The Maroon & Grey The Official CFS Alumni Connection
Fall 2008
Director’s Corner I want to extend my thanks for the numerous e-mails, phone calls and letters I received regarding our inaugural edition of The Maroon & Grey. Our continuing goal is to help you feel “reconnected” with your fellow alumni, and to the wider CFS community. From your initial feedback, I believe we are accomplishing this task. I especially appreciate the ongoing support of Jim Tate ’52, Bill Wealot ’78 and Bart Bronk ’96 and am most grateful to all of you who have sent me articles, personal updates and photos.
All The Best Many CFS alumni expressed their sincere appreciation to Headmaster Shreiner for his years of dedication and service to the school as Terry begins his year-long sabbatical prior to retirement in 2009. Terry will always remain in the hearts of those whose lives he’s touched. Alumni are hoping he will be no stranger to the school, and the Class of 1960 has already extended him an invitation to celebrate their 50th class reunion with them in 2010.
Cecil Hengeveld ’64 with CFS Director of Alumni Relations Lori McDermott
From myriad avenues of school communications (Credentials, The Maroon & Grey, monthly E-Lerts, etc.) you probably realize that CFS students, faculty and alumni have been extremely busy these past six months. Additionally, on July 1 the entire CFS community welcomed our new Interim Head of School, Thomas (Tim) Rodd, a former teacher and academic leader with many years of independent school administrator experience. Mr. Rodd will serve as headmaster until next July 1 when a permanent headmaster to be appointed by the Board of Directors will arrive. Many of you returned to campus in record numbers for the Spring Alumni Weekend and Dinner. Others participated in the alumni choral concert, attended commencement ceremonies and reunions, or took part in a weeklong community service project. More than thirty alums braved Tropical Storm Hanna this September to participate in the alumni vs. varsity soccer game. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know many of you through your participation and involvement in alumni projects. Jim Gravely ’71 and Dale Elks ’74 took charge of soliciting notes from fellow alums for their “best Joe Rhile memory,” as a tribute to their very special teacher, coach, mentor and friend. Roger Weissinger ’83 circulated countless e-mails to former wrestlers begging for their return to participate in the wrestling practice/weigh-in to honor Coach Rhile. Newt Disney ’48 coordinated the reunion of classmates from the Classes of 1947 through 1952. Mason Williams ’68 organized the summer community service project with Good Works in Coatesville. It’s also been my pleasure these past few months to work with Cecil Hengeveld ’64. Cecil is currently serving as co-chair of the 7th Annual CFS Golf Classic. With his assistance, we anticipate increased alumni involvement at this event to benefit the CFS Scholarship Fund in the years to come. Cecil also serves as the alumni representative on the search committee for the permanent headmaster. Comments, concerns or questions regarding this matter can be sent to his attention at cufly66@verizon.net. In the months ahead I look forward to increased alumni participation, not only in school-sponsored events but also in support of our Annual Fund Appeal that you will receive shortly. Alumni support of this fund counts heavily when pursuing foundation grants and corporate gifts to help underwrite the unique programs and social opportunities that you remember so well. The phrase “Look Back, Come Back, Give Back” says it all.
Terry commented how touched he was by the multitude of well-wishes he received during Spring Alumni Weekend. He also appreciated the phone calls, notes and e-mails he continued to receive throughout the remainder of the school year. CFS alumni are grateful not only for Terry’s thirty-one year tenure with the school, but for the leadership provided by his father, Mr. Charles, and his grandfather and school founder, the Colonel, throughout the school’s stellar ninety-year history. Many thanks to the Shreiner family. Well done!
Headmaster Terry Shreiner begins a year-long sabbatical prior to his retirement in 2009
Joe Rhile Retirement Beloved teacher, coach, mentor, friend: Joe Rhile, after forty-plus years of service to CFS, formally retired from the faculty this year. An unprecedented number of alumni returned to school for Spring Alumni Weekend and the Alumni Dinner on April 26 to express their well-wishes to Joe. An additional 150 guests, including faculty, parents, and board members also celebrated this remarkable teacher’s lifetime achievements. It was truly heartwarming to see and to hear stories of the dramatic impact Joe had on so many people during his tenure at CFS. In his commencement address Headmaster Terry Shreiner also paid homage to Joe in recognition of his years of dedicated service to the school. The entire CFS community extends congratulations and best wishes to Joe and his wife, Mary Ellen. Your job is done. No one could have done it better. Thank you.
We have much to look forward to this fall and winter. I continue to welcome your visits, e-mails, phone calls and letters and can be reached at lmcdermott@gocfs.net or by phone at 610-363-5338. Kind regards,
Director of Alumni Relations
Don Burt ’77 enjoys a moment with Joe Rhile at Commencement
Spring Alumni Weekend Review The Long Awaited Anti-Climatic Alumni Dinner ‘Report’ as recounted by Peter Goda ’60* to his fellow classmates Gentlemen and your Ladies: By popular demand, the following is presented to you and yours, for your enjoyment. As you may recall, Muh (Ron Milburne ’60), Shirley (Milburne), Doris and I toured the once palatial estate of the Colonel. To my dismay, the entire pig operation is no longer visible. With the exception of what may have been the dairy (milk house) and a few forsaken silos, the ‘cow barns’ are all gone as are the chicken houses and barns. The old circular ‘swimming’ pool is also gone. What changes! Most of the agricultural fields remain but are part of a public park network. With one’s back to the main campus, there is a housing development to the right...and it is rather extensive. Most, if not all, of the cottages where staff and masters lived are still there. I understand one burned to the ground some years ago. The ‘mansions’ are intact. Now privately-owned Swedesford Cottage, containing its own chapel, has been refurbished and has expansive gardens. As you know, the campus cottages have been vastly improved. Unfortunately we didn’t have a chance for a walk thru. The Rose Garden, greenhouses, and peonies are gone (Sorry, Jay!) The Chapel of the Atonement remains the Chapel. I had not previously seen the ‘new’ addition. The builders did an excellent job matching the stonework. The Memorial Service was rather short and to the point. Chaplain Bond arranged for a bagpiper to lead the procession and a bugler to sound taps. It was an honor to participate in the service as one of the Readers (of all of the verses, from the Hebrew Bible, Wisdom 3: 1-5, 9.)
Jim Mendenhall ’39 and Ed Ellison ’42 lead the Parade of Classes, which opened the dinner
And then there was dinner which was presented as well as served in Founders Pavilion. As one made entrance, the usual name tags and attendance records were the first order. A maroon and grey lanyard attached to which was a name tag, was presented to each alum. Then, greeting the horde was an array of excellent appetizers served on ‘silver’ trays by an assortment of students. I won’t attempt to name them, but among the others, the beef shish kabobs were outstanding. And to my dismay, I couldn’t believe my eyes…among the assortment of soft drinks and bottled water was a lineup of Heineken...green, cold, droplets of condensation running down their lengths. After the earlier events of the day...it was a delight to behold. Right! My eyes had deceived me. They were bottles of ginger ale. Approximately 250 guests filled the main floor. Each Joe Rhile lighting the “Olympic Torch” to the theme of Rocky of the tables was set for eight; we reset ours for nine: the Milburnes, the Ramailys, the Eberharts (I think), the Godas and Lundahl. On each table was an array of objects relating to the Beijing Olympics. The usual formal greetings were made followed by an invocation by fellow CFS alum, Rev. Tom Logan ’68, an Episcopal priest from Washington, D.C. It was probably the best invocation I have ever heard. Each corner of the partitioned room and along its sides an array of food representing specific countries greeted the long lines who had the same objective in mind. Everything was absolutely great. Kudos need to be given to Claudia Rose-Muir for her excellent culinary skills as well as the delightful service of her staff. Of course there were an almost endless number of prizes donated for the raffle, and tickets were available for purchase. Shirley was the only winner at our table, and she was also one of the sponsors of the raffle as well. During dinner the school’s Jazz Band - and they were very good - played (somewhat unmutedly) for our enjoyment. Prior to the beginning of the ceremonies, announced by large placards, all alumni were grouped by year and we marched into the ceremonial area to the sound of appropriate music, Olympic style, where we were greeted by the applause of the other guests. Quite impressive to see this parade of alumni dating back to the 1930’s and 40’s through last year’s graduates. In itself a tribute to the School! As the evening progressed, any number of awards and recognitions were made. The “Tate Award” was presented to current student and School Ambassador, Ousman Laast-Maiga ’08. Brett Fortune ’86, was inducted into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor, as too, posthumously, were Norm Capp ’64, whose award was received by fellow classmates Cecil Hengeveld, Bob LeKites and Peter Neall; and Dr. Charles W. Shreiner, Jr. (Mr. Charles), whose award was accepted by his son, Terry. As you may know, Mr. Charles turned down a signing bonus from the Phillies in 1949. These inductions were rather emotionally received by all of the guests present. As an aside, it is amazing to me the numbers of high ranking military brass the School has turned out. During the Awards Ceremony, General Hengeveld was also honored by his wife, Peggy. The evening also provided a ‘salute’ to Joe Rhile, as he is completing his 42nd year at CFS and will retire in June. It was Joe who started the wrestling program in the junior school and became the wrestling coach and mentor to many students, now alumni. About sixty of his former wrestlers, in person, presented Joe with about $6,500 for that long-awaited vacation that he and his wife have long been looking forward to taking. What an honor! Terry wrapped up the evening’s program with the usual politically correct request for everyone’s participation in the oft-heralded but necessary annual fund drive. He also reiterated the information we received in a mailing from the School’s Chairman of the Board announcing Terry’s resignation as Headmaster at the end of this year’s school term, retention as consultant for an additional year, and retirement in September 2009. I certainly am not aware of all of the staff who participated in putting together this event, but a tremendous amount of recognition and appreciation must be given to Bill Seymour ’78 and Lori McDermott for this unforgettable Alumni Dinner and ‘awards’ program which they hosted and MC’d. If I may, they have our salute! Pete
Classes from the 70’s alumni and their guests enjoy catching up
* Our circle of CFS alumni also includes those students who left prior to commencement. 2
Maroon & Grey
Spring Alumni Weekend Review Over 100 alumni returned to campus for Spring Alumni Weekend. Nine of the sixteen members of the Class of 1968 celebrated their 40th class reunion. During the day, in addition to our regular tennis and softball offerings, Coach Art Smith orchestrated the first-ever wrestling practice/weigh-in that was enjoyed by many alums. A memorial service at the chapel that evening preceded a “Night in the Olympic Village” themed dinner. Over 250 enthusiastic diners enjoyed fine international cuisine prepared by the Sodexo crew, accompanied by several rousing musical selections performed by the CFS Jazz Band. The evening’s program began by honoring three new inductees into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor, followed by the presentation of the Tate Award to an outstanding senior for his enthusiasm for the school, commitment to the mission and welcoming manner. Last, but certainly not least, Joe Rhile was honored for his forty-plus years of service to CFS. In addition to a “scrapbook of memories” Joe was given, members of the wrestling team surprised him with a check in excess of $6,500 so he and wife, Mary Ellen, could enjoy a long-awaited vacation. Many thanks to everyone who made this a special evening for Joe.
John Ceschan ’94, David Hatchard ’93, and “Kitt” Kittleson ’91 enjoy a moment together at alumni wrestling
Coach Art Smith called a practice/weigh-in for former wrestlers and members of current varsity squad. The “team” is photographed in their plastic bags to “make weight”
Dave Lewis ’77, Eric Schneckenberger ’79, and Tom Stelzer ’79 participate in the Parade of Classes
Jeff Middleton ’74, Dale Elks ’74, Joe Rhile, and Jeff Warren ’68 reconnect at the alumni dinner
Art Smith, Roger Weissinger ’83, Genero Mitchell ’79, Joe Rhile, and Dave Cashmere ’83 at the Winner’s Circle immediately following the dinner
Competition on the tennis courts included Tim Bond ’78*
Allen Pyke ’69 joins Rev. Tom Logan ’68 as the Class of 1968 celebrates their 40th high school reunion
Mike Zimmerman ’87, Keith Baker ’87, David Hatchard ’93, and Jeff Hilburt ’87 take part in alumni softball
Fall 2008
Spring Alumni Weekend Review 2008 CFS Hall of Athletic Honor Three members were inducted into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor on April 26, two posthumously. Former track star Brett Fortune ’86 was presented his medal by classmate and life-long friend, Walt Smith ’86. The two posthumous awards, Norman Capp ’64, recognized for his all-around excellence in soccer, basketball and track; and Dr. Charles W. Shreiner, Jr., recognized for the support he provided the athletic teams during his tenure, were accepted by meaningful surrogates. For Norm Capp, his classmates, Cecil Hengeveld, Bob LeKites and Peter Neall, accepted the medal presented by Hall of Athletic Honor member, Jeff Warren ’68, and Headmaster Terry Shreiner graciously accepted the honor on his father’s behalf. Dr. Shreiner had been a well-respected athlete in his own right; however, by declining an offered team spot with the Philadelphia Phillies in the late 1940’s he chose to devote his life’s work to serving the boys of Church Farm School. Retired Brigadier General Cecil B. Hengeveld ’64 was also honored that evening. In his name, his wife, Peggy, made a substantial donation to help underwrite the costs surrounding the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor project. Peggy commented: “I chose to honor my husband for his humility, love, and faithfulness to CFS, his family, friends and all those who have had the pleasure of meeting this fine human being. His devotion to a meaningful life and promotion of positive thinking is a tribute to him and CFS. The valuable lessons he learned as a young man at CFS have carried through his entire adulthood, and he continues to be a great role model for all. I encourage family members of CFS alumni to consider honoring their loved ones by sharing their thoughts and contributions accordingly.”
Bill Seymour ’78 thanks Peggy Hengeveld for her contribution to help underwrite the Hall of Athletic Honor plaques, as husband and honoree Cecil Hengeveld ’64 looks on
Terry Shreiner graciously accepts the honor on behalf of his late father, Dr. Charles W. Shreiner, Jr.
Cecil Hengeveld, Bob LeKites and Peter Neall (all class of 1964) accept the posthumous medal on behalf of Norman Capp ’64
Brett Fortune ’86 acknowledges his induction in the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor
Ousman Laast-Maiga ’08 Receives 2008 Tate Award The James Tate Class of 1952 Award for Excellence in Ambassadorship is named in honor of fellow alum and long-time CFS Board Member and School Historian James Tate in recognition of his tireless efforts throughout the years to help support and promote the school, its staff and students. The award is presented annually to that student whose enthusiasm for the school, commitment to its mission and welcoming manner make him an ideal and effective CFS Ambassador. The following is a letter written by Jim Tate ’52 congratulating Ousman on winning the 2008 Tate Award. Dear Ousman, Several years ago, I was speaking to Mr. Seymour on the phone as he was walking through Greystock and he interrupted me to say “Here comes a student I need to speak with.” I held on and when he came back on the phone, he said “That’s one great kid. He’s going to be a star in this school.” That “kid” was you, Ousman. You! Clearly, you did become a star at Church Farm, and it pleased me immensely when you were presented with the Tate Award during the annual Alumni Dinner. There is much I could say about your accomplishments during your six years at CFS. However, I think a comment by one of the school’s long-time faculty members captures who you are best:
2008 Tate Award Winner Ousman Laast-Maiga ’08 addresses the attendees at the Alumni Dinner
“Ousman stands out as one of the finest young men to ever grace our hallways. I believe the Colonel would be as proud of Ousman as anyone who has ever graduated from CFS.” This comment indicates you have traveled the high road throughout your six years. Thank you and congratulations for being the person of integrity that you are. I am proud to have you as the fourth winner of the Tate Award, and welcome you to the ranks of the alumni. I wish you success in the next chapter in your life: your pursuit of a college degree at Seton Hall University. Cordially, Jim Tate, ’52
Previous Tate Award Winners 2005 - Jamin Gibson ’06 • 4
2006 - Romane Paul ’06 •
2007 - Matt Kaplan ’07 Maroon & Grey
Spring Alumni Weekend Review Tributes to Joe Rhile Joe Rhile was a wise, decent, modest and kind teacher. He cared about the boys and about teaching. Wish Mr. Rhile many great years of retirement for me. Sincerely,
histories exciting to learn and I didn’t want to learn history from another teacher. A patient guy, he allowed me to make mistakes, but encouraged me to learn to better myself.
Mason Williams ’68
His life lessons on how to grow up, what to expect in life, and how to respect things has stuck through every day of my life. He showed it was better to tell things like they are, recognize them, and to go from there.
I remember Joe R. being a patient driving instructor as well as an earnest history teacher. He had a gentle disposition with a scary constitution! He has meant a lot to a lot of boys.
Joe Rhile has to play Joe Rhile in a Joe Rhile movie. He’s a very genuine and unique guy.
Thanks, Joe.
Chris Dorer ’97
Chris Cortright ’77 Here is my favorite Joe Rhile story: In the winter of 1987, about eight of the CFS Senior Class of 1988 had a crazy idea to go Christmas caroling with the help of Mr. Cuicci, our music teacher. Our first stop was Mr. Fernandez’s house. He was the only one awake, and in the middle of our carol, Paul Costellano stole his sandwich. Our second stop was the new headmaster’s house, Mr. Shreiner. He and his wife stood on their porch and smiled, gracious as ever, then asked us to leave since their kids were just put to bed. Now when we went to our good Mr. Rhile’s house, oh no, we weren’t turned away because of sleeping babies, he invited us in. Mr. Cuicci sat at his piano, and Mrs. Rhile and their kids along with Mr. Rhile joined us in a few Christmas carols. It was a wonderful evening, that because of Mr. Rhile, I have never forgotten.
I was never a wrestler or even athletic during my time at CFS, however, my fondest “Mr. Rhile” memory was of you in the classroom teaching history; more specific African-American History 1 and 2. Wow, what a course and what a time we had learning about history – the struggles as well as the victories. That course had such a positive impact on my life. As a matter of fact, I believe the class was introduced around the time CFS had just started the new technology plan for classroom learning, so you were still playing around with PowerPoint, which, by the way, you did a great job. Nevertheless, congratulations on the legacy and impact you have made on the CFS community and on me personally. You are indeed one of a kind. True teachers at heart never retire; their classroom only gets bigger on the stage of life…all the best, Sir! John Suggs ’00
Mr. Rhile was a big, strong man in those days, exuding strength of faith, body and mind. Honor was not a badge he wore; it was an essence he exuded. I hope Mr. Rhile’s retirement is full of fun and family. From the suburbs of Moores Creek National Battlefield (he knows where it is), Nick Nye ’88 Joe has touched my life in plenty of aspects. There has been this sense of great respect of a smart man. Little has he known it, but every time I’ve gone to class, I was eagerly listening to how he taught and why he taught it. He made American and Afro-American
Class Portrait Project Update Thanks to the diligence and labor of Bill Wealot ’78 this past summer, all of the historical CFS graduating class portraits that were in storage have been restored, framed and hung throughout the main hallways in Greystock Hall and inside Alumni Hall. Thank you, Bill, for spearheading this project. (We’re still looking for the Class of ’71, however.) The CFS community also extends a special thank you to Lane Collins ’58 and his wife, Kaye, for their generous gift to help underwrite this worthwhile alumni class portrait display.
Lane Collins ’58 and wife Kaye helped underwrite the Class Portrait Project
Bill Wealot ’78 accepts a plaque from Lori McDermott in recognition of his efforts
Mary Ellen Rhile, Steve Kullen ’73, and Joe Rhile share a moment at the Alumni Dinner
Alumni Dinner Raffle We gratefully acknowledge all the Alumni Dinner attendees who so generously purchased raffle tickets that evening to benefit the CFS creative arts program. The final tally exceeded two thousand dollars. On behalf of the alumni, two $1,000 checks were presented by Lori McDermott at the May 6 school assembly; the first to Jenny Sanderson in support of Adam Dirks ’09, who earned the opportunity to attend the 2008 Maryland Institute College of Art’s six-week summer study abroad program in Tuscany, Italy; and the second to Lou Spagnola to enhance the CFS instrumental music program with the purchase of percussion instruments, specifically Timbales, for the Jazz Band.
Jenny Sanderson, Adam Dirks ’09, Lori McDermott, and Lou Spagnola following the presentation of the alumni dinner raffle proceeds at a school assembly
Fall 2008
CFS Choir Alums Return for Spring Concert By: Steve Loney ’97 If you have paid any attention to CFS campus life in recent years, you’ve probably noticed the ever-growing positive impact the CFS Choir has had on the school and its image. Since arriving at the “Farm” in the early 1990’s, Choir Director Gary Gress has advanced the growth of the choir program from a small extra-curricular activity struggling to find its niche into an integral part of the current school’s curriculum. The choir is now bursting at the seams with eager participants. Every spring, the choir showcases its talents for the school at the annual Spring Choral Concert. This year, Gress added to the program by inviting a group of choir alumni, representing every step of the group’s evolution, to join together with the CFS Choir to sing the final piece. Nineteen alums with choir experience spanning nearly two decades, including three members of Gress’ original choir (Steve Miller ’95, Tim Salam ’97, and current Director of Admissions Bart Returning alums gather for a reception following Bronk ’96,) turned out to see if they still had any chops. Also included were several choir alums the spring choral concert whose vocal talents carried them beyond the confines of the chapel basement and into District, Regional and State-wide competitions while at CFS. Joel Alzate and Brandon Szabo, Class of 2005, were among those chosen to sing in the District Chorus. Bart was the first CFS student to reach the Regional Chorus level, blazing a trail for the likes of Miller, Salam, Jose Quinones ’99, and Steve Lim ’03. Romane Paul ’06 and Philip Yang ’07 went even further, with Romane becoming the first CFS student to achieve membership in the All-East Chorus. Essentially, if CFS were to erect a Mount Rushmore of choir members, these men would be on the short list of candidates included. From tenors like Romane, Jose, and Adrian Butler ’05, still able to hit those high notes, to the bass sections whose members may have hit some new lows, the visiting alumni singers did not disappoint. They joined the impressive current CFS Choir in an inspirational rendition of Joseph Martin’s “The Awakening.” Capturing the spirit of an event that connected the past and present of a CFS choral institution, “The Awakening” harmoniously underscores the continuing importance and perseverance of a musical spirit that will no doubt continue to carry the CFS Choir to further success in the future. Alumni join the CFS Choir in the Chapel of the Atonement
Commencement Weekend The achievements of the thirty members of the graduating Class of 2008 were honored and celebrated by proud parents, faculty, staff, and friends, all members of the CFS community, who gathered together in the Chapel of the Atonement on Saturday, June 7. Representing the Class of 1958, Lane Collins and Allan Kuklentz accepted honorary bibles on behalf of their classmates in recognition of their 50th class commencement. Newt Disney ’48, celebrating his 60th high school graduation year, orchestrated the return of eleven alumni from Classes 1947 through 1952 who met at the Ship Inn later that evening for an emotional and joyous reunion of reflection and remembrance. At that dinner, Newt presented Terry Shreiner with a gift of appreciation in honor of his thirty-plus years of service to the school.
We welcome our newest CFS alumni, the Class of 2008
Bill Golemon ’50 listens intently to Newt Disney’s speech Newt Disney ’48 addresses attendees from the Classes of 1947 through 1952
Lyle Schweitzer ’49 enjoys conversation with former classmates
6
Dave Dickson ’49 and wife Phyllis enjoy the reunion celebration
Allan Kuklentz ’58 and Lane Collins ’58 accept honorary bibles on behalf of their classmates
Maroon & Grey
Alumni Soccer It would take more than the likes of Tropical Storm Hanna on September 6 to dissuade more than 30 alumni (Classes of 1960 – 2008) from participating in the annual CFS alumni vs. varsity soccer game. Although Hanna did force the game to be played inside Founders Pavilion, the enthusiastic rivalry between these two fiercely competitive teams was undeterred. In the end, Varsity came from behind to capture a 10 – 8 victory, despite the spectacuAlumni and varsity players lar offense provided by alums Rashad Hanexchange a friendly handnah ’01, Greg Webb ’02, Chad Shreiner shake following the game ’04, and the outstanding performance in the net from Cecil Hengeveld ’64 and Don Burt ’77, resulting in countless saves on goal. Following the game, both alumni and family members enjoyed an early dinner in the Dining Center. So, begin your training routine now - a rematch is less than a year away!
Alumni soccer players pose following the indoor competition
Letter From Admissions By: Bart Bronk ’96
What do a classic pianist from Bangkok, a break-dancing enthusiast from Georgia, a baseball history-fanatic from North Jersey, and a geocacheing specialist from Pottstown have in common? No, it’s not the opening of a bad joke – it’s a description of four representative members of the newest crop of unique and talented CFS students. At the end of August, 59 new students, the first incoming group of students I had the pleasure of meeting and, ultimately, admitting to my alma mater, arrived on campus for orientation. Representing eight states and two foreign nations (bringing our school total to 13 states and three countries), they came with the usual combination of excitement and nervousness, but have quickly settled in on campus and are already making positive contributions in the classroom, in the cottage, and on the athletic field. Of course, they also bring their unique cultural backgrounds, which help make CFS the wonderful melting pot we are. New cultures represented among our diverse students include Thai, Guatemalan, Filipino, and Portuguese. As a group, these new students represent one of the most selective admissions cycles that CFS has seen in some time. We received more than 225 applications for the 2008-2009 school year, and our acceptance rate fell to a historically low 29 percent. In rough terms, this means for every three or four kids who wanted to come to CFS, only one was accepted. The outcome of this selectivity, which was greatest for the incoming ninth grade class, is a group of new students that are academically talented, artistically gifted, athletically enthused, and, above all else, passionate about the opportunity to attend CFS. One more piece of encouraging news: nearly 14 percent of our incoming students were influenced by an alumnus at some point in their consideration process. If you include current students (that is, future alumni), that figure jumps to near 30 percent. Whether it comes from a brother, cousin, uncle, father, friend, or acquaintance, an alumni testimonial can be the most powerful motivator as a family considers entrusting their son’s education to CFS. Thanks for the help, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to continue being our very best admissions ambassadors. The 2009-2010 admission cycle is already underway. If you have a family member or friend interested in learning more about a CFS education, please send them my way – and soon! We anticipate that interest will only grow as we continue to spread the word about our beloved Church Farm and the great things happening here. All the best to you fellow Griffins (and your Griffin-ettes and little Griffins) for a wonderful fall season. I hope to see many of you on campus soon.
Where Are They Now? A regular look at former faculty and staff By: Tim Rodd Doris Shaw was working in a Paoli bookstore during the summer of 1967 when, providentially, Earl Wilkins ’26, the renowned teacher, coach, and CFS’s first principal, stopped by to inquire if the store owner knew someone who might be interested in a job as a school librarian. As Doris herself recounts, “I more or less jumped up and down Doris Shaw today with my hand raised saying ME! ME! ME!” Short story long, Doris passed muster with Charlie Shreiner and embarked upon a career spanning thirty-two wonderful years as CFS librarian, retiring in 1999. In the fall of 1967, Doris, with husband David, moved into Livingston, a home off Route 30 which was divided so as to house two faculty families. There they became close and lifelong friends with Mary Ellen and Joe Rhile. Other neighbors in what came to be known as the “faculty colony” included the Wrights, the Shreiners, and the Snavelys. In her own words, “Colony living was great. There was a lot of socializing and support. Poker games and progressive dinners come to mind. Faculty and staff were family.” Doris’s life at CFS was as richly varied as those of other faculty members. She took her turn as O.D. (Officer-of-the-Day), supervising meals and study halls, driving students to appointments, activities, and even the emergency room. She was also a student and activity advisor, and served on numerous committees, including for many years the Discipline Committee. In addition to running the school Doris Shaw circa 1973 library, Doris recalls driving to Paoli with Bob Devenney and returning with two Apple computers, thus pioneering the use of computers at CFS. Her memories also include Jim Herr’s hilltop gatherings of students and faculty, Ray Greenblatt’s first publication as a poet, and the smell of chemicals wafting up through the library windows from Wes Bennett’s science lab below. Doris and David Shaw now live in Jaffrey, N.H. not far from Mount Monadnock, one of New Hampshire’s great scenic attractions. Her address is: Doris G. Shaw, 197 Crestview Dr., Jaffrey, NH 034525507; phone: (603) 532-5770, e-mail: boyblunh@comcast.net. She would love to hear from alumni, former faculty and staff. If you will excuse an editorial intrusion, I am hoping to meet Doris when I return to the Granite State. Not only do we share a home state and a love of books, but my father and grandfather shared the city of her birth, Pittsburgh, PA.
Thomas “Tim” Rodd, Jr. is currently serving as Interim Headmaster through June 2009. Tim, a graduate of Yale, received his M.A. in English from Columbia University. His experience in teaching and as headmaster for many years is welcomed by the CFS community.
Fall 2008
Alumni Community Service Nicaragua Project - By: Marvin Garcia ’99 Nicaragua is a small underdeveloped country in Central America with a population of about 5 million people. The average monthly salary is between $300 and $400, which is not enough to support a family of four, especially with the high price of living due to rising fuel costs. Jobs are scarce, so many take on whatever work they can find. I believe my time at CFS allowed me to nurture my need to help others. Consequently, I was not surprised by my drive to action, but I never would have dreamed that a simple desire and a mission to help give to those less fortunate would end up helping so many. Over 100 families were given bags containing rice, beans, sugar, oatmeal, coffee, pinolillo (a native drink made from corn), milk, cooking oil, spaghetti, soap, laundry detergent, animal crackers, and an assortment of treats. All this was made possible with donations from members of my church, The Overbrook Park Church of Christ, and my friends and family.
Marvin Garcia ’99 (left) with brother Darvin (center) and mother Xiomara (right)
It took us four days to purchase the food, package it, and distribute it to the individual families. Two truckloads carried the donations to a nearby village, about five miles from my hometown of Masatepe. My family and I went from house to house hand delivering the supplies, and after the families opened the boxes and saw what was inside, they began to tell their neighbors. Before too long people in the village were following our truck on bikes and on foot, asking if we could help them. Fortunately, we were able to help many of them, but, of course, there were still some we could not; so, with the help of God, my mission will continue.
Packages of food are prepared for delivery
A grateful Nicaraguan family
Good Works - By: Mason Williams ’68 Readers Digest printed an article entitled The Lord Helps Charly, and Vice Versa. My reprint is dated 1964. The article quotes the Colonel telling author Ben Hibbs a story about a passer-by stopping and asking boys working nearby, “What do you boys get for digging potatoes?” He said that for a moment there was dead silence. Then one 12-year-old replied, “Nothing if we do, hell if we don’t.” The article goes on: “everybody there learns through experience that honest toil and decent disciplined behavior are the prime ingredients of a successful life.” Those of you who, like me, had John Carruthers and Paul Anders for Junior School heard it said, “Smile, keep quiet and work.” Turned me around. I learned the value of work: responsibility, including milk squad captain in 11th grade, with 11 boys on which to practice team-building. Everything from orientation to increasing productivity. The tools for making a difference in the world. An extraordinary opportunity! My dad left four children and my mother with no visible means of support. I fell apart. Failed the fourth grade twice, and started shoplifting, stealing.
Good Works volunteers
Church Farm School lifted me. I found mentors who worked with me. I found the honor roll and again found learning as I had known in grades one through three. I graduated from college with honors. I retired with almost 30 years of government service, the last 25 with the US Department of Agriculture. Fred Heuer, James Herr, and Landis Heller taught me to love history and appreciate the need for government. No nation goes without it. I wanted to serve. And service and education are a part of each other. Diogenes said, “The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” Cicero asked, “What greater or better gift can we offer the republic than to teach and instruct our youth?” Burke said, “Government is a contrivance of human wisdom to provide for human wants.” Lord Broughn stated, “Education makes people easy to lead but difficult to drive, easy to govern but impossible to enslave.” The School at Church Farm still holds magic for me. For there is strength in hope, which she gave me. There is power in purpose, which she gave me. And place itself can be powerful: this school is the landscape of my imagination and my dreams. The hills have called me since I hiked them with Paul Anders in 1961 and 1962. The springs that cooled me in the summer were what I gauged all quenches of thirst against from then on. The chapel gave me hymns that haunt me still: 576 Come Labor On; 143 God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand; 289 O God, Our Help in Ages Past; 513 Eternal Father, Strong to Save; 538 God is Working His Purpose Out As Year Succeeds to Year. But the world changes and so must the schools that give the future her leaders. In my opinion, farm work is no longer the best work for experiencing “honest toil.” The 25 years with the USDA convinces me that a better way exists. Digging holes and filling them in can be improved on. We graduates have looked at each other over intramural divisions, maroon and grey. We have been divided by years. We all helped choose the distance we would allow to separate us. I graduated from Church Farm School in 1968. I returned intermittently but attended my first reunion at the 25-year mark. This year, after 15 more years, 40 in all, we had another reunion with nine of our sixteen graduates attending. We were able to “pay forward” some of what others had given to us over the years. And I had a chance to work with one of my childhood heroes, Mike “Mighty Mouse” Russo ’67* who, with my son, Alex, came on Sunday and worked for five days. On Wednesday night Allen Pyke ’69, Alan Bollers ’68, and Harvey Henning ’70 joined us.
Harvey Henning ’70, Mike Russo ’67*, and Alan Bollers ’68 (seated L to R) are joined by Mason Williams ’68 and Allen Pyke ’69 (back L to R) during their stay at Good Shepherd Cottage
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We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning talking, were at breakfast at 7 AM and reported to work afterward. A wonderful guy named Joe Lisowski, suited by training and temperament, was our fearless leader from Good Works, a Coatesville-based service organization. We did good works with great humor and teamwork until close of day Friday. Joining us at the end of the week were Bob Kirgan ’69, Peter Fleetwood ’69 and his wife, Rusty Donohue ’69, and Jim Jarvie ’69 and his wife. We enjoyed getting to know our hostess Lori McDermott, our house father, Tim and the folks who fed us: Claudia, Bea, Gena, and Tara. Our visit with LeRoy Coer was special. He has the ability to bless a meal and make it an event just by showing up. All of us hope to be able to participate in a similar event next year. We hope more friends are able to attend. Maroon & Grey
Voices From the Cannery
The Maroon and Grey
Jim Tate ’52 and Bill Wealot ’78
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wore Maroon and Grey today! Shocking the news by mail yesterday Three generations of a great stewardship Of a highly motivated man’s Dream and His Faith as in a grain of mustard seed Have Ended!
Who Are They? And Where are They Now? If you know the names, approximate years in which any of these photos were taken and hopefully, any current information about these “boys,” please send your response to Bill Wealot ’78 at Wealotbill@aol.com by December 10, 2008. The contestant who is best able to identify the most photos will be awarded a token prize. The winner’s name will be published in our next issue along with the answers.
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his family will long be remembered By the young men whose dreams they Made possible through dint of long hours And Hard Work. Yes! I wore the Maroon and Grey today To celebrate the outstanding accomplishment Of this wonderful family.
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o Dutchy who was my father When I needed one most Who taught me to spell the ghostly “aardvark” Who set the example of what it Means to be a man. Oh yea! I wore the Maroon and Grey.
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o the Colonel, the “old man,” who in The end did the right thing and brought An end to a segregated school! Who Gave us substance and sustenance and Made us know Love! You Bet! I wore the Maroon and Grey today.
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o Terry, beloved grandson, who brought a Modern curriculum, technological support And financial stability to advance His family’s immense, magnificent Dream Proudly! I wore the Maroon and Grey today!
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CFS alum, John Grunwell ’60 was also referred to as Hezekiah by Headmaster Charles Shreiner. After completing his studies at CFS, he graduated from MIT and is presently Professor of Chemistry at the University of Miami, Oxford, OH. He authored this ode to CFS and commented, “Terry (Shreiner) was a small boy when we were students and consequently we did not know him. Mr. Charles was and is my model for how one should act. Our 50th Reunion for my class will happen in 2010. I hope Terry will be available to help us celebrate.”
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Thank You, Henry Menninger
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The Development Office would like to thank former faculty member, Henry Menninger, for his proofreading expertise with the spring publication of The Maroon & Grey and past issues of Credentials. After nine years of service as a foreign language teacher at CFS, Henry relocated to the Washington, D.C. area this summer and is now teaching at The Flint Hill School, an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for grades JK-12.
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We all wish Henry well with his new endeavor; however, we miss his enthusiasm, professionalism, and his willingness to assist us.
Fall 2008
Alumni Notes R.C. Rittenhouse ’45* resides in Hendersonville, NC with his wife, Ginny. R.C. has contributed CFS memorabilia to the alumni office from his days as a student during the late 1930’s and early 1940’s.
Steve Glover ’82 (gloversd2@yahoo.com) remarks: “After serving in the ARMY for 21 years…and the AIR FORCE for the last 5 years…I finally retired from the military in 2007 after being in uniform for about 26 years. I have served in combat in every ‘sxxx-hole’ conflict that we’ve been to the last 25 years. I do not regret it one bit.” Steve, a prosthetic and orthotic technician, recently relocated from Georgia to the Gilbertsville, PA area.
R.C. Rittenhouse ’45* enjoys his visit to the WWII Monument in Washington, DC
Commander Timothy Kott ’86 (tkott@aol.com) is now Commanding Officer of the USS Hopper (DDG-70) as of July 2008. Prior to this assignment, Tim most recently served on the Joint Staff, Operational Plans and Joint Force Development Directorate (J-7), as the Joint Exercise Financial Manager. For further information about this assignment, please visit http://www.hopper.navy.mil.
C. David Southwick ’54 (WindsweptAcresMD@aol.com) reports he is still plugging away as an antiques dealer with Windswept Acres in spite of weak retail. Dave retired in 1992 from a full-time career in Human Resources. Several antique festivals are planned this fall in the IN area. Carroll Peterson ’60 (carrollpeterson@bellsouth.net) returned to campus this summer with wife, Miriam. Carroll is enjoying retirement after working in the public school system as a Guidance Counselor. He plans to return to CFS in June 2010 to celebrate his 50th high school reunion with his former classmates. Stu Brackney ’62 (sbrackney1@cox.net) was host of a Phoenix-based television program for the deaf and hard of hearing for twenty-three plus years. On being invited back to the local set for their 35th anniversary, Stu shared his story of Church Farm School and what it meant to him.
Stu Brackney ’62 proudly wears his CFS blazer on a local Phoenix television program
Walt Smith ’86 (Walt.Smith@phlx.com), wife Stephanie, and older sister Emma welcomed a new addition to the family. Alexander (Alex) Michael made his arrival on April 9, 2008. Walt also served as the inductor for long-time friend and classmate, Brett Fortune ’86, into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor. Keith Baker ’87 (bake816@hotmail.com) and wife, Karen, have been enjoying the Colorado lifestyle and the natural beauty the area offers, after relocating from southeastern PA to the Denver area in 2006. The couple has seven-year-old triplets – Sunderland, Drew and Emmalyn. Keith works in construction management, specifically in masonry. Adam Doyle ’89 (adoyle@envoymtg.com), Team Manager for Envoy Mortgage, recently merged his business, Global Financial Services, with this Houston-based banking operation. Adam reports this is great news as they now have superior technology, in-house control of underwriting and closing, and most importantly, the merger allows him to focus on client service. Clinton Fields ’90 (cfields@forcefieldstrack.com), former CFS track star, is the Head Coach of Force Fields Track in Wynnewood, PA. Clinton’s daughter, Ayanna, is also an accomplished track enthusiast and competes for The Academy of Notre Dame.
Joe Davis ’78 (joepdavis@aol.com) was joined by fellow classmate Bill Seymour ’78 at the Cambridge Yacht Club this past July for a memorial service given in honor of Joe’s mother, Beverly.
G. Webber Lewis ’80 (WLewis@gocfs.net) and brother, Lochlain (Frederick Military Academy ’81), enjoyed a threeday motorcycle trip to the New Hampshire seacoast this summer. The two brothers endured heavy downpours and unseasonably frigid temperatures in order to relive their childhood memories of heaping plates of fried clams at Newick’s, a long-standing, favorite seafood spot near the town of their youth.
Laurence Cooper ’27 Paul Rosenberger ’47
Alex Thomas ’96 (alex.lovelle.thomas@gmail.com) writes: “Hello CFS, nice to see the wonderful stuff going on there. I have to admit I am jealous that everything happened after I left. Currently, for now, I am living in Miami, FL. I work with farm workers teaching professional job skills, resume and interviewing skills, as well as office etiquette. I wish CFS the best of luck and will visit soon. God Bless.” Marvin Garcia ’99 (mgarcia81@yahoo.com) entered Cheyney University this fall, pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration. (See his story on page 8.) Nicholas Kofi Gwira ’99 (n_gwira@yahoo.com), CFS and Rider University graduate, was awarded the 2008 Rangel International Affairs Fellowship. Kofi intends to use his fellowship in pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Comparative and Regional Studies from American University, focusing on Africa and International Development. Upon successfully completing his degree, he will become a diplomat for the U.S. Foreign Service. Kofi worked as a Business Analyst for JPMorgan Chase these past four years. Matt Worthington ’01 (mattiecak@comcast.net) welcomed his second child, Emma Mary, born in March, 2008. Ed Yao ’04 (yaoe@lafayette.edu) graduated from Lafayette College in May ’08. He is currently working as an Admissions Counselor at Gettysburg College. Dan Zahn ’04 (djzahn@eden.rutgers.edu) graduated from Mercer County College and is now attending Rutgers University. Adrian Butler ’05 (adrianb30@yahoo.com) completed two years of study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and is now employed at Boeing in Seattle. Adrian returned to CFS last May to participate in the spring choral concert.
Clinton Fields ’90 (far R) is seen with CFS track coach, Eric Horsey and Clinton’s daughter Ayanna at a local track meet this May Joe Davis ’78 and Bill Seymour ’78 reunite in Cambridge, MD
In Memoriam
Otis Brown ’93 (otistherigger@yahoo.com) currently lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with his fiancée Natalie Welch and is working as a Staffing Coordinator for Texas Instruments. As co-owner of Moebius Records, Otis produces and remixes musical works for artists all over the world, as well as for web and advertising media. Otis has also served as a studio and touring sound engineer, and performed as an electronic musician and club DJ across the U.S. and overseas. He was recently honored by Sony Music for his body of work in music production. Otis credits the basis of his musicianship and work back to his time on campus at CFS. Highlights from his fifteen-year musical journey (studio work, remixes, DJ sets and interviews) can be accessed at http://www. soundclick.com/rigger or at http://www.myspace. com/rigger. Otis Brown ’93 at home
Paul Butler ’05 attended California Maritime Academy for one year before deciding that snowboarding was his calling. He is now a part-time student and full-time snow boarder. Jesus DelCid ’07 (romttu@gmail.com) completed his freshman year at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. He is majoring in Political Science with a minor in History. Jesus spent this past summer working in a vintage store in Manhattan.
You can now update your personal information, access a directory of your classmates, and provide online personal updates as a registered member of the CFS website www.gocfs.net. To sign up, go to the site, click on Alumni in the upper right, then choose Register to set up a new user account. Your input and suggestions about improving the website are appreciated!
Webber Lewis ’80 and brother, Loch at Prescott Garden in Portsmouth, NH
Maroon & Grey
Remembering Our Father, Laurence Cooper ’27 By: Charles Cooper and Blanche Morrison Rebecca and Bill Creese James and Susanna Cooper
Ralph Held ’34 Awarded Honorary Diploma
Laurence (Larry) Cooper was born in Wayne, PA on September 10, 1909 and died on November 19, 2007 at the age of 98. At the time of his death he was the oldest alumnus of Church Farm School, where he had been a student from 1922 until his graduation in 1927. The defining event in Larry’s early life was the death of his father when he was just ten years old. In his own words, “Our father, a Philadelphia lawyer, died when I was ten and there were ten of us children; my uncle (Milton Medary, Jr.), who was a friend of the Colonel (Charles Shreiner) and also the architect of the buildings being erected there at the time, learned about the school, and that’s how we became students there.” Two brothers, Richard and Alan, also attended CFS. Richard, who was older, graduated a year before Larry, in 1926. As he often humorously remarked, it was April Fool’s Day when he first arrived at Church Farm School! The school had been in existence for only four years then, and much work needed to be done. Aside from the regular farm operations, the boys became builders themselves. Larry was part of a carpentry crew “that actually built the main building and several of the cottages.” The experience of work and the variety of skills he acquired were blessings that never left him. Discipline was strict, and naturally not always appreciated! For some forgotten infraction, his punishment was to clean out the barn. Returning from their labor, clothing and nostrils permeated by the aroma, his companion turned to him and said, “Larr, are you mortified?” Suddenly it all seemed very humorous, and he never told this story without a chuckle! Later, when Larry was working as an engineer for Autocar, he visited “the Colonel” often, and, as he says, “learned to respect, appreciate and love him, which was not the case while under his strict rules of conduct.” All his life, he carried a deep gratitude to Charles Shreiner for all he had learned at CFS. When we were children, Larry and our mother, Anna Catherine, used to take us to the CFS chapel each year to see the boys put on the annual play called “Why the Chimes Rang.” It was about people bringing elaborate gifts to the Christ-child, without giving anything they truly valued, and how the bells remained silent until Little Brother brought a small coin from his brother Pedro, who had stayed behind to help a poor woman who had collapsed in the snow on the way. It was his offering that caused the beautiful chimes to ring. This play moved Larry in ways we children could hardly understand, as his mother, much impoverished by his father’s death, was poor like the woman in the story. A few months before his death, Larry was treated to an alumni gathering at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in Raleigh, NC. He had a fine time reminiscing with Bill Seymour and other graduates of the school - all of them a bit younger. And, during his last days, one of the few things in which he showed In this 2002 photo, Larry and his wife, Anna Catherine, an interest was a treasured “AC,” display Larry’s painting of their son, Charles, copy of Vision and Ability, when he was 2 years-old. A History of CFS, by Mary Neighbour. He liked to look at the pictures and have parts of it read to him. This triggered a number of terrific stories, including one on how he learned to make scrapple from scratch. He was of the opinion that nowhere in the world was there any scrapple to rival that made at CFS. He thought it was a serious misfortune when CFS had to stop requiring boys to work on the farm. While at Church Farm School, Larry worked hard and managed to graduate first in his class. He was chosen to give the valedictory address. The subject was Montesquieu’s proposition that “perfect liberty is perfect obedience to perfect law,” which is itself a reflection on James 1, verse 25: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” On the brink of his “fancy-freeness” (as he later called it), Larry proclaimed, “No one, on completely reading the pages of history will doubt that all mankind is stirring by action and word to a greater realization of liberty.” Yet throughout his life in his quest for perfect liberty he always kept his eye on the perfect law, which the Christian faith taught him. He came out of Church Farm School a free, confident, and skillful “doer of the work” and was a great example to the younger, softer generations to come!
Fall 2008
Ralph Held ’34 (in maroon blazer) is surrounded by (L to R) his wife, Hester, Harry Shedd ’68, T.J. Bruyere ’82 with his wife, Blanca, and Bill Seymour ’78
An alumnus, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “a person who has attended or graduated from a particular school, college, or university.” We, at CFS couldn’t agree more that our alumni “family” includes every former student of our school. For reasons often beyond the control of the teenager at the time, some of our more committed alumni didn’t get to enjoy the privilege of graduating from Church Farm. In June, Bill Seymour ’78 represented the school in presenting Ralph Held ’34 with an honorary degree and bible, and CFS maroon blazer. In his hometown of Coronado, Calif., Ralph’s wife, Hester, and fellow alums, Harry Shedd ’68, T.J. Bruyere ’82 and T.J.’s wife, Blanca, joined in the celebration. Per Harry, “both Ralph and Hester were a delight…full of life, and truly moved by the events of the evening…we all had an unforgettable time.” CFS has inaugurated a new tradition of awarding up to two alumni per year with honorary degrees. Last year, LeRoy Coer ’54 and Stu Brackney ’62 were the two recipients. If there is a particular classmate that you feel is worthy of this tribute, please contact Lori McDermott at lmcdermott@gocfs.net.
Ralph Held ’34 admires his CFS diploma
Read more about Ralph’s history with CFS in the “Voices from the Cannery” article by Jim Tate ’52 in the last issue of The Maroon and Grey.
From: Laurcooper@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 5:19 PM To: Ralph Held Subject: Church Farm Alumni Connection Hi Ralph ! You can’t imagine how surprised and delighted I was to receive your e-mail letter the other day (when I couldn’t respond until now). Your photo and message made it so much easier to realize who you are and the CFS connection. You must have arrived at school the same year (’27) as I graduated, so we would have hardly had a chance to interact before I went on my fancy-freeness. You guessed it, yes I’m in my 90’s, eg. 94 last September. When I first arrived on the school’s fourth anniversary (April Fool’s Day 1922) I was the only member of my family to matriculate there but was followed shortly by two brothers; Dick and Alan. Dick being older than I, graduated in 1926 and a year or so later, felt a call to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church and was fortunate to receive scholarship funds to attend Haverford College and General Theological Seminary in New York after which he was ordained deacon and priest and served several churches until his death at 72 in 1980. Alan was too cocky for the school to carry him along, so was dismissed early on. Our father, a Phila lawyer died when I was ten and there were ten of us children, so our church connection and my mother’s brother who was a friend of the Colonel because he was also the architect of the buildings being erected at that time, learned about the school and that’s how we became students there. And while there I was part of a carpentry crew that actually built the main building and several of the cottages. For myself, after graduation and a few short, temporary jobs I became a junior draftsman for The Autocar Co. which build heavy-duty motor trucks in Ardmore, PA and moved next door to the school a few years later where it was easier to visit CFS and where I climbed the ranks to chief engineer and from where I moved on to the same position at the Brockway Truck Div. of MACK in Cortland, N.Y. until mandatory retirement at 65 in 1974. Back in 1938 while vacationing on a tiny island off the coast of Maine I met the most wonderful lady in my life who condescended to spend the rest of life with me and has brightened my life for the last 62+ years (see her picture on unnumbered page that might have been numbered 100) in Jim Tate’s Vision and Ability book. Together we are proud of having produced three wonderful children, Charles (PhD. psychologist), Rebecca (wife of a school teacher) and James (a school teacher). When the Colonel was alive and we lived in the area, we were privileged to be able to visit him frequently and to learn to respect, appreciate and love him, which I’m sure was not the case while under his strict rules of conduct. That’s enough for now. See you again later after I get a line or two off to Jim Tate and a few others. Thanks for getting in touch. Laurence (Larry) Cooper ’27
Larry Cooper ’27 sent the e-mail shown above to Ralph Held ’34 in 2004
CFS Goes Green Thanks to the efforts of Claudia Rose-Muir and the entire Sodexo team, CFS has gone GREEN! Students, upon arriving at the dining center this September, quickly discovered that the school has gone “trayless.” Also, students, faculty and staff are now required to supply their own non-styrofoam drinking cup. There is already a noticeable reduction of trash and wasted food. It is also, of course, safe to assume that the school will benefit from a cost savings in water, detergent and energy in the not-so-distant future. Students now collect all paper and plastic recyclables from designated bins on a weekly basis and “Go – Green” tips are included in the daily announcements. If you, too, would like to make a difference in this “Go – Green” effort, please consider viewing the spring publication and all future issues of The Maroon & Grey via the CFS website (www.gocfs.net) or ask to receive your copy via e-mail. Going paperless would also eliminate production and postage charges. If this is an option for you, please contact Lori McDermott at lmcdermott@gocfs.net.
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he Maroon and Grey is the Official Alumni Connection of CFS, The School at Church Farm. Published twice a year, we welcome and encourage contributions from our readers. Should you have an update, memory, photo, or fact to share with your fellow CFS alums, please contact Lori McDermott, CFS Director of Alumni Relations, at lmcdermott@gocfs.net or by phone at 610-363-5338. The address for regular mail remains PO Box 2000, Paoli, PA 19301.
Coming Events...
• Winter Alumni Weekend
Friday, December 12 - Pageant Saturday, December 13 - Alumni Basketball Sunday, December 14 - Luncheon & Pageant
• Spring Alumni Weekend
Saturday, April 25
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