were enjoyable and prepared me well for college (Yale). I still keep in touch with several of my ’Wick classmates. I would have loved to play hockey, but the program had been discontinued before I arrived. It’s great that hockey has returned. Dick Jenner ’54 Ulvohamn, Sweden I just finished reading Times of Brunswick (summer 2010) and it was spectacular. The photos were terrific and the articles, especially the piece about Ted Stolar, were so engaging I couldn’t put it down. How fitting that this fine school should have a publication that so perfectly captures its heart and soul. Thank you for bringing all of us in the Brunswick community in just a little closer to the life of the school.

I knew most everyone in the “Class Notes” photo (Times of Brunswick summer 2010, page 88). It’s a photo of the Brunswick Rifle Club. The rifle range was underneath the old gym floor, where there wasn’t much room to stand up. Though I was a member of the club, I can’t remember why I wasn’t there for the photo. Nonetheless, here are:

Front row (left to right): Gene Singer ’52, Larry Case, Steve Lee ’51 (president of the club), and Jack Newell ’53. Middle row: Peter Bell ’52, David Graf, Murray Mortimer ’49, and Jerry Pitts. Back row: Mr. Springstead (“Coach” and history teacher), Chuck Lowrie ’51, Norman Hart ’51, and Dave Frankel ’51.

Ken Towe ’46 Eatonton, Ga.

Erratum We extend our apologies to Dan Burns (www.danburnsphotos.com) for not crediting his photographs in the story “The Pirates of Penzance” by Seth Potter (Times of Brunswick summer 2010 issue, page 32).

Fondly, Eileen Grasso Brunswick Parent

We welcome your comments and letters to the editor. Please contact bbrodnick@brunswickschool.org Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

A Surprise for Mac Caputo Former Board Chair & King Street Visionary By Bonni Brodnick

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

It was all hush-hush. In November, Headmaster Tom Philip and his wife, Lela, sent an invitation to current and former Trustees with a bottom note: “Shhhh … this is a SECRET!” All but one guest knew that this was to be a dedication of the Middle School: Mac Caputo, former Chairman of the Board (1995–2001) and King Street visionary. “Mac, we have tricked you this evening,” admitted Mr. Philip to the roomful of assembled guests in the Lower School Durkin Dining Hall. “Yes, we are all here because we love Brunswick, but more specifically, we are all here because we are so grateful for all you have done for this School and because we love you.”

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

he situation remained quizzical for Mac, as his wife, Ellen, and their sons, Mac ’98 and Scott ’01, stood closely by his side. A memorable moment was about to take place as a certain gentleman was acknowledged for setting Brunswick on a transformative course during which it evolved from a well-regarded school of 550 boys, enjoying a rich history in downtown Greenwich, to a preeminent institution of 936 students today. “Mac, you had the vision and drive to see beyond what was and set this School on a path so that it could aspire to become what it has become today,” Mr. Philip continued. “As I look at this campus, all that it is, all that made it possible, and all that it symbolizes, I look at the building at its highest

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

point. There can simply be no other name on it than yours. It is with profound gratefulness that we dedicate Caputo Middle School in honor of all you did, and all you continue to do on behalf of Brunswick.” Bill Durkin, current Chairman of the Board and Class of ’72 alumnus, spoke about how “… land and buildings, alone, do not guaranty success.” “Mac’s insistence that Brunswick must move past the confines of Maher Avenue, a campus that had served it well for nearly 100 years, his vision that a 100-acre strip of heavily wooded land, sloping to a busy regional airport, and housing a derelict mansion, was nothing short of prescient,” Bill said as he recalled the late afternoon when Mac summoned the entire

“As I look at this campus, all that it is, all that made it possible, and all that it symbolizes, I look at the building at its highest point. There can simply be no other name on it than yours.” —Headmaster Tom Philip

Board, along with Tom Philip and former Headmaster Duncan Edwards, to a property on King Street. “It was cold, getting dark, and raining steadily as we stood under the leaking portico of the rambling wreck of the mansion,” Bill continued. “Through a low cloud cover we could hear what seemed to be a constant roar of jet and helicopter traffic. The smell of diesel was unmistakable. Safe to say that some trustees may have been wondering whether this represented Brunswick’s future and what could possibly be going through Mac’s mind.” In hindsight, they now know what Mac had in mind: a sprawling campus with classic academic buildings, state-of-theart athletic facilities, and lush playing fields.

“One step ahead of the game, Mac had already enlisted the counsel of his Deerfield classmate, David Childs—chairman of Skidmore Owings and Merrill, the most sought-after architectural firm in the world—to become personally involved with the project,” Bill said. “What followed next was a personal appearance and slide presentation by David Childs at the Board’s summer meeting at Ellen and Mac’s home. Romanced by David’s eloquence, the trustees came away sold on the project. The rest is history.” Today, King Street campus defines Brunswick. The 104acres are now home to Brunswick Lower School, Middle School, Burke Field House, Sampson Athletic Center, and Robert L. Cosby Memorial Field.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

“While this amazing campus, and what it has brought to Brunswick School is but one of your many contributions as a trustee, parent, and friend, it defines your term as Chairman of our Board,” Bill concluded. “It is with great pleasure and sincere thanks that the Board of Trustees, Tom Philip, and his administration recognize your unconditional dedication and leadership by naming the Caputo Middle School in your honor.” A few weeks after the dedication, Times of Brunswick caught up with Mac to recount the surprise. “I still am somewhat, and was, vastly confused, befuddled, and not readily understanding what happened and was happening at the trustees event,” he said. “I kept seeing all of these people who are close to me and thinking, ‘What are they doing here on

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

a Saturday evening at a Board of Trustees meeting?’” “I am deeply honored and tremendously flattered that the Middle School has been named in my family’s honor,” he concluded. “But the greatest strength of Brunswick is not about that: it is the tremendous leadership of Tom Philip, the commitment and dedication of the Board of Trustees, the faculty who give so much to the School and, most importantly, the boys and their extraordinary abilities and character.” j

Additional statistics that occurred under Mac’s watch as Chairman of the Board of Trustees include:

1994

Fall 2010

Acres.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Square Footage.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114,006 Faculty Housing Units �� 21 Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 million Annual Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.3 million Diversity.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% Sports Teams �� 24 Faculty/Staff �� 134 Student Attrition �� 8% Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 550 Student/Faculty Ratio �� 8 :1

Acres.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Square Footage.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311,658 Faculty Housing Units �� 45 Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33 million Annual Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.2 million Diversity.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20% Sports Teams �� 34 Faculty/Staff �� 216 Student Attrition �� 2% Students. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 940 Student/Faculty Ratio �� 5:1

(Before the King Street Campus)

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

By Bonni Brodnick

he glaring lights overhead are awful,” said Father Richard G. Cipolla, Upper School Classics Chair, when we met for this interview. The fluorescent lights in his classroom had been turned off. In the middle of the Harkness table, two shaded lamps glowed. “They make it more like a seminar or a family.” This is the warmth and intensity with which students are met when they enter Father Cipolla’s classroom. In his own words: “At Brunswick, I have the opportunity to teach something I love with all my heart.” It is his passion for teaching that inspires his students well beyond graduation day. For the past two years, every Brunswick AP Latin Virgil student—14 in all— received a 5 (out of 5) on the AP Examination. In recent years, sixteen students have gotten into the best schools in the country and have selected either a minor or major in Classics. “It’s incredibly gratifying that the students are equally passionate about this course,” Father Cipolla said. “Most of them understand that Latin is a very special thing in their lives. At the end of the school year, there is a bond between them: they’ve all come through the battle of learning. They’ve gained an appreciation for hard-won knowledge, complex problems, and rich cultural differences.” Unlike many schools today, Brunswick offers a full Classics program—Latin 3 and Honors 3; Latin 4; AP Latin; Senior Seminar, and Advanced Latin Studies. (Latin 2 and Honors 2 are taught at Greenwich Academy.) Along with Father Cipolla, Tim Markey (Upper School Latin) and Brian Freeman (Upper School Greek and English) are teaching this year’s 103 Classics students. By the end of senior year, Brunswick students have the unique opportunity to receive a Classics diploma at graduation. This prestigious accomplishment is achieved by taking four years of Latin (which must include AP Latin), and two years of Greek. “Latin isn’t a spoken language,” Father Cipolla said. “It’s a studied language that is the basis of all romance languages. Latin teaches patience. To translate a sentence, a student needs to unpack every word and then translate that particular Latin sentence with its own syntax into English. In so doing, students learn analytical skills and to keep things mean and lean. Latin helps hone in on the matter at hand so that one avoids fuzzy thinking and overwrought prose.” To expand on the cultural experience, each spring Father Cipolla leads his seniors on a trip to Rome. Far from being simply an end-of-semester jaunt to Italy, the trip makes the students’ Latin studies come alive.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

—Townsend Wells ’04

“Besides visiting the Forum, the Coliseum and other classical landmarks, every night we have five-course, three-hour dinners,” he continued. “My students learn how meaningful it is to have an unrushed meal with friends. This is a novelty for many of them.” And if you happen to be in Father Cipolla’s senior advisory, you get, literally, an added treat. Throughout the year, he cooks a sit-down dinner in each student’s home. The last advisory dinner is at his own home. “The meals are always on a Sunday afternoon. We meet at 4:15 and start cooking,” he said. “What’s for dinner? It might be an antipasto of fresh figs and prosciutto; veal scaloppini with mushrooms; roasted potatoes; a salad and a cheese course. We end the meal with biscotti and three flavors of sorbet. The objective is to enjoy our common bond of loving Latin and all aspects of the Italian culture.” In support of the teaching of Classics at Brunswick, the newly established Father Richard G. Cipolla Classics Endowment has been coordinated by a group of current and former parents whose children have benefited from the education that course offers. By supporting the program, it is the hope to ensure the continued vibrancy of the Classics faculty, enable them to pursue and promote courses and extracurricular programs in all Classics subjects that will benefit our Upper and Middle School students, and to pass along the languages and culture of Latin and Greek that are the basis of our own Western culture. “The teaching of Classics to Brunswick’s young men is one of the most meaningful and cultured experiences that the boys take away from their Brunswick education,” said Paul Ghaffari, father of Christopher ’08 and Alex ’10. “We watched our sons’ development under the guidance of Father Cipolla; the impact he had on their analytical thinking and their cultural development has been profound. There is no better way to honor him than by giving back to Brunswick Classics through this endowment.” 12

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

When Classics alumni heard about the new endowment, many wrote to support the initiative. “Brunswick’s Advanced Placement Latin Literature and Latin Poetry classes strongly influenced my academic and personal development,” wrote Townsend Wells ’04. “When my family began considering moving back to Greenwich from Virginia in the spring of my sophomore year in high school, I visited Brunswick as a prospective student. The first class I sat in on was Father Cipolla’s AP seminars on Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Lively discussion, rigorous focus on performing sight translation every day, and the evident camaraderie of his students was my first impression of Brunswick. “As a Bruin for the following two years, Father Cipolla’s classes became one of the most challenging and enjoyable elements of my academic work at Brunswick,” Townsend continued. “His classes were rooted in fresh struggles with translating complex Latin and branching out into discussion of interpretation and cultural influence that touched on fields as diverse as English literature, science, film, and political science.” Since graduating from Brunswick, Townsend has traveled to Rome three times, but has returned to the lessons he took away from Father Cipolla’s classes much more frequently. “Patient attention to language and a fascination with the way literature reflects a culture’s preoccupations guided my major and independent work at Princeton,” Townsend concluded. “A sense of the thrills when tackling multifaceted problems that require patience judgment, and thoughtful expansion of potential alternatives has informed both my job decisions and work since leaving college.” Alex Ghaffari ’10 and Jennifer Goodrick (GA ’10), who attend Duke University, continue to study Classics. The lasting inspiration of the Brunswick program is evident when Father Cipolla receives notes like this from Jennifer:

Cloister of S. Paolo fuori le Mura, a patriarchal basilica dedicated to St. Paul. “A long Latin inscription in mosaic around the cloister is one that we always attempt to read,” said Father Cipolla. “It speaks of the importance of learning and of silence.” Front row: (left to right): Molly O’Neill (GA ’10), Jen Goodrick (GA’10), Maddie McMahon (GA ’10), J.B. Weisheit (Fairfield U.), Father Cipolla Audrey Han (GA ’10). Back row: Alex Ghaffari ’10, Justin Manaster ’10, William Lowden ’10, Will Knox ’10, and David Blumenthal ’10.

“All is well with Classics on Duke’s campus! In a classical literature course, we just finished Plato’s Ion and started Lysis yesterday. I am also registered to take both Latin and Greek next semester. Please tell Dr. Markey and Doc hello for me and, while I have always known this, I realize more and more how lucky we were to have had you as our teachers.” Brunswick Classics also had a profound influence on Andrew Reed ’08. At Amherst College, he is a football standout and an Academic All-American in track (all East Coast and Amherst School Record Holder in the 4x400). Off the playing field, he has a double major in Classics and economics. Andrew joins some of the brightest students in the region as one of the 26 All-District selections in District 1 with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.60. In summer 2009, he worked in Corinth, Greece, on the project staff of an archaeological expedition. Andrew was nominated by Amherst to work with an international interdisciplinary team of archaeological experts that excavated a cemetery located on the harbor at Kenchreai, one of the busiest Aegean seaports during the Roman Empire. His charge was to lead a team of laborers, as well as work with senior staff members in geological and artifactual studies, excavation, field documentation, and an architectural survey. Andrew also had research excursions to major sites, including Perachora, Mycenae, and Epidauros. Joey Doyle, a current senior at Brunswick, said that Classics is nothing short of demanding. This year he is in Advanced Latin Studies and reading literature by Catullus and Ovid. “The course is definitely rigorous, as it needs to be, otherwise there is no other way to reap the full benefits of the texts

which the curriculums focus on,” Joey wrote in an email. “These texts are among the most rewarding and encompassing works a student can read. Although concerned with the syntax of Latin and Greek, they delve extensively into historical contexts, thematic applications, and both psychological and philosophical ideas. For me personally, this nature of the Classics has lent itself greatly to my work within Brunswick’s theater department. Approaching a passage of Latin is strikingly similar to approaching lines from a script. One must concern oneself with the syntax of the words, the goings on of the world in which they exist, the purpose they serve in the text thematically, and what underlying ideas the words represent.” With continued support, the endowment will strengthen into a full faculty chair so that Brunswick and Greenwich Academy Upper School students may continue to have the opportunity to enrich their academics. “Our Classics program is a unique educational experience that distinguishes Brunswick and honors the achievements of Father Cipolla,” said Headmaster Tom Philip. “His teaching, advising, and mentoring skills, along with all he does on behalf of our boys, reflect the legacy he has established for future generations.” j For more information on how to support the Father Richard G. Cipolla Classics Endowment, please contact Tom Murray, Director of Development, at tmurray@brunswickschool.org or 203.625.5864.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

a mission of inspiration By Bonni Brodnick

When Brunswick started its Chinese program in the fall of 2002, it was a forerunner amidst other independent schools. What began with only one student in the Upper School program now has more than 120 students in the classrooms of teachers Hongbing Liu in Middle School and Jing Wang in Upper School. Chinese studies, which begin in 5th grade and go up to 12th, now include Chinese I through AP, both regulars and honors sections. “Middle School Chinese is doing great and feeding our Upper School program,” said Fanning Hearon, chair of Modern Language Department and Upper School Spanish teacher. “By the time the boys reach Upper School, many have been studying Chinese for four years. We are also in our third year of offering Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture. The culminating experience is the opportunity to volunteer at the China Care Foundation, which was founded 10 years ago by Matt Dalio ’02. This amazing summer option, which is coordinated and chaperoned by Mrs. Wang, ties together a complete Chinese experience at Brunswick. Not only do we offer the academic component, but the community service aspect as well.” The China Care Foundation, located in Westport (Conn.) with operations in Beijing, is a nonprofit organization that cares for abandoned orphans who suffer from serious and life-threatening health conditions and are desperate for medical attention, nurturing, and affection. By offering volunteer opportunities, Matt inspires young people to

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

get involved and empowers them to use their abilities and creativity to help improve the lives of these medically fragile infants and toddlers who have neither homes nor families. “Young people who volunteer at China Care don’t realize the impact they can have,” Matt said. “I want to help kids know that they can do big things at any age.” Last summer, two Brunswick Chinese language students— Arnie Welles ’12 and Parker Masselink ’10—along with GA Chinese students Madeline Burbank ’10, Meredith SchmidtFellner ’10, Audrey Keller ’12, and Caroline Neumann ’14—had the opportunity to go to The China Care Home in Beijing. “I wanted to use my language skills in a way that would help people,” said Arnie. “The China Care project also fascinated me because growing up in Greenwich, you really don’t see poverty and suffering. Participating in Matt’s program was a good way to give back to kids who don’t have as much as we do. The orphans at China Care have no family to love them or play with them. To hold their hands and know that I was helping—even for that moment—was a great feeling. “I feel so lucky to have experienced this amazing trip and want to try to get more students to go to China Care this summer,” he continued. “It would be awesome for others to have this incredibly life-changing opportunity, too.” “When I got to China Care, one of our first orders of business was to take a little girl for an ultrasound of her heart,” Parker wrote in his travel journal. “The head surgeon, and a few other doctors, checked her heart, discovered a hole

Parker Masselink ’10

in it, and discussed a medical plan for her to receive surgery. After the ultrasound, we took our tiny charge to get blood drawn and have an X-ray. We then paid a visit to the China Care babies who were being comforted by their nannies. Although the Chinese hospital was not the same as those I have visited in the U.S., the layout was impressive and things worked like an assembly line, both organized and precise. China Care is fortunate to have this hospital so close to the China Care home.” Along with Brunswick’s thriving Chinese language program, each year students organize a China Care Club that meets every Wednesday before sports practice. The club’s objective is to think of fundraising ideas and promote China Care Foundation as a great cause. “We collaborate with the China Care Club at Greenwich Academy to raise money from food sales and dances,” Arnie said. “One of our recent projects was a dance at the Arch Street community teen center in Greenwich. We had a terrific turnout. Our food sale raised $900 to help a little girl who needed surgery for a life-threatening situation. It was cool to know that our China Care Clubs’ efforts directly helped this one special person have a better life.” “Matt Dalio’s alma mater, Brunswick School, has always played an important role in China Care Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Program,” said Katerina Kruzykowski, Youth Program Coordinator at China Care Foundation, Inc. “Brunswick China Care Club members have been instrumental in helping us

save the lives of orphaned children in need by raising awareness, fundraising, and volunteering with us in Beijing.” “If Matt Dalio wasn’t a founder of China Care Foundation, I never would have thought about orphans in China,” Arnie concluded. “He brought the China Care cause to the attention of the world.” j For more information on the China Care Foundation, please go to chinacare.org.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

Tapas and Bullfights: By Fanning Hearon, Upper School Spanish Teacher and Chair of Modern Language Department

“Needless to say, the boys were witness to some memorable celebrations, and the memories of such festivities will linger long in the minds of these

fortunate globetrotting Bruins.”

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

It was not until the third night in Spain—when I saw my Upper School Spanish students packed into the corner of a traditional “mesón” debating the merits of the bulltail stew “tapa” that I had just ordered—that I realized everything was going to be just fine. I can’t say I was particularly concerned. I have never met a person who has had a bad time in Spain, and looking at the group of ten Brunswick students that I had somehow cajoled into participating on this trip, I was positive that this group had the right stuff to get the most out of this unique experience. And what a four weeks it turned out to be. Not only were we treated to a magnificent stay in Segovia, we were able to witness history as Spain, a country where soccer borders on religion, won its first ever World Cup. Needless to say, the boys were witness to some memorable celebrations, and the memories of such festivities will linger long in the minds of these fortunate globetrotting Bruins. Our trip to Spain last summer focused on four weeks of study based in beautiful Segovia, a town so steeped in history and architecture that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Brunswick students lived with host families and took classes at the Instituto San Pedro, a family-operated summer school for American independent school students. The program is the perfect blend of academics and cultural exploration and the Brunswick boys were excellent ambassadors for our school. Besides getting to know every street, chapel, and park in Segovia, the students enjoyed weekend excursions to Cuéllar, La Granja de San Ildefenso, El Escorial, El Valle de los Caídos, Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, and Madrid. In addition to these sites, the boys went hiking, saw a great bullfight, explored countless castles and cathedrals, and participated in the famous Segovian festivities of San Juan and San Pedro. It was a tremendously successful summer. Several students have remarked that they are now more confident with the language, have seen their grades rise in Spanish class, and a handful have even ventured into the honors/AP track thanks to their time abroad. Though

The famous “horseshoe” arches of La Mezquita de Córdoba (the Mosque of Córdoba) in southern Spain.

at times, the boys had to battle through the cultural differences (and an entirely different approach to eating and sleeping!), they all came home from the experience with a greater respect for the language, the Spanish people, and most importantly, for themselves. It is not easy to immerse oneself into a foreign culture, but for many this was the most rewarding aspect of the trip: knowingly stepping out of their comfort zone, and in the end … feeling entirely comfortable. Over the course of the last few years, Brunswick has been working hard to develop and expand its summer study abroad opportunities for its students. Fortunately, we have able faculty who are willing to host such excursions and eager, curious students who are excited to participate. For summer 2011, for example, we

hope to field trips to China, France, Italy, Jordan, and Spain. The beauty of Spain is that they have perfected the art of “hosting.” It is the ideal place for taking on such an academic challenge and we welcome any students who might be interested to participate in the program in June 2011. Our destination once again will be the plains of Castilla, and we would love to see many adventurous students sign up for this valuable experience. j For more information on the summer 2011 trip to Spain, please contact Fanning Hearon at fhearon@brunswickschool.org or 203.625.5848.

Standing atop the famous Alcázar de Segovia with the city in the background are (left to right): Ian Schaeffer ’12, John Mayberry ’13, Matt Cassoli ’12, Mark Jackson ’12, Tommy Rosenkranz ’14, Alex Drakos ’12, Max Murphy (RCDS), Peter Geithner ’12, Fanning Hearon, John Waddill ’12, and Henry Baker ’13. Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

letter from

Story & Photography by Zach Ruchman ’06, 2010 Fulbright Scholar When Zach Ruchman ’06 graduated in June 2010 from Princeton University with a major at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and a minor in Near Eastern Studies, another academic adventure was about to begin. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English as a foreign language in Jordan. According to the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Scholarship Board, Zach is one of more than 1,500 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2010–2011 academic year through this Fulbright program. Recipients of the grants are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. We were able to catch up with Zach before midterm break for the holiday of Eid al-Adha and a trip to Beirut. —Editor

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

ď ° Petra

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

If the Brunswick faculty taught at my school, they would be shocked at how much it seemed as if they had never left Maher Avenue because of the number of pink slips they would be handing out for dress-code violations! I am an English teacher at the Jordan Applied University College of Hospitality and Tourism Education (JAU) in Amman, Jordan. After years as a student, I am now the one grading papers and assigning homework. I have gained new respect for how hard a teacher has to work but often find that the most tiring part of the job is enforcing the dress code. The JAU students wear a required uniform—white shirt, blue-and-gold-striped school tie, and a navy blue suit for the men (the women may forgo the jacket and are permitted to have their shirts untucked)—and like their peers at Brunswick, some of them occasionally benefit from a gentle suggestion to adjust a Windsor knot, or button an overlooked button or two. There is one main perk that comes with my position, however, and it would be an addition to the Brunswick curriculum that I would like to recommend: JAU has a chef/waiter class in which students actually serve four-course lunches in the school’s training restaurant to their classmates and faculty. In numerous ways, my students, in their late-teens and early-twenties, resemble their counterparts in Greenwich. They may run breathlessly into my classroom a couple minutes late because they were smoking one last cigarette (a culturally accepted norm) instead of making the sprint from Greenwich Academy, but once the lesson begins, they are just as eager to learn. I am responsible for a pre-intermediate language section of nine hospitality students who grapple daily with the intricacies of English and force me to think carefully about all the grammar I have ever absorbed (e.g., why is it correct to say “My family doesn’t eat much meat” but not “My family eats much meat”?). The students enjoy pushing beyond the pages of the textbook, testing the limits of my vocabulary in Arabic in their quest for especially useful English words (“flip-flops,” for example, or “shib shib” in Arabic). Mostly, they relish the chance to expend their endless energy by focusing on games that include Quack Quack and Scattergories. Of course, my life in Jordan extends well beyond the classroom, and recollections of Brunswick abound. Every Saturday, I suit up for a flag-football game, bringing the skills I learned from Coaches Brennan, Shine, and Garnett in the 2003 New England championship season to bear as I play with the Peace Corps team in the U.S. Embassy league against the likes of the Marine Corps and the Department of Defense. Twice a week, I summon the spirit of the Men of Brunswick a cappella group as I rehearse with a local Jordanian choir for our upcoming Christmas concert. I think of Mr. Kirsch and Mr. Raaen, and the hours in the old jazz room, when I struggle to practice my oud, an instrument akin to a guitar that is popular in the

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Middle East. Mr. Ostrye may not run the gym in my Jebel Webdeh neighborhood, but Muscle’s Machine (with the possessive) certainly captures the feel of the now-defunct weight room above the Thunderdome in the Upper School. I was often told that my education at Brunswick would prepare me well for what came next, and during high school I always assumed that meant college. Indeed, I was ready for the challenges of college when the time came, but I never imagined that so many facets of my years spent on Maher Avenue would accompany me across the Atlantic and help me to build a life in such a seemingly unfamiliar place. Amman might appear to be about as far away from Brunswick as one can possibly get, and yet I have found myself continuing to participate in any number of the same activities here as I did there. The interests I developed

View from Zach’s apartment in Amman.

as a high school student have helped me to assimilate into this wildly different society by opening doors and creating opportunities that I never could have guessed existed. By far the most valuable part of my Brunswick experience to my current adventure is the inspiration that my Upper School teachers offered. They helped me understand how to study history, how to examine other cultures, and how to pursue my passions. I applied for the Fulbright grant that is funding my stay in Amman as a result of their influences. I recently observed Jordanian parliamentary elections take place, and Mr. Booth’s AP U.S. Government class naturally came to mind. Most conversations with taxi drivers inevitably involve discussions about U.S. foreign policy, which cause me to reflect on my senior independent study at GA with Mrs. Berman.

Whether I am exploring the bustling Friday market near my apartment, hiking through a peaceful wadi near the Dead Sea, visiting the mysterious Nabataean ruins at Petra, or clambering over the remains of a crumbling Crusader castle on a lonely desert hilltop, I frequently find myself pondering my journey from Brunswick to Jordan. When I stand in front of my students, I do my utmost to channel the best aspects of my Brunswick teachers into my classroom, and to convey the same enthusiasm for my subject matter as I once received. I hope that I can live up to the example that those members of the faculty set for me … and I wish I had their power of the pink slip. j

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

Matt Mc Carty ’05 Takes Stock in

Zylie the Bear By Rick Salame ’12 Photography by Matt Savitt ’12

runswick School prides itself each year on producing scores of successful young men in many diverse fields. But perhaps no success story out of Brunswick has been as unusual as that of Matt McCarty ’05. Like many in the Brunswick community, he is the son of a businessman. Matt seemed destined to follow in these footsteps, but it took an 18-inch part teddy bear/part doll with pivotal joints to change the picture. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, Matt went to Boulder, where he lived with Colin Constantine, R.J. Crai, Paul and John Gaston, Dave Johnston, and other Brunswick alums from the classes of ’04 and ’05. Matt landed a job working at a digital marketing firm building websites and channels for a network of malls, while in the meantime, moonlighting on a toy idea of his mother, Mary Beth Minton. They discussed the concept of starting up a business around Zylie the Bear, a plush and cuddly traditional teddy bear that can also be dressed up and played with like a doll. From the beginning, Matt and his mother debated how they would make this bear a stand-out on the toy shelf. The tipping point came when Matt connected with Dr. Veronique Mertl, a learning specialist with Washington University and the Stanford University Live Center. The more they spoke the more Matt and Mary Beth could see the educational and long-term value of the brand. They were convinced they had a unique idea.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Needless to say, it was a big decision for Matt to take the leap, leave Boulder, and actually launch Zylie. While he had always been fascinated with startup culture, and the energy that surrounded building a company from the ground up, it also meant leaving his friends, a good job, and risking time and money on something totally new. “Not to mention, that the start up was in children’s toys, and it was with my mom,” Matt said. “Not exactly your average everyday run-of-the-mill entrepreneurial venture.” One of the most important and differentiating aspects about Zylie are the accompanying illustrated books that tell her story. Written with the help of Matt’s sister, Sarah (GA ’07), the books follow Zylie on her global travels. Her first adventure is to China, where she meets Shen the Panda, who is also available for purchase with outfits of his own. “Zylie’s travels are built on a platform than can engage kids in educational content——like geography, world cultures, and languages—and still remain fun and exciting,” Matt said. “We can also purposefully stretch the vocabulary of 4 to 9-year old readers. Words and terms such as conspicuous, endangered species, and predicament are explained simply in glossaries. The foreign books also feature a “Spotlight” section with explanations about history and children so that young readers can fully understand the context of adventure.” On top of that, Zylie comes with a great wardrobe. Greenwich local Katie Fong, who has worked with Oscar de la Renta and is a

The Plush Life By Bonni Brodnick graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, designs her outfits. Since starting the company, success and acclaim have swiftly followed. Zylie, who is headquartered on Weaver Street in Greenwich and manufactured in Southern China, has been honored with a placement on the list of Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products. A rising star in the toy category, this fun, new award-winning plush learning toy that’s part of a new line of stylish stuffed bears, clothes and books, has received a nod from Creative Child Magazine as Top Toy of the Year, and has been recognized by both National Parenting Publications Awards and the Parent’s Choice Foundation. “We sell a lot through our website (zyliethebear.com), are on Amazon, and in toy stores in Greenwich, Wilton, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Southampton (N.Y.), NYC, and Brooklyn,” Matt said. “Ecommerce and local distribution is where we want to be right now.” “Everyone always talks about how great it is to take the ‘leap of faith’ and ‘dive into something new’” he continued. “But the fun part is what happens after the leap, after you dive in. In a start up, everything is new, because nothing is normal. That’s what’s inspiring about it. Once you realize that, the opportunities really do seem endless … there are no limitations.” j

So what’s a regular day like for a guy in the toy biz? “Daily operations at our company are crazy,” Matt said. “We’re almost always in a position where neither one of us knows exactly what we’re doing, and we’ve learned to embrace that. It’s exciting, and oftentimes our lack of a status quo comes up with interesting results. We also surround ourselves with a great team who has incredible experience and vision. And everything pulls on my basic training at school. One moment I’ll be writing a press release, the next trying to figure out how to create an item-based collaborative filtering-recommendation algorithm for our online store to match similar products to those customers have already shopped for. An hour later we could be discussing new pattern ideas for the bears so their faces have more articulation in them. “When there’s no one else to do things but you, Google becomes infinitely more valuable, and you learn to wear many, many hats.”

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

John Hill Wilson former brunswick chairman of the board and trustee

remembered John Hill Wilson, a leading investment banker who spent 33 years with Morgan Stanley before beginning a second, and equally distinguished, 17-year career in public service and philanthropy, died on August 12, 2010, at the age of 76 at his home in Greenwich. In an obituary that appeared in the New York Times, John was commended for his “force of intellect, boundless energy, innate leadership, extraordinary sense of humor and, most importantly, his kindness and concern for family and friends. These qualities made John one of the most successful and productive citizens of his generation.” He served as Brunswick School Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1987–89, and as a Trustee from 1980–89. “In his quiet simple way, John was one of the most caring people I have ever run into in the business world,” said Hal Rogers, who served as a trustee during the same periods. “He transmitted those feelings to the best interest of Brunswick.” At Morgan Stanley, John was a managing director, serving in many capacities, including head of the Financial Institutions Group and co-head of the Investment Banking Division. While at the firm (1960– 1993), his clients included many of the major corporate enterprises of the country. In 2005, he was one of “Group of Eight”—former senior executives of Morgan Stanley and significant shareholders who organized to express their concern over the leadership, governance, and direction of the firm. In addition to John’s distinguished dedication to Brunswick, his charitable endeavors included his service as trustee (and for five years, as chairman) of Environmental Defense, a leading advocate for environmental causes. He also served as trustee of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, chairman of the Union Settlement Association in East Harlem, chairman of Board of Trustees of Greenwich Hospital, advisory board member of the Princeton University Environmental Institute, and a co-founder, director and officer of Classroom, Inc., an NGO that developed innovative technologically-based teaching methods for use in public schools nationally. In 1962, John married Sandra Wilson (no relation), who later was a Brunswick Middle School English and history teacher from 1984 until her retirement in 2000. Their 48 years of marriage has been called a “fortress of love, strength and support not only for themselves, but for their children, grandchildren and the exceptionally large number of friends this union touched.” Despite the challenges of John’s valiant five-year battle with cancer, he continued to show a remarkable ability to find contentment, even happiness, even in the most formidable of circumstances. Born on May 24, 1934, in Charlotte, N.C., Mr. Wilson graduated in 1956 from Princeton University, with a bachelor of arts degree in history, magna cum laude, and a Phi Beta Kappa key. He was a Baker Scholar at Harvard Business School, graduating in 1960. He served in U.S. Army Intelligence from 1956 to 1958. He was a resident of Greenwich for 45 years. Sandra survives Mr. Wilson, as do his four children—Tucker ’82 of New Canaan, Conn.; Will ’84 of Wellesley Hills, Mass.; David ’88 of Boulder, Colo.; Emily Wilson Burns (GA ’87), also of New Canaan— and ten grandchildren. j

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Acknowledged by many for his â&#x20AC;&#x153;force of intellect, boundless energy, innate leadership, extraordinary sense of humor and, most importantly, his kindness and concern for family and friends. These qualities made John one of the most successful and productive citizens of his generation.â&#x20AC;? Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

BRUNSWICK 2.0 By Amy Kundrat, Director of New Media

By the time you are reading this, Brunswick’s website (BrunswickSchool.org) will have been treated to a facelift courtesy of our friends at Union Street Media, a website developer led by Brunswick alumnus Ted Adler ’95. In what we liken to a frame-off restoration of a car, over the last few months we stripped our previous website down to its engine, and have had it redesigned and built back up. So what does this all mean for BrunswickSchool.org? Our goal is to continue to build our website into a hub for all of our constituents and share information in the clearest way possible. This also means less text and more media, as well as new ways to interact with Brunswick. With over 2,000 pages of Brunswick information, even more photos, online publications, and streaming video, this is no easy task. Although the new site has launched, the work has just begun as the process to refine our content and post new information is a daily task. As always is the case with a website, it is truly a community resource. Please help me feed this hungry beast and email me at any time (akundrat@brunswickschool.org) to share information or updates to highlight online.

FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN GROUPS

Other special features and resources that emanate from our new website, include:

O N L I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S

P H OTO G A L L E R I E S

Our photos are located in a dedicated subdomain at photos.brunswickschool.org. At the conclusion of many of our events, we will edit and upload photos to this site.

TWITTER

There are two Brunswick Twitter accounts aimed at our entire community, and another at our athletic community. @Brunswick1902 is our official account where we link to major Brunswick news and accomplishments, both from our current students as well as from alumni. In addition, we will share news stories pertaining to Brunswick and our Alumni. We also launched @BrunswickBruins that is used exclusively to post scores and announcements from the Athletic Department. You can view both our Twitter streams at: http://twitter.com@Brunswick1902 http://twitter.com@BrunswickBruins

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

We currently have a public Brunswick page where we share our top-level news. In addition, we have created a profile and a closed Alumni Group on both Facebook and LinkedIn. The latter groups are only open to Brunswick Alumni.

GOOGLE C ALENDARS

The previous online calendar has been replaced with a series of Google calendars that are imbedded across the Brunswick website. The School divisions, as well as many of the departments, will have their own calendars. These public calendars, in aggregate, represent the majority of the school’s events. Using this platform allows students, parents, and alumni to select one or all calendars and sync them with their chosen digital calendars. It also allows the School to dynamically update when last minute changes occur, such as location or time of events, or cancellations due to weather.

Brunswick produces a diverse array of publications, including Brown and White (yearbook), the Beacon (Lower School newspaper), and Times of Brunswick. We’ve put as many as we can online so they may be shared virtually.

’WICK TV

We’ve branded the many online resources that ’Wick maintains as ’Wick TV. You will see a link to this on our website, which includes: Bleachers: Live streaming sports video MSG Varsity: Footage from our athletic events Vimeo: Our own channel that hosts videos we’ve produced.

INTERACTIVE MAP

With three campuses spread across Brunswick, navigating the School is not always an easy task both for new students and seasoned families. We’ve created an interactive approach to learning and exploring that takes a traditional campus map and adds elements of historical information, photos, and videos that will bring to life different facets of our School.

BRUNSWICK 2.0

BLOGS

To date, we’ve launched three blogs for the crew team, community service initiatives, and our school publication, the Chronicle. These sites are public and regularly share updates and news aimed at both their members and the Brunswick community at-large. Crew.brunswickschool.org Chronicle.brunswickschool.org Community.brunswickschool.org

the right information whether you are a current student, parent or grandparent, former parent, alumnus, or a friend of Brunswick. One of the exciting things about branching out with our new website is that we have more platforms from which to communicate all that is happening from Maher Avenue to King Street, from the classrooms to the playing fields. Please stay in touch!

’WICK APP

In conjunction with the launch of our website, we have created a ’Wick app for iPhone and Android phones. Our app acts like a dashboard for the Brunswick community to help you navigate to

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

’w ck Entering the English-free Zone in Arabic In the Upper School language hallway, students are warned before they enter Ali Al-Maqtari’s classroom. Leave your English at the door. Since the Arabic program was launched in 2006, Brunswick’s 5-level program has evolved from introduction to the language, alphabet, vocabulary, and conversation skills (Levels I, II, III, and IV), to mastery of the language, working towards fluency, and striving for comprehension (IV Honors). “In order for my students to learn a language, I strive for total immersion and for them to become native speakers,” said Mr. Al-Maqtari, who is also an Upper School French teacher. “This is not only someone who was born into the language. A native speaker is also someone who feels, thinks, and lives the language. “When we study the family, for example, students learn words such as father, mother, brother, sister, grandfather, grandmother,” he continued. “When students go home, their assignment is to make sentences using their family members. A recent homework assignment was to greet their parents in Arabic and say, ‘Hello, this is my father. His name is … and this is my mother. Her name is … .’ The idea behind this is to personalize the language so that students memorize the new vocabulary without using random flash cards.” Students are encouraged to render drawings of every topic they study, then come up individually in front of the classroom to convert the pictures to words. Other class activities include using puppets (handmade by Mr. Al-Maqtari) and making conversation related to daily life, friends, and in restaurants. In addition, each day one or more students brings to class a show-and-tell item related to art (a song, painting, dance or video) so that they present what they have and discuss it in Arabic.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

“We hear the language and repeat it as we hear it,” said Al-Maq, as his students affectionately call him. “I believe that processing the language slows the ability to learn. If students hear a word they don’t know, they repeat it. That gives them a 50/50 chance to be accurate. If there are spelling words with Arabic letters we have not yet studied, students picture the word, visualize it, copy it by focusing on it, and then write it.” “My experience in Arabic has been a great one,” said Spencer McDonough ’14. “Mr. Al-Maqtari’s method of not translating has accessed a whole new part of my brain that I didn’t know I had. I’m

By Bonni Brodnick learning the language fairly quickly and am able to recognize letters, words, and trends in Arabic because my mind has taught itself those language traits instead of it being taught.” Other students are in accord when they talk about the Brunswick Arabic program as “opening up a whole new culture” and being a favorite course because it’s so “fun, interactive, creative, engaging, and rewarding.” Next time you’re in the Upper School language wing, leave “Have a good day” at Al-Maq’s door. Take note, that on the other side it’s strictly “Taaba yaomouk.”

’ wick S nippets

Mark Messier and Mike Richter Break the Ice about “The Professionalization of Youth Sports” Legendary NHL hockey players Mark Messier and Mike Richter—both of whom are Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy parents—teamed up once again to address parents at a program about the professionalization of youth sports. Their presentation included discussions on how to achieve a better balance for families and sports teams; where, when, and if, to intervene with coaches; whether we value play for all children, or only for those with demonstrated early athletic abilities; on the realities and illusions of pursuing a college and/or professional sports career; and how to guide our children when faced with 24/7 media exposure of athletes-behavingbadly. Sports psychologist Dr. Mara Smith moderated the gathering. “If done right, participating in sports teaches many invaluable lessons of character that can be carried over in to life: team work, leadership, good sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance,” Messier said. “But many parents are professionalizing kids and pushing them when they are not physically and mentally ready. We are too focused on padding the stats and

getting to the nationals, when 99.9 percent won’t make it anyway. It becomes a toxic situation. We need to tone back our need for the speed of our kids’ development. Today, it’s too fast, too soon.” Messier and Richter discussed how, both as parents and professional sports athletes, they have seen youth sports change dramatically. “The system is flawed from the top down and parents are getting lured in because of the juggernaut,” Messier said. “We’re all so eager to get our kids to the end game that we forget what’s in between.” ““If kids are not played, you are culling the herd at way too young an age,” Richter added. “There is just no win to getting an elite thing going. It excludes kids who might not be ready. Michael Jordan didn’t make his basketball team until he was a freshman in high school. Sports should teach teamwork and give all the kids on the team a chance to play. The top tier learns respect and patience, and the bottom tier gets brought up. It gives them a sense of being and of well-being. The

elite attitude undermines that. Choose teams that share the ‘us’ philosophy.” Messier and Richter also discussed how the objective is not about teaching skating and hitting the puck, but rather about life lessons. They emphasized the need for parents to empower themselves and stand up if something doesn’t feel right in regard to how their child is being spoken to or acted towards. If mental and safety issues are questionable, they have to be addressed. Having this open dialog between coaches and parents is critically important. “It’s a huge responsibility to coach minor-league kids,” Messier said. “Parents and coaches need to work together to figure out what is best for their young players. If you get into a situation where you doubt your son’s or daughter’s well-being, I would get them out of that particular program. Be sure to find one that is really about serving the kids.” “We need to manage expectations of parents and coaches and make sure that it is our son’s or daughter’s experience, not theirs,” Richter concluded.

“If done right, participating in sports teaches many invaluable lessons of character that can be carried over in to life: team work, leadership, good sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance.” —Mark Messier

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

’ wick S nippets

School Nurse Cheryl Renn Just Keeps on Giving and Giving As a nurturer, giver, and nature lover, Cheryl Renn, Brunswick Upper School and Pre Kindergarten School nurse, follows the calling where help is needed. Volunteering for Return to Freedom, an American wild horse sanctuary, and lending a hand to help the preservation of the horses was “something extra I wanted to do.” For more than 200 years, 2 million wild horses roamed our plains and high deserts and called it home. Today, less than 35,000 horses remain on our public lands, with more in government holding facilities and subsidized ranches than on the range. It’s easy to forget that the ancestors of today’s wild herds shaped our American culture. They pulled covered wagons and our teepees, drove our fire engines and goods to market, carried our mail, plowed our fields, built our railroads and fought our battles. “I have a love and respect for animals, and wild horses, in particular,” Cheryl said. “I’m concerned about the

changes in the environment and how important it is to make efforts to protect our endangered species.” During her stay in Lompoc, Calif., Cheryl taught first aid and CPR to the office manager and staff, ranch hands, and volunteers. She also helped with chores, office work, and general equine care. Jewels, one of the horses under Cheryl’s watch, had a broken foot just above her hoof. Because of her injury, Jewels was unable to run outside with the other horses. Just as Cheryl does with our Brunswick boys when they aren’t feeling well, she sat in the pen and talked to the horse to give her a sense of well-being. “Being a part of Return for Freedom was a way to rally for these creatures,” Cheryl continued. “The government has tried so many times to destroy wild horses. They round them up every year and sell them off. Many go to meat factories; if they’re lucky, they go to sanctuaries. If it weren’t for people’s efforts to

preserve our endangered species, Choctaw ponies, for example, would be extinct. Back in the nurse’s office at Brunswick Pre School are photos of Cheryl with wild horses on the Return to Freedom ranch. “Education is the catalyst for positive change,” she said. “As a role model, the photos give me an opportunity to introduce the boys to the importance of preservation. Having awareness and caring for a cause you believe in can make a difference. It pays to plant the seeds early.”

John Quiñones, ABC-TV Broadcast Journalist, Holds to the Ideals of Courage, Honor, Truth By Amy Kundrat The Brunswick School Class of 2005 Lecture Series had the honor of hosting John Quiñones, Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and correspondent of ABC-TV’s 20/20, Primetime and What Would You Do? a series often called the candid camera of ethics. Mr. Quiñones spoke about growing up in poverty in San Antonio as a 7th generation Mexican-American and how this shaped his style of reportage. Regarding the role of journalists, he emphasized how it is their “responsibility to shine a light on the darkest corners of the world.”

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

The program What Would You Do? highlights the importance of speaking out and taking action. Mr. Quiñones inspired the Upper School boys with the message: “If just one person speaks out, others will often jump in.” Remembering his colleague Peter Jennings, former anchor and senior editor of ABC’s World News Tonight, Mr. Quiñones shared advice from his mentor that continues to guide his journalistic principles: “Don’t worry about talking to the movers and shakers, remember to talk to the moved and shaken.”

’ wick S nippets

Brunswick Autumn Boys By Jeanne DeLarm-Neri, Accounting Specialist, Business Office Brunswick autumn, a sweet-smelling Apple crisp mocha latte day. Little boys march together in packs Tucked close, attached at elbows, Full of the pomegranate seeds of the world. He’s bigger this year, taller, walks alone Past the big bear at the Pre School, Life-sized, almost car-sized. He gets beyond The wooden train embedded in sand. Joins classmates hiking down the hill, Fits into the enigma of the group. They pass the Headmaster’s creamy stucco home, Windows shining, reflecting blue sky, Scudding white clouds. The boys’ shirts Robin’s egg blue, ocean green. Ties swing. Book bag straps crisscross on shoulders. Girls pass, flipping long hair, in plaid skirts, Microsecond glancing, then up the hill they stroll. He advances to Maher, past low stone walls To the wide school with high glass doors. He grabs the silvery door handle. Drops the book bag in a jigsaw Puzzle of bags perching on stair landings. The boys raise the air in the stairwell with noise, The thunder of a fine morning.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

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Real Men Read At Brunswick, Real Men Read, and we mean that literally and figuratively. When Joan Huenemann Michie, Lower School librarian and storyteller, came to Brunswick five years ago, she had been thinking about how the whole Brunswick community might demonstrate to the boys that all kinds of men enjoy reading. “One of my concerns is the feminization of reading in our culture,” said Mrs. Michie. “Women have book clubs, but where does that leave our young men? I’m also concerned about the ‘dumbing down,’ in terms of quality, in much of the popular writing for boys. The phrase ‘Real Men Read’ came to me and I thought it would be meaningful to invite men at Brunswick to read to the boys and discuss books they enjoy.”

On the docket for this year’s readers are Ali Al-Maqtari, Upper School Arabic and French; Dave Aylward, Pre and Lower School athletics; Marcus Chioffi, Middle School history; Alexander Constantine, Upper and Middle School Choral Director/Middle School Theater Director/Upper School Musical Director; Tim Coupe, Pre and Lower School technology; Fanning Hearon, chair of Modern Language Department and Upper School Spanish; Carter Hempleman, Lower School assistant teacher; Chuck Redahan, King Street maintenance foreman; José Resendiz, Lower School chef, and Paul Withstandley, Upper School Spanish teacher and senior class dean. “I sat with a third grade class and shared the first real novel I remember

reading (Alive, the story of a South American college soccer team’s plane crash and their survival),” said Tim Coupe. “I talked about the various genres of books I especially enjoy including satire, politics, religion, fantasy, and especially time travel. As a computer teacher, I also discussed new tech devices like Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad for reading.” “There are so many good stories out there that you’re sure to find something which you’ll like,” he continued. “Reading for me is daily sustenance,” Alexander Constantine told the boys after sharing a book about ghosts. “Reading replenishes my senses, ignites my creativity, and helps me to maintain my spiritual and emotional balance. When you open a book, you open countless doors.”

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

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1. José Resendiz 2. Tim Coupe 3. Dave Aylward 4. Ali Al-Maqtari 5. Paul Withstandley 6. Chuck Redahan 7. Alexander Constantine 8. Fanning Hearon

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

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Brunswick School Shares Its Blues In an effort to utilize gently-used blue blazers and give them a second— sometimes third, fourth, and more— life, Henry Baker ’13—along with co-founders Samuel Zuckert ’13 and William Floersheimer ’13—launched the Blue Blazer Fund to raise funds for an organization called The Forgotten People Fund (FPF.org.il). The organization helps pay for necessities such as school fees and books, summer camp, clothing, scholarships, dental and special medication costs, vitamins, bus cards, food vouchers, utility bills, and taxes. Three years ago, when Henry was achieving his bar mitzvah and was required to do a charitable project, he was inspired to work with FPF to help a community of Ethiopian Jews in Netanya, a coastal city north of Tel Aviv,

Israel (see Times of Brunswick winter 2009 issue, p. 8). Through the organization, Henry connected with the principal of the Shapira Middle School and 15 soon-to-be bar mitzvah boys were identified. Thus began Henry’s mitzvah (Hebrew term that means “to express any act of human kindness”). He has remained in contact with the boys for the past three years. “The objective of the Blue Blazer Fund is to collect blazers throughout the year and to have all sizes available,” Henry said. We’ll have a rack of them looking nice and new, and sell them for $30 as transitional jackets for boys who are growing fast. The money we raise will go to Shapira Middle School. “We are all the same age as the boys at Shapira, but their lives didn’t

start with the same advantages that we have here,” he added of the 15 boys the Blue Blazer Fund is helping. “And even though the boys barely speak English, and I barely speak Hebrew, we have a connection. Laughing, playing, and hanging out is the same even though life has put us in different situations. It’s my honor to organize the Blue Blazer Fund so that we can help improve our Israeli friends’ lives in some small way.”

Attention Alumni and Past Parents! Do you still have your old Brunswick brown sweater? Programs from a class play in Durkin? An old team uniform from a winning (or not) season? How about a vintage edition of Chronicle or Times of Brunswick? Any other artifacts of Brunswick’s early years? As we approach our 110th academic school year, we are seeking to add to our archives in an effort to preserve Brunswick history for future generations. Let us know if you’re willing to donate any keepsakes. We promise to treasure them. For information, contact Libby Edwards, director of alumni relations, at 800.546.9425 or ledwards@brunswickschool.org.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

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Middle School Environmental Club Goes Mystic By Keshav Raghavan ’17 This fall, the main activity of the Middle School “Earth Allies” Environmental Club was a trip to Mystic Aquarium. As a fundraiser before our trip, we organized a Black and White Civies Day* and raised $460 to benefit African penguins. For conservation and protection, the penguins were transported from South Africa to Mystic. Terrestrial and aquatic habitats were created and you could watch the penguins waddle and swim to the surface in their aquarium. In the underwater area, you could watch them dive and play. Some of the penguins are so well trained that if one were to place one’s hand on the glass, the penguin follow would it. One of the highlights of the trip was participating in the “Penguin Walk ‘n’ Waddle” race. For inspiration, the race organizers brought a penguin to both the start and finish lines. Brunswick Middle School Cross Country runners—Christian Tanner ’15 and Chris Keller ’15—won in their division, taking 1st and 2nd place. The Environmental Club won the walk taking 1st place. While the penguins were the main reason for our trip, we also saw Dr. Robert Ballard’s movie exhibit about various excavations to which he is currently devoting his time. (Dr. Ballard was, for those who have forgotten, the explorer who held an assembly at the Middle School last year and who discovered the Titanic on the bottom of the ocean floor.) We also viewed animals such as a Beluga whale and California sea lions. “Earth Allies” is considering adopting one of the creatures at the Aquarium. Depending on how much we fundraise, we will help support the enrichment and care of a penguin, a California sea lion, or a Beluga whale.

(Left to right): Peter Schmidt, Pat Schneider, Graham Hazlett, Peter Schneider, Paul Acello, Chris Keller, Parlan Murray, Connor McGillicuddy, William Meng, David Ruf, Charlie Cassoli, Christian Tanner, Keshav Raghavan, Jared Wolfram

Overall, the activities of our club have benefited Mystic Aquarium, and the penguins living there. So if you believe that “every drop makes an ocean,” we’ve just poured a great amount of them (drops). We hope that the efforts we make now, collectively with other people, will help make the environment a better place in which penguins can prosper. *A civies day is when Middle Schoolers don’t have to wear the usual Brunswick uniform, but rather, can pay to wear casual their clothes if they’d like to contribute to the fundraiser.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

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Arrivederci Roma … & Venice & Tivoli & Ferrara & Florence By Sarah Crawford, Upper School Italian & Latin Teacher As we descended the Viale di Trinità dei Monti from Villa Borghese, gazing at the modern and ancient marble of the Vittoriano and Roman Forum drenched in the sun’s golden early evening glow, I marveled at how familiar these panoramic views had become now that our threeweek stay was coming to an end. While we ambled toward the Piazza Spagna and then to a local trattoria, my seven Upper School Italian students shared anecdotes about their morning classes at Domus Aurea, a private language school in the Monti area of Rome. They also recounted various adventures of city life with their private tutors, young Italian teachers who helped conduct conversation and real-life scenarios outside of the classroom. Our afternoon had been a perfect blend of the ancient and modern world that one finds daily in Rome: we had watched the World Cup at an open air screening for the city in Piazza di Siena on our way to tour the Galleria Borghese, one of the finest

art collections in Rome. The villa and surrounding grounds were a perfect complement to the extravagant Villa d’Este that we had visited the Sunday before at Tivoli. In the photo of Villa d’Este (top of p. 37) you can see some of the pools, troughs, fountains and even musical fountains where 500 jets of water have been flowing and cascading through an elaborately engineered hydraulics system for over five centuries. On our last evening, as we enjoyed one of our routine gelato walks past familiar illuminated monuments and fountains to San Crispino (one our favorite gelaterie), we were comforted knowing that there were still more adventures to come: riding biciclette in the UNESCO Renaissance city Ferrara, traversing Venice by traghetto, and tasting the real bistecca fiorentina in Florence. By the end of our trip to Italy, the students had explored some of the greatest masterpieces from the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque

eras throughout architectural walking tours and guided visits to the plethora of archaeological sites, parks, palaces, and art museums in some of Italy’s finest cities. As another way to learn the Italian language by living la bella vita italiana, the students even had cooking lessons conducted in Italian at both the school and at the home of a family friend of one of the students. Our study of Italy’s ever intriguing past and present will continue this summer in Reggio Emilia, a small and elegant town nestled amidst some of Italy’s most spectacular artistic and culinary centers. Students will learn the charming and relaxed pace of small-town life as they attend morning classes at Reggio Lingua, converse one-on-one with tutors, and dine with their Italian host families. Although Reggio Emilia has a rich cultural heritage, its streets are not swamped with tourists and it is, therefore, a perfect environment for total immersion. Students will visit the

John Irving, Renowned American Novelist & Screenwriter, Visits Brunswick “His characters transcend the realm of reality,” said Brendan Gilsenan, chairman of Brunswick Upper School English department and English teacher, as he introduced renowned American novelist and Academy Award-winning screenwriter John Irving at a special assembly in October. The special guest appearance took place in Brunswick’s Baker Theater and was simulcast in GA’s Massey Theater. Born and raised on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, Irving was keenly interested in the art of fiction at an early age. As a student, and later a coach, he participated

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

in Exeter’s wrestling program, a sport that is a prominent and recurring theme throughout his body of work. Irving began the Upper School assembly by introducing and reading from what will be his thirteenth novel. The story, written in the first person narrative, is about a boy in the 1950s/’60s who believes he wants to be a writer. Underscoring Irving’s approach to knowing a book’s ending before he even begins, the author/screenwriter began his reading with the excerpt’s final provocative sentence and circled back with his finely worded prose.

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parmigiano reggiano and Ferrari factories, learn to cook typical Emilia-Romagna dishes at the school, and take day and weekend trips to local towns and cities such as Modena, Parma, Bologna, Verona, Venice, and Florence. We will also have a three-night stay in the città eterna. For more information about the 2011 summer immersion trip to Italy, please contact Sarah Crawford at scrawford@brunswickschool.org.

Following, Irving answered questions submitted by Upper School students prior to his visit. Many of his responses emphasized his approach to the craft of writing; his interest in the construction, or architecture, of a story more than the actual story; the repetition of a phrase throughout a book, but in different contexts; and the importance of beginning a novel and knowing “where you are going before you get there. I also know who the characters are, how their paths will cross, how they’ll die, and when. By knowing the actions, it gives the illusion of being in control.” When asked which wrestling move

provides the best parallel to his writing, the author responded, “The willingness to repeat small details over and over until it is second nature is a feature of wrestling in particular. You have to love doing this otherwise you’ll never improve. It’s the repetition itself—of an action, a sentence, or a word—that is enormously important.” While he encouraged the students to write their assignments on a computer, Irving mentioned how he writes the first drafts of his novels and screenplays in longhand. “I don’t use a keyboard at all,” he said. “You want to think about the

language and not go too fast. It’s vitally important to me to make the writing a slow process. “Nothing comes to me in less than three years to write,” he continued. “Usually it’s five to six years.” He also mentioned how writing and revision is part of being a writer. “You must be able to restructure, redo, and rewrite. You can’t live a first draft life as an artist. “Half of my life is rewriting,” concluded the renowned author who, along with writing his current novel, is working on adaptations of two previous novels and two original screenplays.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

BRUINS

Athletics Coordinator

Crew

Head of the Charles, a two-day October event, is America’s fall rowing classic. “The Charles”—as rowers call it—attracts more than 8,000 competitors from around the world to race in 55 race events. For the first time ever, Brunswick had a hospitality tent in the “Reunion Village” where many parents and alums met up and cheered on the young Bruin boats. Several alums raced in the collegiate divisions including Peter Chu ’10 (Wesleyan), Lawrence Lopez ’10 (Yale), Chan Mahaney ’09 (Georgetown), Peter Haley ’09 and Hank Schless ’10 (who both row for Bates). Brunswick was well represented in the Parent/Child Double (a fun race for charity). William Bass ’16 rowed with his mother, Kristen Erickson, GA Faculty and rowing coach. This was William’s 2nd race at The Charles—in 2009, he became the youngest rower to ever compete in the event. Vanessa Moors, Brunswick faculty and assistant rowing coach, competed with her father, Brian Thorne (a former Canadian National Team oarsman). Vanessa’s 5-month-old daughter watched with Dad from the riverbank.

BRUNSWICK

All photos by Dan Burns (unless otherwise noted)

Photo: Libby Edwards

Compiled By Diana samponaro

Water Polo

On September 18, 2010, Brunswick water polo secured its first win as a varsity program with a 10–8 victory over Williston Northampton School. With great leadership from captains Nick Ruppel ’11 and Ben Prout ’11, the team concluded its first varsity season with an overall record of 8–10, and a league record of 2–8. Coaches Eric Tillman, Ulmis Iordache, and Bill Smith were pleased with our inaugural varsity season, with how hard the boys worked, and the improvement they made as a team. After close early-season losses to several league rivals including Exeter, Deerfield, and an overtime loss to Hotchkiss, we defeated Trinity School and trounced Staples HS to kick-off Homecoming Weekend 2010. We won five of our final seven games to conclude the season, including wins over Hopkins, Canterbury, and Wilbraham & Monson. In addition to the contributions of the captains, the team received strong performances from Sperry Edwards ’12, Doyle Queally ’11, Connor Kupersmith ’13, and the Ronda brothers—Ian ’13, Eric ’13, and Julian ’15— Thomas Dillinger ’15, Matt Weill ’11, and our always-reliable goalie, Sander Profaci ’13. We will be returning a solid core of swimmers for the 2011 season including David Fitzpatrick ’12, Craig Ruzika ’12, Carter Johnson ’12, James Skinner ’13, Holden Fett ’13, Tommy Tranfo ’14, and Emmet McElwreath ’14.

Football

By Assistant Coach Mike Hannigan

Head Coach Jarrett Shine, definitely one to embrace challenges, led the Bruins through their inaugural season in the competitive Erickson League only one year after completing his first year as Brunswick’s head football coach. Coach Shine stated his goal for the season “to go 7–1.” To their credit, the Bruins embraced the challenge of playing against larger and faster opponents. Led by captains and seniors Sammy MacFarlane, Alex Marcus, and Ernie Rosato, the team began the fall with both enthusiasm and high expectations. While the team felt that the season was an ultimate success, Coach Shine and the Bruin staff appreciate the efforts of the entire team in blazing a trail towards being a dominant force in the Erickson League. In addition to the captains, seniors Nick Brown, Peter Harris, Jeffrey Jay, Brian MacFarlane, Will Preziosi, and Leo Russell contributed greatly on the field this past fall. Not to be outdone by the seniors, offensive leaders included sophomore quarterback Todd Stafford, junior wide-receiver Donqutae Robinson, and a balanced running game led by junior Darrick Ridenhour, supplemented in key situations by promising sophomore Kevin Nathanson. Defensively, MacFarlane led both the team and the league with 107 tackles, while fellow senior Brian MacFarlane posted 81 tackles. In the defensive backfield, Jay intercepted four passes to lead the team. On the defensive line, junior Carsen Winn posted his most productive season to date, finishing the year with 48 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. Captains Robinson, Winn, Addison Pierce ’12, and Dylan Troy ’12 look forward to the 2011 football season and to a bright future for the Bruins in the Erickson League.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

BRUINS Photo: Eileen Grasso

CROSS COUNTRY

“We knew we were embarking upon something special.” According to Coach Steve Polikoff, the runners who toed the line at the start of the 2010 cross country season would do just that, along with bearing the burden of unprecedented expectations. Returning six of the seven teammates who in 2009 earned Brunswick’s first regional title meant that no cross country team in our school’s history would have been so highly touted. The squad possessed both the tangible talent and intangible character which was necessary to hold off its pursuers and meet the challenge, earning Brunswick its first FAA league title in five years and an undefeated regular season record of 20–0. Three dual meet victories apiece over GFA and Hopkins, a first for the program, and the fifth consecutive victory over Trinity-Pawling, provided impressive testaments to the success of the season on the way to repeating as Division II New England Champions. In contrast to the previous championship, which was raced in the wake of a hurricane, the weather for 2010 was nothing short of brilliant, and the Bruins’ performance was every part its equal. Led by the All New England performances of Andrew Grasso ’11 in 5th, Peter Geithner ’12 in 9th, and Ryan Hagerbrant ’11 in 15th place, the team attacked host Berkshire’s hilly course and literally ran away with the day. When Sam Waters ’11 crossed the finish line in 21st, followed by Spencer Dahl ’11 in 30th, Brunswick had posted the day’s low score of 80 points, well ahead of second place Hopkins School (101 pts) and third place Belmont Hill (119 pts). Parker Stitzer ’15 and Jake Matthews ’12 would complete the championship lineup for the Bruins, who proved on this day that the stunning victory in 2009 was no fluke. As individuals, each of the boys could point to multiple running highlights which made the difference; as a team, we were set apart by how the individual members of this group developed their camaraderie and spirit. Such memories of the human kind include: the impressive effort, ethic, and emergence of Grasso and Geithner; the incredible illnesses, surgeries, and courage of Hagerbrant and Peisch; the inexperience, unparalleled promise, and learning curve of Dahl, Stitzer and Arheden; the commitment, determination, and example of Waters and Matthews; the brotherhood, real humor, and serious purpose of the three dozen boys who donned the Brown and Gold uniform. The successful completion this fall of a new trail on campus serves as a timely and fitting tribute to the new path being blazed by Brunswick cross country. Expect 2011 captains Geithner, Matthews, and Peisch to make great use of the trail as they lead the next year’s team ever forward in cross country achievement and recognition.

BRUNSWICK

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Soccer

By coach tucker hastings

The 2010 varsity soccer season was one of unprecedented success. Earning an invitation to the NEPSAC Class A tournament was a first for the program and a result of a team that was years in the making. Truly the level of play that this team demonstrated would not have been possible without the challenges of falls past. The team was tested immediately by the likes of WNEPSSA powerhouses Taft, Loomis, Deerfield, and Avon. Emerging from those contests at 3–1, Brunswick would go on to win against Gunnery and Trinity-Pawling and to earn a well-contested draw at Kent. At 5–1–1, the #3 Bruins would play #2 Choate in mid-October with a chance to overtake them in the rankings. A decisive 2–1 victory helped Brunswick do just that and, at #2 in WNEPSSA, earn its highest ranking ever. A subsequent win against Salisbury and exciting draws against defending champions South Kent and Hotchkiss proved that the 2010 side could—for the first time since it became a Class A school—match up with any team in the league. Finishing the regular season at 7–3–5 Brunswick was awarded the 8th seed in the New England tournament, earning them a return date with Hotchkiss, the two-time defending champions (and a team that they had tied 0–0 just one week prior). Thrilled with this opportunity, the team dedicated itself to what would be the most challenging of tasks and, though they fell short 3–1, actually pushed the Bearcats to play some of their best soccer to achieve victory. Captains and seniors Michael Errichetti, Daniel Taylor, and Jared Nowell showed each and every day what it meant both to work towards an objective and how to achieve it. Taylor and Nowell were named WNEPSSA All-Stars, and Taylor was also chosen for the NEPSAC Senior All Star Team. Goaltender David Better ’11 was a clear difference-maker and proved with his toughness and instinct how hard it would be to beat this team that would lose only 3 contests out of 15. His 7 shutouts put him in rare company. Toshi Terai ’11 started at striker for the entire year and made every defender against whom he played work twice as hard as he would have hoped. Seniors Michael Forester, Alexander Graf, and Luca Knupfer were able to tally goals this year and goaltender Mac Morse ’11 made his presence felt with his enthusiasm and spirit. With a fantastic start to the season and with great competition at the end, there was much to be impressed by with this year’s squad. Juniors Cooper Briggs and Patrick Figgie plan to continue the outstanding leadership of this year’s squad when they assume the role of captains for the 2011 fall season.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

BRUINS BRUNSWICK

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

FALL 2010 FAA ALL-LEAGUE & SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS CROSS COUNTRY New England Division II Champions.......... Brunswick School All New England.................................. Peter Geithner, Andrew Grasso, Ryan Hagerbrant FAA All-League Selections.. ...................... Peter Geithner, Andrew Grasso, Ryan Hagerbrant, Sam Waters FAA Honorable Mention......................... Spencer Dahl, Jake Matthews MVP Winner...................................... Andrew Grasso Most Improved.................................... Peter Geithner Sportsmanship Awards............................ Ryan Hagerbrant, Will Peisch Rookies of the Year Award........................ Spencer Dahl, Parker Stitzer Senior Citizens Awards.. .......................... Sten Arheden, Sam Waters Coaches’ Award.................................... Jack Cammisa FOOTBALL All New England.................................. Sammy MacFarlane All-League.......................................... Sammy MacFarlane, Donqutae Robinson Norm Pedersen Award (MVP)................... Sammy MacFarlane Joe Reimer Special Teams Award................ Alex Marcus Bruin of the Year.. ................................. Pete Harris Best Senior Lineman ............................. Ernie Rosato Most Improved Players........................... Jeffrey Jay, Brian Macfarlane Rookie of the Year................................. Dylan Wadsworth Comeback Player of the Year..................... Carsen Winn SOCCER 2010 NEPSSA Class A Tournament Qualifier WNEPSSA Select Team.......................... Jared Nowell, Daniel Taylor WNEPSSA Honorable Mention.. ............... Patrick Figgie CSCA All State Team............................. Jared Nowell, Daniel Taylor James Brown Award............................... Daniel Taylor Coaches’ Awards................................... David Better, Michael Errichetti, Patrick Figgie, Jared Nowell Three Year Varsity Lettermen. . ................... Michael Forester, Jared Nowell, Daniel Taylor WATER POLO Most Valuable Offensive Player.................. Ben Prout Most Valuable Defensive Player. . ................ Nick Ruppel Coaches’ Awards................................... Sperry Edwards, Zander Profaci

Classroom bey o n d

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B Y B ONN I B RODN I C K

 Where’s Waldo? The theme at Lower School this year is “Geography,” and, of course, Waldo (from the Where’s Waldo book series) is famous for having his picture taken all over the world. On Halloween, the Lower School teachers took off on their own whimsical journey. Can you find Waldo? Meanwhile, up at the Pre School gym there were similarly spooky Halloween shenanigans. Can you find Gina Hurd, Dean of Admission, Director of Pre School and Lower School Admission, and Head of Pre School?

Where’s Waldo?

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Jeff Harris & Some British Encounters

Chris Ghaffari ’08 and Jeff Harris

Last summer, Jeff Harris (Director of Athletics) and his wife, Leslie (Upper School Spanish teacher), went to England where they coincidentally ran into a few Brunswick alums. In Cambridge: Chris Ghaffari ’08, who was studying in England, and Jeff at the renowned pub, The Eagle. Originally opened in 1667, The Eagle was where British molecular biologist, physicist, and neuroscientist Francis Crick interrupted patrons’ lunchtime in February 1953 to announce that he and American molecular biologist and zoologist James Watson had “co-discovered the secret of life”—the structure of the DNA molecule. In Manchester: Stephen Mortimer, a visiting student from Australia at Brunswick in 2003, and Jeff at the University of Manchester. From ’Wick, Stephen went on to play at Adelphi University and currently works as an accountant in Adelaide, South Australia. A player on an Australian national lacrosse team, Stephen was in England playing in the World Championships and scored a goal in the Australians’ 16–9 win over Japan in the game for the Bronze Medal.

Jeff Harris and Stephen Mortimer

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

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The blue notes jazz up the morning at lower school

“Oh, what a beautiful morning, oh, what a beautiful day” … especially when it starts with a dose of the Blue Notes, our outstanding jazz group and premier-performing ensemble coordinated by Paul Raaen, Upper School instrumental music teacher. The Blue Notes, a part of Brunswick for the past 30 years, is called upon to perform for many functions on campus and throughout the Greenwich community and surrounding area. Their repertoire consists of a snappy variety of jazz, rock, funk, Latin, swing, and rhythm and blues. Throughout the past few years, this band of celebrated musicians has performed at Berklee College of Music Jazz Festival, Walt Disney World Jazz Festival, the Brunswick As part of the “2010–2011 Music in the Atrium Concert Series” at the Lower School, various 2007 spring benefit as the opening act for ensembles from the Upper School perform throughout the year. Shown here with the baton is Blue Notes student conductor, Innocent Tswamuno ’11. Tony Bennett, on European music tours in Scandinavia, and in New Orleans.

Savitt ’12 wins 1st Place In Photo Contest “Polo,” by photographer Matthew Savitt ’12, won Greenwich Magazine’s 2010 Kids Photo Contest. The winning shot was taken at Conyers Farm polo field.

Photo: Matthew Savitt ’12

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

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Brunswick 2nd Graders Send Warm Wishes to Babies Afar Little knitted caps for premature newborns was the topic of the day when Riverside resident Virginia Rowan Rokholt visited Brunswick School second graders. After reading two books—Knitting Nell (by Julie Jersild Roth) and Shall I Knit You a Hat? (by Kate Klise)—Ms. Rokholt, who is also an accomplished artist, brought out a basket piled high with colorful caps she had knit for 19 preemies in third world countries. As she explained how caps are simple and effective tools to keep babies warm during the critical first month of their lives, the class decorated tags that would accompany the caps, which were sent to Save the Children’s newborn health programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. “The boys learned about knitting as a community service,” said Patricia Meloni, Brunswick second grade teacher. “The tags they attached to the caps were adorable: ‘Congratulations, hope you have a great time with this hat. Hope your baby is healthy and beautiful!’ and ‘Congratulations for your baby. Stay warm!’” For more information, visit GoodGoes.org/caps.

Front row (left to right): Sam Eichmann, Ali Hindy, Jake Block, Will Donovan, Michael O’Malley, and Andrew Breckenridge Middle row (left to right): Bennett Masterson, George West, Reed Signer, Jamie Hesser, and John Kulak

Tokyo and Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima: Summer Travel Grant Trip to Japan In August 2010, John Booth (Upper School history teacher and chair of history department) and Mike Hannigan (Upper School history teacher) traveled to Japan for 12 days to visit the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima, courtesy of Brunswick’s Summer Travel Grant Program. From the vibrant high-tech Tokyo to the ancient sites of 1,300-year-old Nara, and 900-year-old Kyoto, John and Mike were able to learn much about Japanese history and culture. Trips to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples were contrasted with visits to Japanese baseball games and cutting edge high-tech electronic districts. The most poignant part of the tour revolved around their visit to Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park and Museum dedicated to those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing in 1945. John and Mike took over 1,000 photos and two hours of HD video, some of which will be used in their respective 9th grade World Cultures classes for years to come.

Back row (left to right): Patricia Meloni (Brunswick 2nd grade teacher), Erik Anderson, Charlie Jones, Matthew Russell, Jack Michalik, Andres Cevallos, Parker Russell, and Virginia Rowan Rokholt.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

Brunswick Alumni

2 n d A n n ua l A lu m n i Ho l iday Pa rt y i n NYC

Manhattan was aglow with holiday cheer as more than 80 Brunswick alums gathered at the University Club for the 2nd Annual Alumni Holiday Party. Many thanks to James Pinto ’69 and Paul Gaston ’75 for hosting the festivities attended by Classes 1963–2006. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Alumni Holiday Party next December. It’s already become a Bruins tradition! Hope to see you there.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

BRUNSWICK ALUMNI

T h e 2 0 1 0 A n n ua l A lu m n i T h a n k s g i v i n g S k at e & S qua s h

With many in town for Thanksgiving weekend, the annual Alumni Skate & Squash always attracts hockey and squash players from all classes. This year, there were 26 alumni hockey players competing in an intense game split evenly between the Gold and the Black teams. With four minutes left to play in the game, the score was a close 5–4. To shake it up, the Gold team broke it open, and the game ended with them winning 7–4. On the squash courts, 20 players (comprised of both alumni and ’Wick varsity A & B players) teamed up. Many have continued their court conquests and play on college teams at Yale, Penn, Middlebury, Princeton, Trinity, Cornell, and UNC.

Homecoming Is

Where the Heart ls

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

On the Friday of Brunswick Homecoming weekend, the Doppler radar indicated a shearing storm coming our way. Hurricane Nicole dramatically blew into town with sustained winds hovering 45+ miles per hour and 6 inches of rain came down in sheets. Amidst the choppy waters, boats sunk in nearby harbors. Roadways flooded and electricity was zapped in homes from Greenwich to Pound Ridge (N.Y.). The storm’s wrath put a kibosh on the 10th Annual Alumni Golf Outing and a halt on the always anticipated cookout, pep rally, and bonfire at the Upper School. On Saturday, we all awoke, as if from a fog, to a beautiful blue bird morning. The sky was clear and the temperature a near balmy 56-degrees. Homecoming revelers from near and far were ready to celebrate. On Maher Ave., 105 runners were at the ’Wick, Walk, Run starting line. Over on King Street, alumni gathered in the tent overlooking Robert L. Cosby Memorial Field. Parents, grandparents, students, faculty, and friends grabbed their seats in the sun on the cheering stands. Burke Field House was a festive setting of pumpkins and mums, and Bear Fair was festooned with brown, gold and white balloons. Let Homecoming begin! Bear Fair co-chairs Candice Bednar and Maine Park, and their ace subcommittee of volunteers, coordinated the usual resplendence of fun and games. Many thanks to Linda Reals for the festive decorations. Sarah Barringer, who chaired games, helped get the youngsters at fever pitch with delight as they played Tin Can Knockers, Double-Shot Basketball, Tip-a-Troll, Bear Fair Bingo, and DanceDance Revolution. The Bake Sale, co-chaired by Katie Boehly and Ali Hazlett, featured a delicious smattering of bear-themed confections, including chocolate cupcakes stomped with yellow bear paws, and gingerbread cookies shaped like bears wearing big orange Bs for “Bruins.” Hats off to Pam Keller

for coordinating the Guessing Jar, Ally Roach for marketing and communications, and to Nan Johnson and Kiera Lynch, in Middle School and Pre and Lower Schools respectively, for their efforts. Kudos also go to Frank Acello and his son, Paul, for their cotton candy skills. This father/son team continues to spin perfect pink cones every time. Prior to the football game vs. Avon Old Farms, the M.O.B.’s (Men of Brunswick a cappella group) sang the national anthem, followed by the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award bestowed on alumni serving in the military. Under a cloudless blue sky, Bob Benjamin, Upper School English teacher and a lieutenant colonel with the 2nd Battle Command Training Group, 2nd Battle Command Training Brigade, 75th Division in the U.S. Army Reserve, recognized our boys in uniform as they stood on Robert L. Cosby Field, an especially appropriate spot since Mr. Cosby is buried at Arlington Cemetery. “It’s awesome to be back and see friends and faculty,” said Army 1st Lt. Sam Kies ’04 after the alumni ceremony. “They all helped shape who I am now.” “Brunswick is like a warm, tightly-knit family,” added Army Captain Scott Weston ’03. “I’m honored that the School took the time to recognize alums in the military today. It really means a lot to me.” “While much has changed at Brunswick, it still has its great traditions and history,” said Marine Major Kevin Cortes ’90, who flew in from San Diego. “My four years at ’Wick were so meaningful. Being on the wrestling team and having to be responsible and disciplined definitely influenced my decision to be part of another elite team, the United States Marine Corps. “Brunswick is a place that I will treasure for my entire life,” Kevin concluded. “I wouldn’t miss Homecoming for the world.”

2010

Homecoming 50

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

By Bonni Brodnick

B r u n s w i c k A lu m n i A s s o c i at i o n La u n c h e s i t s f i r s t

Pre- Homecoming Bash Brunswick Upper School lobby was abuzz with alumni when more than 80 gathered for the first annual Alumni Association Pre-Homecoming Party that kicked off weekend festivities. While many were disappointed that the 10th Annual Alumni Golf Outing was left unhitched earlier in the day because of heavy rains, spirit was far from dampened when everyone gathered on Friday evening. “If you’re ever planning to do something and are wondering what the weather might be, check to see if it’s Brunswick Homecoming. If it is, you can count on rain,” said Headmaster Thomas W. Philip in his opening. “Many thanks for coming to this event. We are truly thrilled that you are here.” Jon Ryckman ’88 stepped away from a group of old friends to speak about the inception of the Brunswick Alumni Association. “Together, Jarrett Shine (Class of ’92 and Associate Director of Admissions & Alumni Affairs) and I put together a team from ’Wick to boost participation and collaborate with the Alumni Office to be sure we all keep in touch,” he said. “Our effort is simply to get together as alumni, whether you are here for a special reunion or just coming ‘home’ to hear what’s new at Brunswick. We look forward to seeing you at Homecoming this weekend and, most especially, to hearing from you throughout the year.” “The creation of the Brunswick Alumni Association has created a lot of enthusiasm,” Jarrett added. “We are committed to achieving our purpose through the development and implementation of programs that engage the alumni community and strengthen ties to the School, its faculty, students, and families.” The Brunswick Alumni Association is open to all who attended ’Wick. For more information on how to become a member, and to hear about upcoming events, please contact Jarrett at 203.625.5864 or jshine@brunswickschool.org.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

The 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award a lu m n i i n t h e m i l i ta r y s e r v i c e h o n o r e d f o r t h e i r va lo r

“Today, we are proud to recognize Brunswick alumni serving in the U.S. military,” said Bob Benjamin, Upper School English teacher and a lieutenant colonel with the 2nd Battle Command Training Group, 2nd Battle Command Training Brigade, 75th Division, in the U.S. Army Reserve, as he presented the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award on Robert L. Cosby Memorial Field. “They have chosen a career path that differs from many that our alumni pursue. And while many have found success (and reward) in the civilian world, the men we honor today have given up that lifestyle and have embraced a path of selfless service, hardship, danger, and sacrifice. Their service to our country represents the epitome of the Brunswick way and our school motto, Courage, Honor, Truth. “Accepting the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award, on behalf of all of our active servicemen of Brunswick,” Mr. Benjamin continued, “it is my privilege to introduce Army Lieutenant Colonel David Haight; Army Captain Scott Weston; Army 1st Lt. Sam Kies; Marine 2nd Lt. Matt Blumenthal, and Marine Major Kevin Cortes. Gentleman, on behalf of Brunswick School, thank you for your service.” Other Brunswick alumni serving with valor in the U.S. military include: Duncan Boothby ’89

Carter Harris ’05

Andrew Hotchkiss ’05

Clarke Rogers ’88

United States Army

2nd Lt. United States Marine Corps

Ensign United States Navy

Major United States Army

Shane Heller ’03

Ted Hubbard ’02

Paul White ’03

1st Lt. Unites States Navy

Captain United States Marine Corps

Allen Haight ’88 2nd Lt. United States Army

2nd Lt. United States Army

(Left to right:) Army Captain Scott Weston ’03 and his mother, Ellen; Marine 2nd Lt. Matt Blumenthal ’04 and his mother, Cynthia; Army 1st Lt. Sam Kies ’04 and his mother, Stefanie on Robert L. Cosby Memorial Field

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

ha s i t r e a l ly b e e n

Fifty Years?! By Bob Rands ’60

When I attended Brunswick, the classes were small and intimate and you knew your classmates well. There was a lot of camaraderie, so returning to Homecoming for my 50th reunion wasn’t good … it was great. A total of nine in our Class of 1950 showed up. Many thanks to Stretch Harris (El Cajon, Calif.); John Kernochan (Cambridge, Mass.); Gerry Puschel (Greenwich); Alan Scheps (Milford, Conn.); Bob Steinberg (Tarrytown, N.Y.); Rick Vernay (Homer, N.Y.); Bob Webb (New Canaan), and Tom Wright (Isle of Palms, S.C.) for making the trip. We salute John, who used to play varsity soccer and was brave enough to sign up for the alumni soccer game. There he was at 68 playing with the younger boys. He was happy that he survived the game. It’s remarkable how much Brunswick has changed over the years. When I was last on campus ten years ago, King Street was only partially built. It’s exciting to see what’s going on there and on Maher Avenue. The new performing arts center is terrific, and it’s impressive to hear about the schools the boys get accepted into after graduating. And while everything has expanded, there is still that great school spirit. One of the highlights of Homecoming was the dinner Brunswick hosted for us in the Lower School library. As we talked about our journeys over the past 50 years, it made everyone happy that we wended our way through and were able to show up at this landmark reunion. It has been enjoyable to reach out to old classmates and encourage them to attend our 50th reunion. In a way, talking, emailing, and connecting with everyone again has made it feel like we were seniors at Brunswick just the other day. j

(Left to right): Bob Rands, Rick Vernay, Stretch Harris, Tom Wright, Bob Webb, John Kernochan, Bob Steinberg, Susan Webb, Eleana Tee Cobb (Bob Steinberg’s sister), and Alan Scheps. (Gerry Puschel is missing from photo.) Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

class Notes Compiled by Libby Edwards & Leslie Lopez

Brunswick wrestling team in Pre School gym. Circa 1970s.

Classes 1930 to 1969, we’d love to hear from you! Please send in notes and photos to keep us in the loop. —Libby Edwards

1988

1983 Whit Sheppard, who pursued a dual track in writing and teaching the past several years, is now affiliated with Heritage Histories. This top custompublishing company, produces extraordinary histories and specialty books for Fortune 500 companies, major universities, preparatory schools, private clubs, 60

and other organizations. To learn more, visit heritagehistories.com

Greg Hartch and his family are living in Paris. His wife, Annabelle, informed us, “We were transferred to France through Greg’s work for General Electric and have really enjoyed our time here thus far. We have been enjoying many family adventures together and are looking forward to catching up with friends when we visit the United States.”

1989 Michael Butler informed us that there is a strong contingent of Brunswick alumni who stay in contact on the West Coast. “Joey Donahue, Jamie Butler ’87 (my brother), and I coach lacrosse in Redwood. LAX, in general, is exploding in California. John Goldberg ’85 and Jeff Gallo ’87 are also locals and we see them a few times a year. … My wife, Miquette, and I have been out here for 12 years, have three kids, and all is great. I take advantage of the weather and outdoors by surfing, skiing, biking, and hiking as much as my job and the family allows.”

* Holding on to History: Do you know the alumni in this photo? If so, please contact Libby at ledwards@brunswickschool.org. Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

CLASS NOTES

1990 Shortly after their 15th Brunswick Reunion, Kevin Cortes and Doug Fields met at Kevin’s Miramar Marine Corps airforce base in San Diego. Kevin flies the CH-53 helicopter (see photo) that has rotors approximately 79-feet across—larger than a New York City bus—and carries 69,000 pounds of cargo.

1992 Republican Walker Stapleton emerged victorious in the race for Colorado state treasurer. For more information, go to stapletonforcolorado.com.

Kevin Cortes ’90 and Doug Field ’90 at Miramar Marine Corps airforce base, San Diego

1993 Davis Lee swam the English Channel from England to France in 12 hours 41 minutes. Davis is a nuclear physicist and resides in Massachusetts. Davis’ blog (sharkytreat.blogspot.com) gives the official chart of his path. His swim worked out to 31.6 statute miles total distance, although it is 21.6 miles as the crow flies. “It was a long, cold bit of swimming,” he wrote.

Greg Hartch ’88, with his wife, Annabelle, and their children, Christa, Caroline, and Christian, visiting Dresden, Germany. Certificate given to Davis Lee ’93 for swimming the English Channel

Walker Stapleton ’92 and his wife, Jenna, after winning the race for Colorado state treasurer

Several members of the Class of 1993 (left to right) Peter Rand, Tom Lewis, Kane O’Neill, Ryan Faherty, John Eagan, and Steve Tusa celebrated at O’Neill’s bachelor party in Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland, in September 2010.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

CLASS NOTES

Janne Kouri ’93 (in back left) at a Guinness World Record event where 193 wheelchair users formed the letters ADA (American with Disabilities Act).

Janne, founder of NextStep Fitness, at the second annual Help Make a Difference fundraiser at the vineyard vines® of Georgetown, D.C. store.

Luis Gonzalez-Bunster ’94 on fundraising trip in Italy.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Janne Kouri recently participated in a major Guinness World Record event organized by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 25, 2010, at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, 193 wheelchair users broke the world record for most wheelchairs in a moving line. The old record of 105 was set in 2008 in Woodstock, N.Y. NextStep Fitness is a non-profit organization for people living with paralysis. The Help Make a Difference fundraiser in October brought together community leaders, local businesses, Georgetown alumni, and friends. Ian and Shep ’89 Murray, cofounders of vineyard vines®, sponsored the event. Peter Kavounas ’94 was in attendance. Janne Kouri, founder of NextStep said, “The event was designed to unite the local DC community around an important cause, increase awareness about the lack of resources available for those living with paralysis nationwide, raise funds to enable NextStep Fitness to continue the services it currently provides to clients from across the

country, and to assist expansion to new communities.” For more information on Janne’s organization, please visit nextstepfitness.org.

1994 Luis Gonzalez-Bunster and his sister, Carolina (GA ’01), set off on a 250-kilometer walk in Italy to mark the one-year anniversary of the Walkabout Foundation. The nonprofit organization they started together funds research to find a cure for paralysis and donates wheelchairs to those in need around the world. Joined by their parents, sister, relatives, and friends, Luis and Carolina cycled and walked, respectively, one marathon a day for seven straight days. Luis managed to complete the journey cycling with only one arm as he recently underwent spinal surgery. The walkabout was incredibly successful. All funds raised will be used to send wheelchairs to Rwanda, Chile, and Pakistan, and build an independent living home for people with disabilities in Haiti. “Every step we took,

CLASS NOTES

and every step the Walkabout Foundation takes, is one step closer to finding a cure for paralysis,” Luis said. Read more about his and Carolina’s mission and journey at thewalkaboutfoundation.org. Eric Ferraris and his wife, Demi, welcomed their son, Cameron Peter. He was born in September 2010 and weighed 6 lbs., 15 oz.

1998

Gregory Fitts Vasey married Whitney Crawford at the Inn at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, S.C. Several ’Wick classmates attended the wedding, including Brad Schwalm, David Jamieson, Andrew Myerberg, and Jarrett McGovern. Greg is the managing partner of GF Vasey Holdings. After Brunswick, he attended Hamilton College and went on to receive his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago. Gregory and Whitney now live in Boston, Mass. Cameron Peter, son of Eric Ferraris ’94

John F. McLane III married Natalie Kim in New Canaan, Conn. on May 29, 2010. They are currently living in Stamford, Conn. John, a former Brunswick art teacher, continues to work as an artist for his company, John McLane Fine Arts. For more information, visit johnmclane.net. Executive director Robert Profusek announced the launch of Toy Closet Films, previously PS Pictures. Toy Closet Films is a New York-based development and production company that specializes in creating original content for film, television and emerging media, and conceiving original cinematic and broadcast content for brands. Visit toyclosetfilms.com.

1999 Captain Nate Raymond completed the first year of the Joint Chiefs intern program, earning his M.A. at Georgetown in May. He is now in the office of the Secretary of Defense, Asia and Pacific Security of Affairs at the Pentagon. In addition, Nate is serving as the liaison officer to the State Department team of the late Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Tim Galvin ’95 holding Ethan Stephen Black, son of David Black’s ’95, born March 9, 2010. (Editor’s Note: Apologies for the misidentification in Times of Brunswick summer 2010 issue.)

2001 Jeff Long returned east after spending two years in San Francisco. He was special assistant and personal aide to Richard Blumenthal of Conn. during his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate.

John F. McLane III ’98 married Natalie Kim last May.

REUNION 2011 ALERT! Celebrate the years since graduation at Brunswick School’s 1st Annual Reunion Weekend on Friday, April 15 & Saturday, April 16 (more details forthcoming). Reunion year for classes ending in 6 and 1 For more information, contact Libby Edwards at ledwards@brunswickschool.org or 800.546.9425. Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

CLASS NOTES

2002

Aaron Duffy sent additional information regarding “Parisian Love Story,” the acclaimed Google commercial that ran during Super Bowl last February 2010. Google’s first Super Bowl ad—conceived and written by five creatives at Google Creative Labs—was directed by Aaron. As a director at the New York City production company, 1stAveMachine, and co-founder of SpecialGuest, (its

sister radio studio), Aaron creates television and Web commercials, as well as music videos and short films. “I try to find new and innovative ways to augment reality and bring something unexpected to the viewer,” he said. “Parisian Love Story” is a must-see. Go to 1stavemachine.com/superbowl/.

2003 Calvin Morphy recently wed Erin Elizabeth Marmion. They reside in Rowayton, Conn.

Calvin Morphy ’03, and his bride with their wedding attendees: (left to right) Graham Caulkins ’05, John Gaston ’05, JP Shand ’03, Calvin (groom), Jack Macfarlane ’03, Gregg Bell ’03, Kyle Moran ’03, and Steve Perlis ’03.

Joe Iraci married Nicole Zannino (GA ’99) on August 7, 2010, in Greenwich. Many former ’Wick and GA classmates shared in the celebration. Also, attending the wedding were Faith Carter (GA ’99), Jerry Carnegie ’99, Josh Duennebier ’99, Jarrett McGovern ’99, and Danny Poydenis ’99. Joe and Nicole live in Greenwich, where Nicole is a fifth grade teacher at Brunswick.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadet Paul J. White IV is one of 275 cadets who attended the 2010 George C. Marshall Foundation ROTC Awards and Leadership. Upon meeting academic requirements for graduation and completion of the ROTC program in 2010, Paul, who is an undergraduate of Boston College, will earn a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago.

2005 After a transformative weekend in Stratton, Vt., Garrett Hoelscher left his finance job at Wedbush Investments in Los Angeles in need of a change. Following his motto: “Don’t talk about it, be about it,” he decided to start a business selling waffles in Aspen. He spent four months perfecting a secret recipe, teamed up with two other Brunswick friends—Colin Constantine and Brian Wells—and prepared a business plan. Today, they have two waffle huts on Aspen Mountain. Matt McCarty launched and developed Zylie the Bear, a children’s teddy bear company with his mother, Mary Beth Minton. The award-winning, traditional teddy bear is accompanied by a line of books that follow her international adventures. Visit zyliethebear.com (See article on p. 22).

Joe Iraci ’03 with wedding guests, including (left to right) Scott Neff ’99, Jesse Zannino ’09 and Joey Zannino ’03 (Nicole’s brothers), Julie Obbagy, Chris Hargraves ’99, Laura Betz (GA ’99), the bride Nicole and bridegroom Joe, Nic Iraci ’04 (Joe’s brother), Zach Zannino ’05 (Nicole’s brother), Bobby Knox ’04, Jennifer DeLuca, Steve Vasaka ’99, and Alyssa Harmon.

HOMECOMING WEEKEND 2011 ALERT! Friday, October 14—Alumni Golf Outing & 2nd Annual Alumni Association Party Saturday, October 15—Homecoming on King Street & Alumni/Faculty Tent Party Reunion year for classes ending in 6 and 1 For more information, contact Libby Edwards at ledwards@brunswickschool.org or 800.546.9425. 64

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

CLASS NOTES

In the 2010 D-I Lacrosse Championship game, the Duke Blue Devils scored in overtime to beat Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Sam Payton and Tucker Virtue ’07 were on the winning Duke team. Tom Connor ’07 was on the opposing Notre Dame team.

2006 David and Brian Platter ’08, along with their father, David, joined other Greenwich residents for the Buddy Up Bike Ride. The transcontinental charity bike ride started in Concord, Calif. and ended in their hometown of Greenwich, Conn. It raised money for the George Miller Center (in Concord), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the 100-year-old Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Digital Photos We love pictures, and we like you to look good. Here are some tips for sending us digital photos that will look fantastic in print: • Set the photo size to 4 x 6 inches or larger, in 300 dpi. • Set your digital camera to the best photo setting. • Save files as JPG or TIF. • Identify everyone left to right in the photo and provide a caption. • Email photos as attachments to Libby Edwards at ledwards@brunswickschool.org. If you’d rather send a traditional print (made from a negative), we love them, too, but please send them on glossy paper. Matte prints and prints from digital photos do not scan well. We cannot reproduce photos from photocopies, magazines, or newsprint. Mail prints to: Libby Edwards Brunswick School Alumni Office 100 Maher Avenue • Greenwich, CT 06830

2007 Colin Raymond has been ranked 70 in the nation out of 2,300 Army ROTC cadets (based on Notre Dame academics, physical fitness, and performance in field and classroom training). This ranking affords him his choice of branch and post. He will branch infantry and be commissioned as a lieutenant upon graduation from Notre Dame this May. From there he will go to Fort Benning, Ga., for officer basic and then serve in either Washington state or Hawaii.

’Wick alums celebrating at the NCAA D-1 Lacrosse Championships included Tucker Virtue ’07, Jamie Millard ’06, Sam Payton ’05, Matt Virtue ’06, Charlie Payton ’09, Garrett Virtue ’09, Leighton Van Ness ’09, and Bart Witmer ’05.

David Platter ’06 and Brian Platter ’08 taking a lunch break in Virginia while biking across the U.S. for the Buddy Up Bike Ride.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

CLASS NOTES

2008 Ryan Hopkins broke his own Davidson College cross-country record, completing the E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park 8K course in 24:07.48 to lead the Wildcat men to a 15th place finish with 476 points in a field of 38 teams at the Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic. He also finished in 24:19.02 at the Clemson Invitational weeks prior, beating the Davidson alltime 8K set in the 2009 running of the Greater Louisville Cross Country Classic. Ryan’s record time placed him 18th.

2009 Tripp Huber recently finished in 1st place to earn medalist honors and the Colby College golf team took 3rd place overall at the Maine State Intercollegiate Golf Championships. Tripp had a 77 on the first day and was four strokes better the second, for a 150 total.

Michael Pucci and Freddy Ketchum ran in the 2010 New York City Marathon. Their run was to raise money for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which supports research into curing spinal cord injuries and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis. Both Michael and Freddy began training in July and finished together in 4 hours and 32 minutes. The back of their T-shirts carried a quote from the late Christopher Reeve, “For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it. For everyone who thought I shouldn’t do it. For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’ See you at the finish line!” Michael and Freddy raised more than $12,000.

of students who played in their all-state jazz bands throughout the country. This year, Nikhil will have the opportunity to work with great jazz musicians such as Milt Hinton, Joshua Redman, and Wynton Marsalis, who will be in residence at Harvard in the spring. Out of a field of 64 golfers, Schuyler Stitzer placed second in the 93rd Met Junior Championship held at the Ardsley Country Club last summer. Schuyler, the defending Round Hill Club champion, said, “I was happy with how I played and have no regrets. Playing in the finals was a good way for me to end the summer.” Schuyler is currently attending Bucknell University.

2010 Nikhil Mehra was selected to play trumpet in Harvard’s A-band, Harvard Monday Jazz Band. He is one of a few freshmen to make the band and is honored to be in such a group, made up

in memoriam Richard Case “Dick” White, Sr. ’44, died on September 25, 2010, in Chattanooga at the age of 84. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Dr. William B. and Helen C. White. Prior to joining the Army Air Corps during World War II, Dick attended Brunswick School and the Hill School. He also attended the University of Virginia and the Citadel. After returning from the service, Dick graduated from the University of Denver. He was a

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

retired advertising marketing executive, having worked for Life Magazine in New York. Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma; daughter, Wendy (Charles) Wilkins; three sons: Bill, Rick (Sherry) and Brit; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. W. Scott Bartlett, Jr., former Editor in chief and vice president of E.P. Dutton & Co, passed away in Manhattan on September 7, 2010. Part of a longtime

Greenwich family, he was son of the late Ruth Fitch Mason of Riverside, and Walter Scott Bartlett of New York City. Scott was born in Milwaukee, grew up in Manhattan, Riverside and Old Greenwich. He attended the Loomis School in Windsor, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1943 and from the Harvard School of Business Administration. Scott is survived by his spouse, Barbara Forman, and children, W. Scott Bartlett III ’62 of Eugene, Ore.; Nathaniel Eliot Bartlett

CLASS NOTES

in memoriam cont’d of Vancouver, Wash.; Chase Bartlett of Glastonbury; brother, Paul H. Bartlett of Fairfield, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Miriam Davie Bartlett; their son, Mark Emerson Bartlett; brother, Eliot Fitch Bartlett; and niece, Amy Wyllys Bartlett. Scott attended the Stanwich Congregational Church and the Westport Unitarian Church. He was a founding member of the Stanwich Club. Michael Dobson ’64, an artist and landscape architect and former resident of Greenwich, died on June 1, 2010, at his home in Kennebunkport. He was 63. After graduating from Brunswick, Michael attended Princeton University, where he majored in classics and philosophy. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in landscape architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied with renowned landscape architect Ian McHarg. Michael worked mostly in Connecticut, Vermont, and Maine. “Creating landscapes,” he said, “is working in four dimensions: the usual three, plus the dimension of time.” He is survived by his wife, Laurie; five children; his brother, Joseph ‘Jody’ Dobson ’62 of Philadelphia; sister, Parrish Dobson of Belmont, Mass., a niece and a nephew. Neil Fiedler ’90 recently passed away in Boulder, Colo. William (Bill) Jay Oppenheim passed away on May 16, 2010, having recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Jay; mother, Marjorie Burgunder Oppenheim; and

his brother, Charles Oppenheim. Jay was married to Paula Klau Oppenheim for 60 years and was father of Bill Jr. ’72, David, Alan ’76, and Lisa Schultz GA ’81. Bill was born in New York City on April 21, 1920, and for almost 50 years lived in Greenwich. He attended the Collegiate School and Cheshire Academy before studying at New York University School of Retailing. He served in WWII, rising to the rank of captain in the Quarter Master Corps. His career began at Jay Thorpe, a prominent women’s specialty store; and subsequently became vice president of the Weiss and Klau Co. Thereafter, he was general partner with the investment firm of Wertheim & Co, and concluded his career at Smith Barney. Bill devoted over 40 years of time and energy as a member of the board of Greenwich Hospital. During his retirement, he was a dedicated volunteer in the hospital’s emergency room. Gerrit Livingston Lansing died peacefully in July 2010 at the age of 68. Born in New York City on May 12, 1942, he leaves his wife of 40 years, Sydie; sons, Gerrit, Jr., and Sims ’06; daughter-in-law Patricia, and three grandchildren. Raised in New York City, Gerrit attended the Allen-Stevenson School, the Lawrenceville School, Columbia University, and New York University for undergraduate studies, and New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts, where he received his doctorate in art history. A lifelong patron of the arts and extensive art collector, he was an expert in American Surrealism, a teacher of art history, and curator of many exhibits, including “Surrealism USA: Between 1930

and 1950” at the National Academy of Design. At his death, Gerrit was chairman of the board of Independent Curators International (ICI) in New York City for 30 years; president of the alumni association of the Institute of Fine Arts in New York City; president of the Pot and Kettle Club on Mount Desert Island, Maine; and actively involved for over 40 years on various committees at the Museum of Modern Art, including the International Council. Gerrit spent summers in Northeast Harbor, Maine, where he thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid tennis and golf player. Diane Elizabeth Wassman Darst, Ph.D., mother of David ’00 and Elizabeth (GA ’96), passed away on June 22, 2010. A true renaissance woman, Diane was a founder and director of Learning to Look, a nationally known art education program for children that has been taught in numerous schools in the Connecticut and New York metropolitan areas. She authored two college textbooks, Western Civilization to 1648 and Learning to Look: A Complete Art History and Art Appreciation Program for Grades K-8. Diane was an active leader of numerous civic and cultural organizations, serving as chairman of the boards of the Greenwich Library, the United Way of Greenwich, and the Bruce Museum, as well as a member of the boards of the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, and Greenwich Academy. She graduated from Connecticut College and was awarded her Ph.D. from Columbia University. In addition, Diane danced professionally with the Zurich Opera Ballet Company.

Winter 2011 | Times of Brunswick

We Reached Out &

You Answered the Call The two-night Phonathon in early November was a great success thanks to more than 50 Brunswick dads who volunteered to help launch the 2010–2011 ’Wick Annual Fund. Our sincere thanks go to them and to you, our Brunswick families, for your overwhelming response. In addition to the several hundred phone calls made during the two nights, each year’s Phonathon proves to be a time for dads to get together and have a fun evening while communicating the ever-important Annual Fund message. Our team of enthusiastic callers raised approximately $245,000—$100,000 more than we raised at last year’s Phonathon. Tuition pays only for a portion of expenses required to educate each student. The Annual Fund covers 9 percent of Brunswick’s operating expenses, and it is clear from the success at the Phonathon that families understand the crucial need to be a part of this effort. If you missed our call during the Phonathon, or if you would like to join our team of Brunswick dads next fall, please contact Krista Bruce in the Development office at 203.625.5864 or kbruce@brunswickschool.org. You can also make your gift online at BrunswickSchool.org/give. (Please be sure to ask your company whether they have a matching gift program, which can double, sometimes triple, your gift.) Thank you, in advance, for supporting the 2010–2011 ’Wick Annual Fund. Your generosity—at any level—is an invaluable contribution to our School, faculty, and programs, facilities, and most importantly … to our boys.

Times of Brunswick | Winter 2011

Planned Giving for Everyone

A P RO M I S E F O R T H E F U T U R E O F B RU N S W I C K S C H O O L

The George E. Carmichael Society Established in 1995 to honor Brunswick’s founder and first headmaster, The George E. Carmichael Society recognizes those members of the Brunswick community who have planned contributions to the School through bequests and/or deferred gifts. Individuals who have notified Brunswick that they have arranged for a planned gift to the School, become members of the Society. Individuals who have included Brunswick in their estate plans are securing the future of our School for generations of boys to come. “Brunswick gives as wellrounded an education as any school I have ever encountered. I decided to make a life insurance gift naming the School as beneficiary because it was one of the ways in which I could make a long-term, sizable gift. All great institutions must have a nucleus of testamentary gifts to build their endowment for the future.” —Ed Hajim, a Trustee from 1978–83, also served as Board Chair from 1980–83. (Geoffrey ’84 and Jon ’86)

Here are ways in which we can work with you towards making a lasting contribution to our School: • Retirement planning for younger alumni—Flexible Gift Annuity • Income planning for retired individuals—Life Gift Annuity • Estate planning with charitable giving—Wills, Insurance policies, and Bank accounts • Reducing the tax costs of IRAs or other qualified plans • Letting a charitable trust facilitate financial, investment, and estate planning

“Brunswick has had a profound impact on the lives of so many young men. Its superb faculty, the strength of its academic programs, its athletic and extracurricular successes and, most important, its focus on character and values all motivated me to include this wonderful school in my estate plan. I anticipate that Brunswick will make use of my unrestricted bequest to perpetuate the values and ideals exemplified throughout its 109-year history.” —Mac Caputo, a Trustee from 1991– 2001, also served as Board Chair from 1995–2001. (Mac ’98 and Scott ’01)

A Bequest to Brunswick School A specific amount expressed in dollars or in specified items of property. A percentage of the residuary of the estate (the amount available for distribution after specific bequests are paid). Sample Bequest Language for Review by your Attorney A. For a specific bequest: I give and bequeath to Brunswick School, Greenwich, Conn., the sum of $__________ to be used for [its general charitable purposes] or [state purpose or program].

“Brunswick is—and has been—a dedicated provider of a firstclass education for our four sons. I have made an unrestricted bequest to be used as the School wishes in the future. Why did I make Brunswick a beneficiary of my estate and financial plan? Because if life is a gift, philanthropy is part of the repayment.” —Charles Paternina is a Trustee and Chair of Brunswick’s Planned Giving committee. (Bernard ’05, Luis ’06, Pablo ’07, and Gabriel ’13)

B. For a residuary bequest: I give and bequeath ____% of my residuary estate to Brunswick School, Greenwich, Conn., to be used for [its general charitable purposes] or [state purpose or program]. Brunswick School Gift Annuities Sample of Life Gift Annuity Rates Age Rate Age Rate 55........5.0% 75........6.4% 80........7.2% 60........5.2% 65........5.5% 85........8.1% 70........5.8% 90+......9.5%

For more information, please contact Tom Murray, Director of Development, at 203.625.5864 or tmurray@brunswickschool.org.

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