THE MAROON & GREY The Official CFS Community Connection
SUMMER 2013
Solar Dedication Celebrates a New Era of “Clean and Green” at CFS A cold spring gave way to a warm day on April 26 when Church Farm School dedicated its new solar array to harvest “clean and green” energy to power its campus. Constructed with state and federal grants, the solar project will reduce the School’s dependence on electrical energy by 75% and achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The Honorable Carol Aichele, Secretary of the Commonwealth, was the Celebration’s keynote speaker, while PA Senator Andrew Dinniman and Representative Duane Milne offered remarks. Keith Choper, West Whiteland Township Supervisor, presented a plaque commemorating the installation. Secretary of the Commonwealth and CFS friend Carol Aichele speaks to the one hundred friends, students, alumni and guests attending the Solar Celebration.
“Taking real and meaningful action that commits us to clean, renewable energy sources like the sun sends a strong message that CFS remains serious about environmental sustainability and energy conservation,” says Head of School, The Reverend Edmund K. Sherrill II.
PA Senator Andy Dinniman heralds the solar array and praises CFS for undertaking this project, which he had encouraged for many years.
The solar project was covered nationwide by newspapers and industry journals including The Wall Street Journal and was the subject of a Daily Local News editorial.
Special solar dedication guests and school representatives attending the celebration were (from left) PA Senator, Andrew Dinniman; PA Representative, Duane Milne; Head of School, The Reverend Edmund K. Sherrill II; Secretary of the Commonwealth, Carol Aichele; West Whiteland Township Supervisor, Keith Choper; Chairman of the Board, Mark Carroll; and CFS Director of Finance and Operations, Neil Fanelli.
Students and guests gathered behind two saplings for the grand ribbon cutting and official dedication of the solar array. As they grow, the new trees will commemorate the dedication.
CFS Organ Challenge Completed The Church Farm School has won the Organ Challenge! Thanks to nearly 100 donors, exquisite music will be part of the Church Farm School fabric forever. For within a week of the February 28 deadline, School friends and alumni stepped up to meet and greatly exceed the $40,000 William B. Dietrich Foundation’s organ challenge.
The five acre array constructed on the north side of the campus behind the baseball field re-introduces farming, albeit a new kind of farming, to Church Farm School.
CFS Choir Opens Phillies Game with National Anthem The Church Farm School Choir, directed by Gary Gress, opened the May 19th game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Griffins must have brought good luck with them from Exton, for the Phillies came from behind in the ninth inning to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 with back to back home runs.
According to Head of School Ned Sherrill, “For years to come, our M. P. Möller organ will continue to enhance worship and inspire all who hear its marvelous music. The chimes will ring for the Pageant; Pomp and Circumstance will be played for graduation; the CFS Choir will continue to offer magnificent concerts; and organ anthems will highlight our weekly chapel services.” While CFS was challenged to raise $40,000 to be matched by the William B. Dietrich Foundation, the School has raised an additional $28,000 for further repairs and for the music program, including a magnificent $25,000 grant from The 25th Century Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to each of our donors and to the William B. Dietrich Foundation for preserving this treasure,” Mr. Sherrill concluded. The renovation work will begin in June 2013 following graduation and take six months to complete. A grand celebration and concert will be held in the spring of 2014.
A series of photographs by Cottage Faculty Member Zach Roberts captured the magic of the afternoon at the ballpark. (Top left) Music Director Gary Gress stands aside as Choir members filed into Citizens Bank Park. (Top right) The Phillie Phanatic helps Mr. Gress to direct the Choir. (Bottom left) The CFS Choir was prominently featured on the “Big Board.”