bulletinboard S P R I N G 20 0 9
Fo r A l u m n i , Fa m i l i e s , a n d Fr i e n d s o f E l m wo o d Fra n k l i n S c h o o l
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S U P P O R T T H E 2 0 0 8 / 2 0 0 9 E L M W O O D F R A N K L I N S C H O O L A N N U A L F U N D C A M PA I G N TO D A Y !
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I T A LL S TARTS H ERE . A painting that starts them thinking. A question that starts them talking. A perspective that starts them creating. At Elmwood Franklin, what begins as a simple experience is often the start of something much bigger. By exploring a variety of subjects and activities both in and out of the classroom, our children receive the kind of education that is truly life-shaping. It doesn’t just happen on its own, however. It takes dedicated teachers and abundant resources—things made possible by the families, alumni, and friends who give to the Annual Fund each year.
M A K E
YO U R
G I F T
O N L I N E
W W W. E L M WO O D F R A N K L I N . O RG
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Contents
S P R I N G 20 0 9
Elmwood Franklin School is Western New York’s oldest pre-primary through eighth grade independent school, emphasizing high academic achievement, good study skills, and positive character development. Elmwood
Franklin
accepts
qualified
students without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.
2008 • 2009 BOARD OF TRUSTEES President Alice Jacobs Vice President Philipp L. Rimmler Vice President Elizabeth Maloney ’70 Secretary Alison Keane
26 F E AT U R E S
16 D E PA R T M E N T S
Treasurer Michael Hogan Paula Ciprich Shashi Davae Ravi Desai Matthew Enstice
8 10 16 20 24
Who’s New? Faculty Profile: FOREIGN LANGUAGE Teaching Beyond: TEACHER AT SEA Teaching Beyond: OH, THE PLACES THEY GO! Student Perspective: FIRST IMPRESSIONS
26
Learning Along:
4 6 32 36 38 31 44
From the Head of School
Annette Fitch
From the Board President
Arthur Glick ’71
From Development Names in the News Day to Day
Eric Lipke Gail Mitchell
Just for Fun
Nena Rich
Class Notes
M. Bradley Rogers Trini Ross
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
34 40
George Kermis Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64
Michele Trolli
Alumni Profile: HARRY MURSTEN ’44 Alumni Perspective: ADRIAN BENJAMIN BURKE
’89 2008 • 2009 ALUMNI COUNCIL President Stephen Kellogg, Jr. ’77
The bulletinboard is published twice a year by the Development Office for alumni, families, and friends of Elmwood Franklin School. E D I TO R / W R I T E R
Sally Jarzab
Amy Decillis Bard ’86 FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS
T E L L U S W H AT Y O U T H I N K
Please mail any address updates to:
Please email opinions, editorials, and letters to the editor to sjarzab@elmwoodfranklin.org. Letters must contain sender’s name and contact information for verification.
Elmwood Franklin School Development Department 104 New Amsterdam Avenue Buffalo, NY 14216 Call 716-877-5035 or email development@elmwoodfranklin.org.
Rebecca Murak D I R E C TO R O F D E V E L O P M E N T
Julie Berrigan
TO S U B M I T C L A S S N E W S ,
visit www.elmwoodfranklin.org or e-mail news and photos to development@elmwoodfranklin.org
Tricia Barrett ’92 Kristin Schoellkopf Borowiak ’82 Rob Drake ’96 Charles Hahn ’68
F RO N T C OV E R A RT
By Grace Louise Munschauer ’10 BAC K C OV E R A RT
D E S I G N A N D L AYO U T
Gitti Barrell ’71
By Natalie Nuchereno’13
Susie Lenahan Kimberly ’64 Madeline Ambrus Lillie ’64 Elizabeth Duryea Maloney ’70 Samantha Friedman Olsen ’00 Howard Saperston III ’85 Mary Franklin Saperston ’60 Eric Saldanha ’85
4 FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
from the
HEAD OF SCHOOL Tony Featherston
fter eighteen months of planning,
A
effort and EFS showed itself in the best
There are a few areas, those that many
meetings, writing, editing, more
possible light.
agree make EFS a truly special place,
a team of independent school educators
The Committee’s final report is full of
that were highlighted in the report. The
from across the state, I am pleased to
commendations, detailing what they feel we
strength of our faculty in terms of
report that Elmwood Franklin School has
do very well. In its thirty-plus pages, the
experience, dedication, and inspiration was
been reaccredited by the New York State
report examines every aspect of our
clear to the Committee. They wrote,
Association of Independent Schools. In
program—from the emphasis we place on
“Faculty and staff possess a unified and
truth, there was never much doubt that a
the development and mastery of reading
inspiring dedication towards meeting the
school like ours, with an outstanding
skills in Lower School to our “creating an
individual needs of students,” and also
meetings, and a three day visit from
notably faculty, community, and character,
program, experienced and passionate
exciting school atmosphere around math”;
noted that “an atmosphere of collegiality,
faculty, dedicated alumni, involved parents,
from our collaborative approach to teaching
professionalism, and support is pervasive
“
and engaged board of trustees, would clear
research across the grades to the successful
throughout the school.” As for community,
this hurdle, but there was plenty of anxiety
and innovative integration of technology by
the Committee was struck by the “warm and
around the process nevertheless. Needless
our foreign language teachers—and there
positive relationship fostered between
to say, it’s not something we would want to
is much to commend. Using our own tag
parents and between students—not only in
take for granted, and I am exceedingly
line for inspiration, the Committee wrote,
relationships with the school but in those
proud of the hard work by all of the faculty
“The program provides experiences that
with each other.” During the time the
and staff as well as the students, board
often go beyond the norm and allow
Visiting Committee spent with us, they
members, parents, and alumni who helped
students and their teachers to look and
remarked how impressed they were with
to pull the report together and met with
think beyond.”
the Visiting Committee. It was a community
what a happy place EFS is. I couldn’t agree more. Finally, the Committee seemed
“
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 5
I am exceedingly proud of the hard work by all of the faculty and staff as well as the students, board members, parents, and
alumni who helped to pull the report together and met with
the Visiting Committee. It was a community effort and EFS showed itself in the best possible light.
particularly impressed with how “character
actively engaged in a visioning process that
In the end, the process, while long and
education is woven into the school culture
will clearly lay out a plan for meeting the
arduous, was very rewarding. EFS adopted a
and is intended to foster the values endemic
school’s programmatic, financial, and facility
revised mission statement that restated
to ethical and moral behaviors,” noting overt
needs for the foreseeable future. In our own
what is most important to our school.* We
programs such as monthly Lower School
self-study, we recognized the need to
closely examined our entire program and
assemblies with specific character themes as
closely examine issues and outreach efforts
made improvements where appropriate. And
well as some more subtle approaches like
related to diversity and financial aid
we received critical feedback from peer
our Upper School advisory program. The
programs, and the Committee agreed. They
educators who, by affirming our strengths
commitment to positive character
also believe that our character education
and pointing out challenges, will help make
development as a critical piece of our
program would be enhanced by the
EFS more vibrant and viable well into the
mission came through loud and clear.
addition of a comprehensive service
next decade.
learning component, something that is
While everyone enjoys a pat on the back,
already in the works as well. Finally, the
Once again, I hope that you enjoy this
we were equally anxious to hear what the
Visiting Committee recommended that EFS
edition of the Bulletin Board and its coverage of all things Elmwood Franklin.
Committee might recommend for us to
“examine the many potential avenues of
pursue over the coming years. I’m happy to
communication—both internal and
report that there were no real surprises
external—that can be optimized through
here: “Like any modern independent school,
expanding and fine-tuning the school’s
Elmwood Franklin has challenges for the
website.” As technology advances we see it
future, most notably in the areas of
as a vital piece of our community building,
*To read our new mission statement, visit
strategic planning and visioning for the
so we’ll certainly be exploring ways to
www.elmwoodfranklin.org and select
future.” The board of trustees agrees and is
improve this mode of communication.
“Mission Statement” under About Us.
6 FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
from the
B OA R D P R ES I D EN T Alice F. Jacobs
reetings from the Board of Trustees. In light of the economic environment today, I thought it appropriate to share with our extended community the questions the Board of Trustees has been asking itself and how we feel the school should address the resulting issues facing the school and our constituency.
G
First of all, we recognize that we owe a great deal of gratitude to all of our loyal donors who have supported Elmwood Franklin consistently throughout the years, and especially to those former Trustees who had the foresight to establish and steward our endowment and to rely on fundraising for our capital needs rather than debt, as the school enters this period of economic uncertainty with a healthy financial picture. And yet there are some uncertainties. How will the economy
affect people’s choices for independent schools? Will the fundraising we rely on to cover a portion of our annual operating budget be significantly affected? In discussing these issues and how we address them, the Board has made a number of fundamental decisions. Our first priority is to firmly uphold the mission and values of our school. Our mission and values are what has consistently drawn families to decide that an EFS education is worth the cost. While it is fiscally responsible for the Board to ensure that the administration keeps all expenses to as economical a level as possible, diminishing our program would be detrimental to our current students as well as the future of the school. Secondly, we must continue to think and act strategically with respect to building and improving our programs and planning for
“
the future. While our planning phases for capital projects may be longer than anticipated, they need to continue to ensure that when we are able, we are ready to pursue improvements that will enhance our program. Additionally, we need to continue to invest in upgrading our technology and furthering faculty professional development, both efforts critical to maintaining a program which reflects the skills and values necessary for our students to form a solid foundation to prepare for life in the 21st century. Lastly, we must all work harder, Board, faculty, staff and administration, to convey to our constituents the value of an EFS education. Yes we provide an academically rigorous curriculum with arts and music as an integral part; dedicated faculty who are both knowledgeable and extremely skilled at teaching, but also demonstrate care and
“
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT 7
We asked alumni, former parents and faculty to share with us their top ten thoughts about their EFS experience. While the responses range from funny to heartwarming to serious, they all serve to inspire one’s belief in our mission.
concern for each student; a program with an emphasis on character development; and a safe and comfortable environment to help each child to realize their full potential, but how can we effectively put across all of the things that we do better, that set us apart from other educational choices available to families?
In an effort to help answer this, we have asked alumni, former parents and faculty to share with us their top ten thoughts about their EFS experience. While the responses, which are still coming in as I write this, range from funny to heartwarming to serious, they all serve to inspire one’s belief in our mission. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
“
The fact that to this day, after 20+ years of education I can still say that EFS was my foundation and the best school I went to!
”
Did I mention the teachers…one more “time… the teachers…Amazing, caring knowledgeable people who love what they do which shows…
”
“
The cool board game at school in 5th grade was chess
”
Leadership is gradually developed and “comes to fruition in the 8th grade. EFS is truly a school where leaders who care are developed.
”
Maintaining the importance of tradition “while always moving forward. ” There are many wonderful things about “EFS…but I think the long lasting deep friendships created by such a small, intimate learning atmosphere are at the top of my list.
”
I could go on, and we will share more of these comments in the future, but what comes through as one reads them is the many positive and unique influences that an EFS education instills, and the things which set us apart, which are clearly and fondly remembered, and valued, many years later. Finally, I would like to thank all of our donors, but especially those who have stepped up to support Elmwood Franklin at a greater level this year, some in recognition of the extra stress the school might face in our current climate. Thank you all for being a part of our community, and for helping the school provide an extraordinary educational opportunity for our former, current and future students.
8 WHO’S NEW
Who’s New.
Meet the new faces of
Elmwood Franklin. This year we welcomed four new faculty members and one new staff member to our community. Read up on their first impressions of our community, what they like best about their jobs, and what stands out most to them about EFS.
J E N C O S TA N Z O
KATIE CROUTHAMEL
LEIGH MIKULKA
J O N AT H A N GA R R A
K I M RU G G
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 4
History/Grades 7 & 8
Spanish 1-6
So what is Jen’s first
So what does Katie like
So what stands out most
So what does Jonathan
So how does Kim like
impression of EFS?
most about EFS?
to Leigh about the EFS
like best about his job?
working at EFS?
“EFS is so welcoming.
“EFS is composed of
community?
“Everyone at EFS is
“I have never felt so
That was the first thing I
helpful and passionate
“The extraordinary
willing to help, and
welcomed as I do here at
noticed. That and
individuals, from my co-
dedication to the
everyone is driven to
Elmwood Franklin. I love
everyone really wants to
teachers to the
children. Everyone is
succeed. Teachers,
working with the kids
be here. I love being
administration, from my
focused on the students
parents, and students all
everyday, so it doesn’t
able to teach students
students to the parents.
and incredibly generous
have a collective vision,
even feel like I am
who want to learn, and
The tight-knit
with their time and their
and we all work hard to
coming to work! For the
achieve our goals.”
first time, I’m excited
the students here do!
community makes it a
talents—something that
EFS is a family, and I felt
unique and wonderful
is truly unique to this
about leaving home in
like a part of that family
place to be part of.”
school. I am fortunate
the morning.”
from the beginning.”
to call myself a part of the EFS community.”
WHO’S NEW 9
K I M YA R B RO U G H Receptionist So what stands out most to Kim about EFS? “I have been a part of the EFS community for 10 years as a parent, and I have always admired the faculty and staff ’s commitment to the school and the students. I am now so excited to be part of that great commitment.”
Grade 3 teacher Jen Costanzo takes on an EFS tradition— and the role of an 18th century schoolmarm—on her first ever Colonial Day in January.
1 0 FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E
o t h e r
WORDS,
Fr o m l e f t t o r i g h t : M A R I A P E S Q U E R A , S p a n i s h , G ra d e s 4 – 8 ; M A R I G R AC E PA PAG N I , Fre n c h , G ra d e s 1 , 3 , 4 , 6 – 8 ;
FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E 1 1
o t h e r
WORLDS.
C H R I S T I N E C U RT I S , Fre n c h , G ra d e s 2 , 5 , 8 ; J E N N A P I A Z Z A , S p a n i s h , G ra d e s 1 – 3 , 7, 8
At Elmwood Franklin, English isn’t the only language kids are learning to master.
1 2 FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E
sta es la historia de una chica Espanola que vivia con su padre en un pequeno pueblo en las montanas. Se llamaba Bella. So begins the story of Beauty and the Beast, as presented by the sixth grade Spanish students. After going over their textbook lessons in class, the students put them aside to practice the play. Down the hall, the fourth grade French students rehearse their own production of Cendrillon, Cinderella in French.
E
FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E 1 3
IT’S NOT UNUSUAL—walk into a foreign language class at EFS on any given day and you’re likely to find kids writing poetry, singing karaoke, playing games, telling stories, or even cooking ethnic foods, in addition to studying vocabulary and grammar. In the French and Spanish classrooms, there are frequent opportunities for
M O R E
T H A N
You Can Say According to the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, sequential foreign language study yields many benefits.
role play, dialoging, use of authentic materials, interaction with native speakers, guest speakers, and special presentations and performances. Seventh graders correspond with pen-pals in both French and Spanish and
Listening Skills: Foreign language study has been shown to enhance listening skills and memory, contributing to a significant additional dimension to the concept of communication.
also make a yearly trip to Quebec. Eighth graders run a multi-cultural food festival for fourth through eighth grade students and also cook authentic recipes as part of the French and Spanish luncheons. There are many ways to
Reading Skills: In the area of language arts, students of second languages improve their reading comprehension in the native language and also score higher in reading achievement.
learn another language, and Elmwood Franklin teachers rely on an integrated approach to help students develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in languages other than English.
It makes good sense, for the focus of foreign language
Higher Scores: Data from the Admissions Testing Program of the College Board show a positive correlation between SAT scores and the study of foreign languages: Each year of study correlates to increasingly higher scores. No other subject area, when isolated, produced these results.
instruction is more than just language itself. Beginning as early as first grade, students begin study in French or Spanish, and in doing so, they gain a whole new
English and mathematics performance levels of students who have studied a foreign language in high school are higher than those of students who have not.
perspective on the world. Providing a sense not just of another language but of another culture makes learning more interesting and more meaningful and it helps prepare students to interact in the global community of the future. Through integrated, sequential study, the kids get a window into other cultures—as well as the vocabulary that goes with it. In fact, after completing the foreign language program at EFS, the majority of students enter a level II French or Spanish program at an independent high school or a level III at a public high school program.
Detailed studies also suggest that the mental processing skills required for mathematics problems are also developed by language processing, and vice versa. Cultural Pluralism: Children who have studied a foreign language develop a sense of cultural pluralism, openness to and appreciation of other cultures. Career Development: Learning a foreign language provides a competitive edge in career choices in today’s and tomorrow’s world.
1 4 FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E
MEET
THE
FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
DEPART MENT
:
MARIA PESQUERA
M A R I G R A C E P A PA G N I
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Birthplace: Buffalo, NY
Education: B.A., Romance Languages and Literatures, University of
Education: B.S., Buffalo State College: M.S., SUNY Buffalo.
Puerto Rico; M.A., Spanish Language and Literatures, SUNY Buffalo.
(Marigrace also studied at the Universite de Montpellier, France and won a
At EFS since: 1992
scholarship from the Canadian government and the American Association
If Maria wasn’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: professional dancer
of Teachers of French to study at the Universite de Montreal.)
What she likes best about her job: Maria enjoys helping children
At EFS since: 1979 (English teacher Margot Vincent was once her student.
develop new language skills that lead to bilingualism and allow them to
Marigrace says, “It came full circle when she taught my daughter Emma!”)
appreciate different cultures, adding “and, of course, I like to spend time
If Marigrace wasn’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: veterinarian or
with my colleagues.” Her job is one of the things that has kept Maria and
National Geographic photographer
her family in Buffalo. “Our original plan was to stay only three years. Here
What she likes best about her job: “The students! They keep me on my
I am 18 years later! We have been able to stay here thanks to
toes, they make me laugh, and I love all the different ages that I teach.”
outstanding professional careers and great friendships.”
Marigrace adds that she also values the people she works with, who are
Biggest professional challenge: To be able to reach every single student
“true professionals and true friends. I would never have jumped on the
who comes into her classroom and to keep them motivated.
back of a horse or slapped on skis again if it weren't for Debby (Clark)
Favorite place she’s visited: It’s nearly impossible to decide! Maria has
and Dee (Drew)!”
cherished memories of living in both Puerto Rico and Spain, and has
Favorite place she’s visited: So far, Marigrace says its the Languedoc
traveled as far east as Tunisia, as far south as Chile, as far west as Hawaii,
region of France, “but I also love the Caribbean.”
and as far north as Canada.
Favorite food: Marigrace narrows it down to things in the crustacean
Place she’d like to visit but hasn’t: Buenos Aires, Argentina. “I would
family—shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster—and adds that she couldn’t
love to visit the various tango clubs and learn to dance Argentinean
live without olives.
tango.”
Heroes: “My mom. She pulled our lives together after my dad died,
Favorite food: all Italian food, especially pasta alla carbonara
leaving her with four girls under the age of 14. She went back to school
Heroes: Maria’s list of people she admires includes Salma Hayek, the
and got a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, while cooking great Italian
Mexican-American actress, director, and producer.
dinners every night!”
Hobbies: dancing, traveling, gardening, sunbathing, sailing, and reading
Hobbies: skiing, photography, yoga, gardening, knitting, sailing, and
A few things you may not know about Maria: One of her first jobs was
horseback riding
as a flight attendant for American Eagle out of San Juan. For 15 years, she
A few things you may not know about Marigrace: She’s done “team-
was a member of the National Folkloric Ballet of Puerto Rico, AREYTO,
penning” at a ranch out West (that’s cutting a cow away from the herd
for which she traveled all over the world to perform in festivals. Now, she
and directing it into a pen, while on horseback—a skill that must come
often takes flamenco lessons when she visits Spain.
in handy as a middle school teacher!). She’s won awards for her nature photography. And she’s a member of the national French honor society Pi Delta Phi.
FA C U LT Y P R O F I L E 1 5
C H R I S C U RT I S
JENNA PIAZZA
Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois
Birthplace: Buffalo, NY
Education: B.A. in education, Western Illinois University; graduate work
Education: B.S., education/Spanish, SUNY Oswego; M.S., special
in education at SUNY Buffalo
education, Daemen College
At EFS since: 1991
At EFS since: 1996
If Chris wasn’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: world traveler or a
If Jenna wasn’t a teacher, she’d probably be a: labor and
master gardener
delivery nurse
What she likes best about her job: “Introducing my students to the
What she likes best about her job: So much: it’s the kids and their love
French-speaking world and their culture, as well as to the language itself,”
of learning; the challenges that come with teaching adolescents; the
says Chris. She loves to see students grasp and successfully use the
faculty, whom she says are some of the smartest and most dedicated
vocabulary and grammar that she has introduced in class.
teachers in the area; and the atmosphere at EFS, which she describes as
Biggest professional challenge: “Staying abreast with the ever-changing
nurturing and kind, but rigorous. “I hope to be what we refer to as a ‘lifer’
technology that is useful to my job.”
here at EFS. I feel privileged not only to do something I love, but to be
Favorite place she’s visited: The Highlands of Scotland (and that must
doing it in a place I really love.”
not have been an easy choice, considering that Chris has traveled to
Biggest professional challenge: “The kids learn so fast and the new
nearly 20 other countries in her lifetime, including England, Wales,
technology does so much, it is always a challenge to keep up with what
Ireland, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland,
they are doing,” says Jenna. Enforcing dress code is the least favorite part
Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, Ukraine, Finland, and Costa Rica!)
of her job. “Making sure everyone is in dress code could be a full-time
Place she’d like to visit but hasn’t: Alaska
job on its own.”
Favorite food: “Many....but I especially love rack of lamb, dark chocolate
Favorite place she’s visited: Madrid, Spain and Maui, Hawaii
and homemade soups.”
Place she’d like to visit but hasn’t: Greece, Italy, and Puerto Rico
Heroes: Chris cites Eleanor Roosevelt because she was “a straightforward
Favorite food: Jenna says it’s anything Italian, and also her mother’s
woman with a no-nonsense attitude toward life,” and her mother—“a
famous potato pancakes and homemade applesauce.
warm, caring person and a great cook,” as well as her mother-in-law, who
Heroes: Jenna looks up to her mother for “her strength, determination,
she says is “the epitome of Eleanor Roosevelt.”
perseverance, and values and for showing me how to live each day to
Hobbies: knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, reading, hiking, traveling
its fullest.”
A few things you may not know about Chris: She has sung in her
Hobbies: traveling, reading, swimming, scrapbooking
church choir for 33 years, lived in Germany as a newlywed, and has a
A few things you may not know about Jenna: She’s the eldest of six
daughter who holds a doctoral degree in atomic physics. And, she adds,
children (three boys and three girls). She loves photographs—taking
“My great aunt was a pickle broker during WWII.”
them, sharing them, scrapbooking them. And no matter what continent she’s on, her all-time favorite place to be is “at a beach, with the sun shining bright and the hot sand between my toes.”
16 TEACHING BEYOND
LAST JUNE, EFS SCIENCE TEACHER CLARE WAGSTAFF SAILED THROUGH THE BAYS OF ALASKA HELPING SCIENTISTS CONDUCT HARBOR SEAL RESEARCH AS PART OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION’S TEACHER AT SEA PROGRAM.
Teacher
Sea at
18 TEACHING BEYOND
On June 1, Clare boarded the John N. Cobb, a 1950s-
DAY 1 The first morning on the JOHN N. COBB started early. I have never been on a ship
era wooden-hull research ship, where she was to work
for any great length of time, so this will truly be
side-by-side, day and night, for 12 days with the small
a test of my seafaring legs! The ship has three
crew. Based out of Juneau, the capital of Alaska, the
decks, with sleeping quarters spread out over all the levels. The amenities on the ship are basic
expedition aimed to study the Alaskan harbor seal,
but comfortable and include two toilets and a
visiting known “haul-out” sites (places where seals
shower. The COBB carries all the water it requires for the entire two week cruise, so water
temporarily leave the water for breeding and other
conservation is a high priority. No long showers
purposes) and looking closely at its “pupping
for anyone!
phenology,” the seasonal occurrence of the birth and
It’s only the first day, yet while standing on the
care of baby seals.
bridge we spot a humpback whale! The crew assured me that that wouldn’t be the best view I would get of one, but I was still very excited!
Although engine failure cut the expedition short, Clare’s adventure lasted long enough for her to gain
DAY 2 Late last night we reached our anchor site at Tebenkof Bay. We boarded a small skiff
first-hand knowledge of science and life at sea—and to
to go visit known seal haul-out sites to count
bring plenty back for her students to share. Printed here
harbor seals, focusing particularly on the
are some excerpts from her logs and photographs of her scientific voyage in the Alaskan waters.
number of pups. One of the most interesting animals we observed today was a large number of sea otters. The otters regularly haul themselves out on to the rocks, like seals do. A large number of the females were floating or swimming with a youngster on their stomachs! Otters, unlike seals, have little insulation, so this behavior could be a method to protect the young from the elements and keep them safe. After a couple of hours of observations, we returned back to the COBB. The ship then set course for Little Port Walter, a NOAA Biological Field Station. Each year the hatchery onsite there breeds a variety of fish—most recently king salmon—for release into the wild. DAY 3 This morning we headed out at low tide to explore an area called Big Port Walter, where we came across a rocky reef and a group of harbor seals. We brought the skiff around to the opposite side of the small island to
TEACHING BEYOND 19
disembark and walk carefully over the slippery
to tug us back to Juneau late tonight. There
were there, this breaking up of the glacial ice
rocks covered with kelp and algae to get a
was good news though. Some haul-out sites
happened four times. Looking out to the seals
closer look at these beautiful mammals.
were within seven miles of where the COBB
on the ice in this area, I wondered why they
was stuck, so once again, we boarded the skiff
would stay on the ice so close to where this
and off we went!
was happening, as it couldn’t be a pleasant
Seeing my first group of seals up close was something magical! Each seal seemed to have a
ride with all the rocking. As it happens, these
personality. One scratching its face, another
DAY 6 I write this last log seated at the dining
seals love this area, for exactly that reason. As
making grunting noises at another seal that
table in the galley of the COBB. Unfortunately,
the ice hits the water, it mixes the water below,
appeared to be too close. As we sat there, it
the mechanical problems have proven to be
sending the seal’s food source such as shrimp
became obvious that a few of the seals were
more serious than originally hoped. Here in
closer to the surface. Basically the carving
aware of our presence, their heads poking up
port in Juneau, the COBB’s engineers
action just brings dinner one step closer to
looking at us. It made me wonder: who was
discovered that the crankshaft had a large
them – buffet service with a great view!
really studying whom?
fracture in it. It seems as if the COBB may have sailed for the last time under her own power.
Back onboard, around 17:00 hours, the crew One of the biggest aspects of our cruise was
S O W H AT H A P P E N S TO T H E DATA
ship as we made our way to San Fernando
planned for the last week: studying the haul-
T H AT C L A R E H E L P E D TO C O L L E C T
Island. A mechanical problem has left us
out sites in two large glacial areas in Tracy Arm
O U T AT S E A ?
anchored near Warren Island, and the US
and Endicott Arm. With the COBB out of
Data is first collected on a spreadsheet
Coast Guard is in transit to tow us part of the
action, I decided to jump onboard a tourist
organized by ‘waypoint’ (name of location
way back to Juneau. Hopefully, a dive team
cruise that took a small group of us to the
and/or latitude and longitude); it also displays
there will be able to assess the damage to the
Tracy Arm fjord. Two picturesque tidewater
the number of adult seals and pups, a long
ship. If the damage is minor and easily
glaciers are set at the end of this long fjord.
with environmental data such as tide height.
repairable, then we will resume the mission
Along the journey down the fjord, the steep
Through some fancy GPS work, the route,
focusing on last leg of the planned trip, the
cliff face rises vertically out of the water. The
speed, and time of each excursion is also
glacier area.
captain maneuvered the small boat around
recorded. Plotting all this information together
heard a loud grating sound coming from the
massive icebergs. With the thought of the
gives a clear picture of patterns in the results
DAY 4 Oh, what a rough night! Our anchor
Titanic always in the back of my mind, I am
collected. Photographs taken of the seals are
site was in a rather exposed channel just east
pleased he went so slowly. These are massive
synchronized with the GPS information, linking
of Warren Island and the ship was definitely
chunks of ice that have broken off a glacier and
pictures taken at a specific site electronically
rolling. So much so, I found the best way to
can float for many miles down stream and out
to the recorded data. In the previous five years
secure myself in bed was to wedge my body in
to open water. They can be made of ice,
of this study, the proportion of adult seals
between the mattress and the wooden bed
possibly a thousand years old, and are very
present with a pup has remained approximately
frame! At approximately 02:00 this morning a
impressive floating ice blocks with an intense,
the same: 25% on rock substrate and
U.S. Coast Guard cutter arrived from Juneau to
bright blue color.
approximately 70% on ice. Unfortunately, because the team was unable to study many
tow us part of the way back to port. Disappointed that this might signal the end of
As we got closer to the North Sawyer glacier,
sites this season, the data collected from this
the cruise, we were left with little to do but
there were seal pups galore. It seemed every
trip is inconclusive. However, with the effects of
read, listen to music and partake in a few hours
direction I looked there was a mother and her
global climate change it seems unlikely that
of whale watching. I was able to observe a
pup! While the boat sat stationary in the water
these percentages, particularly of pups on ice
number of humpback whales.
near the South Sawyer glacier, there was a loud
haul-out sites, will continue to be as high.
cracking sound. This signaled a carving of the
Adding to this data over the preceding years
DAY 5 We are anchored just outside of the
ice from the face of the glacier. It sent ice
seems an absolute necessity for scientists to
native Alaskan village of Kake. Apparently
crashing into the water and created a wave that
get a greater picture of the harbor seal
another NOAA ship, the Rainier, is on its way
sent our boat rocking. Over the 45 minutes we
population and its habitat.
EFS TEACHERS TRAVEL TO ALL KINDS OF PLACES THAT ENRICH THEIR CLASSROOM TEACHING. HERE IS A SAMPLING OF WHERE THEY’VE BEEN AND HOW THEIR TRAVEL EXPERIENCES BENEFIT OUR STUDENTS.
TEACHING BEYOND 21
Places Go! Oh, the
they
“I've been to some wonderful places that I've incorporated Baobab tree in Africa
into my curriculum. I’ve visited Kenya and Tanzania and share with my students information about the African savanna wildlife and the Maasai culture. I traveled to Belize, which I use in lessons about the coral reef, the rainforest, and the Mayan ruins and culture. In Peru, I visited the Amazon rainforest, studying the wildlife, indigenous people, and ecology (I got to walk on a canopy walkway 100' above the ground!), and the mountains, where we learned about the Inca ruins and culture. I participated in Earthwatch programs studying bald eagles in Michigan and orca whales in Puget Sound.” Diane Evans, LS science teacher
Left: Maasai villager greet a group of visitors including Lower School science teacher Diane Evans.
“I spent the summer of 2005 in a town just outside of Mt. McKinley, Denali National Park
Denali, Alaska giving tours about the area’s natural history. This year, I did an Options class with third and fourth graders about Denali National Park exploring some of the different flora and fauna of the area.” Katie Crouthamel, Grade 4 teacher “A few years ago, I visited Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. with former EFS Prep teacher Lynne Singer. Gallaudet was the first college for the deaf in the nation. We toured the campus, met with some students, and immersed ourselves into the deaf community. We even had the opportunity to meet the president of the university, Dr. Robert R. Davila, and speak with him in sign. It was an amazing weekend, because it gave us an opportunity to experience deaf culture firsthand. We were the minority in a sea of sign language! Whenever I teach the EFS children to sign, I recall my experiences from that weekend.” Molly Sanders Clauss, Prep music and Friendship Club teacher “I spent a week at the Savannah College of Art And
A garden seen on a walking tour with the dean of architecture of the Savannah College of Art and Design
Design participating in studio workshops with SCAD faculty and other art teachers from across the U.S. I also attended the Guggenheim Conference ‘Learning through Art’ over the summer of 2006 learning about the benefit of arts education on literacy skills.” Amy Hartman, LS/US art teacher “I’ve taken the Chunnel train from England to France.
The view from the London Eye
It’s a great way to travel from one country to another. I’ve also taken the TGV, France’s bullet train, which provides very fast, direct transportation within France and to other countries.” Chris Curtis, LS/US French teacher “I have traveled the Oregon Trail for two weeks, and I have
Sybil McGennis with grandsons Peter ’11 and William ’14 at Valley Forge
visited several Revolutionary War battlefields and Civil War battlefields on two separate week-long trips. I have been to many forts. I have toured Williamsburg, Sturbridge Village, and the historic buildings in Washington, Boston, and Philadelphia. Last summer I went to Valley Forge. The third grade studies US history, and wherever I go, I buy books and souvenirs and keep journals of my travels and bring these experiences into my classroom teaching.” Sybil McGennis, Grade 3 teacher
“I have traveled to France and learned about and photographed the Cathar region of the Languedoc, a relatively tourist-free part of France. I shared this
A bull fight in a Roman arena in the French town of Arles
experience with my students. I have also done French immersion in Quebec.” Marigrace Papagni, LS/US French teacher “I spent a month in Spain for several summers, and I’ve traveled extensively through the Dominican Republic and Mexico on long road trips. Trips like these have allowed me to bring the richest perspectives and the deepest knowledge into the study of those Spanish-speaking countries in the classroom. Throughout the years I have been able to compile an extensive collection of cultural materials from the countries I have visited. The materials in the collection are invaluable teaching aids.” Maria Pesquera, Spanish teacher, grades 4-8 “I went to Mexico years ago and have used a lot of the information I gathered there in the classroom.” Jenna Piazza, LS/US Spanish teacher
Ruined Mayan city of Uxmal in the state of Yucatán, Mexico
“I traveled to the Pitons in the West Indies, St. Lucia, to survey an active volcano there, and I have also been to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument in Flagstaff,
The Pitons in the West Indies, St. Lucia
Arizona. I use both of these experiences in the volcano lessons I do with the students. I’ve been to the Baltimore Aquarium to have breakfast with the dolphin trainers to develop an ocean theme curriculum for Prep I and II. Kathryn Murray and I have been to the New England Kindergarten Conference in New Hampshire. I have visited the Jewish Primary Day School in Washington, D.C. for a day to collaborate on ideas for our ‘Green’ movement. That is where our ‘litter-LESS lunch’ idea came from.” Alyssa Schwabe, Prep I teacher “I went to Costa Rica last year studying sustainable ecotravel and ecology. I stayed in the rainforest—amazing! I use this experience during our climate change study. I also just returned from a SCUBA diving expedition in St. Croix where I participated with a REEF fish population study, looking at affects of climate change on coral reefs and related ecosystems. The photos, videos, and lesson and experiment ideas from this and other diving trips I’ve taken are part of our study of oceanography and climate change.” Clare Wagstaff, US science teacher
Local transportation in Costa Rica
24 STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
MICHAEL NEWMAN Fourth Grade
KIMBER IACONA Fourth Grade
JED RIFKIN Second Grade
MARIN BOGULSKI First Grade
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Yo u n g A r t i s t s E x p l o r e M o d e r n A r t
MAXCY GAYLES Eighth Grade
MAYA GUZDAR Third Grade
HARLEIGH AWNER Fifth Grade
An exhibit that ran at the Albright Knox Art Gallery from November 24 though January 7 showcased modern masterpieces by EFS first through eighth graders. Students gained inspiration from famous works by Calder, Mondrian, Warhol, and others, and created their own original pieces using clay, collage, paint, print and other media. Here is a small sampling of their work, which drew rave reviews from gallery visitors.
AMBER CHINN Seventh Grade
JOCI VELARDI Sixth Grade
JOHN CHRISTIAN BIALKOWSKI Second Grade
26 LEARNING ALONG
LEARNING ALONG 27
French Connection T H E
COME ALONG AND LEARN AS THE SIXTH GRADE FRENCH STUDENTS EXPLORE WESTERN NEW YORK’S FRENCH HERITAGE AT OLD FORT NIAGARA.
28 LEARNING ALONG
Western New York has French roots that date back to the late 17th century, when French colonists were the first Europeans to establish settlements along the Niagara River in what is now the Buffalo-Niagara region. Its location among the Great Lakes made the waterway an important site for the French, British and Dutch settlers seeking control of North American lands. Of course, long before the arrival of the French, the region was occupied by the Iroquois Confederacy, and animosity between the Iroquois and the French served to shape the fort’s history throughout. Originally established in 1678 as a trading post, the French camp at Niagara evolved over time into a full French military base and fortification, until a British siege in 1759 forced its surrender—nearly 250 years before our EFS students spent a day exploring its storied past.
Le château (the castle) The most impressive feature of the fort’s buildings might be what is now known as the “French castle,” a large stone house built in 1726 which gave the French their first firm military foothold on the Niagara. Although the Iroquois had given permission only to erect a trading house, the new building was, in fact, a substantial citadel for its military garrison. It was designed to have the appearance of a house, but it incorporated many defensive features as well, notably overhanging dormers which provided positions from which defensive fire could sweep the ground around it. The stone walls were impervious to musketry, and the house contained all the facilities needed by a garrison of about sixty officers and men—storerooms, quarters, a bakery, a chapel, a magazine, and a well. L'artillerie (the artillery) Although every gun was called a cannon, there is in fact an actual working cannon on the site, which the kids delighted in watching being fired off into Lake Niagara. They also got a lesson in musketry, learning how to load and shoot the then-popular weapon, known for its “rapid
fire” (three to four shots per minute by a well-trained soldier) and not for its accuracy. At the end of the gun was a bayonet with a triangular tip that would inflict a wound that was nearly impossible to close. War was an up-close and dirty business, and as brave as the soldiers were, “running away was a perfectly acceptable 18th century military tactic,” the guide assured the students. La vie du soldat (the soldier’s life) The food was probably the most enticing part of an 18th century French soldier’s life. In the kitchen, cooks were preparing chocolate chicken (better than it sounds, reportedly), leek and cheese pie, and pea soup, which the kids were able to sample. Sleeping arrangements were another story: while on guard, soldiers would serve 24hour shifts living in the guard room, sleeping side-by-side on a long wooden platform topped with straw mattresses after standing on guard for six hour stints. “What was there to steal?” wondered one student, noticing the Spartan surroundings. “The fort itself!” answered the guide—which was indeed what happened in 1759 during the French and Indian War, when British troops gained control of the fort after a 19-day siege.
SECTION 29
Bread Soup WI TH
BU
T TER
& CHEESE
Similar to what 18th century French soldiers stationed at Fort Niagara would enjoy, this rustic soup is filling and delicious. It made use of leftover ingredients that might have otherwise gone to waste, and when you’re sequestered in a military fort during wartime, you can’t afford to have anything go to waste. The onions not only flavor the soup but help to fight off scurvy as well!
2 tbs. unsalted butter 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 1 tsp. plain flour 5 c. chicken or vegetable stock salt and pepper 10-18 slices of stale French bread, depending on size of loaf 6 oz. grated Beaufort, Gruyère or Emmental cheese Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and cook the onions for about 10 minutes until glossy and lightly golden, stirring occasionally. Stir in the flour and let cook for three minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Simmer over a low heat for 10 minutes. Lay half of the bread over the base of soup tureen and scatter over half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining bread and cheese. Pour the broth over the bread and cheese and let stand for a few minutes before ladling into soup bowls to serve. serves 4
JUST FOR FUN 31
Fun JUST FOR
Knowing a second language is very useful—you’ll need to if you want to answer these riddles. (Need help? Just ask an Elmwood Franklin student, or look below for the English translations!)
SPANISH 1
What has four wheels and flies? Un camión de basura
2
What did the right eye say to the left eye? Sólo entre nosotros, ¡qué mal olor hay!
3
What happens when you throw a green rock in the Red Sea? Se moja.
FRENCH 1
What do you get when you cross a stream and a brook? Des pieds mouillés
Un mille-pattes mort
3
What has forty feet and sings? Le choeur d'école
Spanish 1. A garbage truck 2. Just between us, something smells. 3. It gets wet.
What lies on its back, one hundred feet in the air?
French 1. Wet feet 2. A dead centipede 3. A school chorus
2
32 FROM DEVELOPMENT
from the
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Julie Berrigan
ver since coming here, I’ve known that Elmwood Franklin is special, but never has it been more apparent than now. The students, faculty and staff at Elmwood Franklin School are fortunate to be in such a caring, compassionate and stable environment in a world that is ever changing. As an organization, we are fortunate for the hard work and good judgment of the Board of Trustees. And there is another very important population tied to the history and future of the school: our caring alumni.
E
So many remember Elmwood Franklin each year by volunteering, visiting, writing in, and/or supporting the EFS Annual Fund. We recently received a bequeath from a 1940s alumnus. It is such a special gift—a gift that speaks to so many by saying, I care about Elmwood Franklin School, the important work of teachers and students. A gift that says, I remember the solid foundation Elmwood Franklin provided. A gift that says, I wish to keep giving that experience to others.
At a time when we hear about so much tribulation on the world’s financial front, it’s a comfort and a joy to work for an institution where so many are willing to support each other and the important work we do for the future of our students.
I wholeheartedly thank all of our donors and volunteers, Annual Fund and Auction alike, who give so much to make our school Elmwood Franklin. Thank you for being so kind.
FROM DEVELOPMENT 33
{
}
In consultation with our printer, we found ways to lower our printing and mailing costs by more than a third, by switching to a lighter paper weight and condensing some content, while still maintaining its appeal.
3,500 EFS alumni of all ages, who, despite a separation of many miles and many years, still want to be a part of Elmwood Franklin School. The Bulletin Board lets them feel—and know— that they are.
A Note to our Readers In consideration of the challenges presented by current economical conditions in the region, across the country, and around the world, we’d like to let you know how the publication of the Bulletin Board fits in to the Development Office’s priorities and also what we’re doing to diminish the cost of its production. We are proud that the Bulletin Board earned a silver medal in 2008 from the Public Relations Society of America, an honor it earned not for its pictures and stories of great people (though we happen to think they’re award-worthy too!), but for its strategic effectiveness in communicating with its target audiences. That’s how public relations professionals put it, anyway. Another way of saying it is that the Bulletin Board really does keep us connected with our school community. The Bulletin Board is much more than a parent newsletter. Not only is it a way to communicate with our current families, but it is also an effective tool for engaging and informing prospective families and the greater community. Most important of all is the role it plays in alumni relations as the primary connection to nearly
There are obviously costs involved in producing this publication; however, we want to ensure our readers, many of whom are also loyal donors, that we are always mindful of keeping these costs as low as possible. It’s important to note that all content and layout is generated in-house by Development staff, which allows us to put together a sophisticated piece without incurring any writing, photography, or graphic design charges—that otherwise would be quite substantial. And although we often admire other schools’ full-color magazines, we continue to limit our publication to much less expensive two-color printing. With this particular issue, we have taken steps even beyond our usual measures to reduce our expenditures in the face of the tightened economy. In consultation with our printer, we found ways to lower our printing and mailing costs by more than a third, by switching to a lighter paper weight and condensing some content, while still maintaining its appeal. We hope you continue to enjoy reading the Bulletin Board as much as we enjoy sharing it with you. Tell us what you think by e-mailing development@elmwoodfranklin.org.
34 ALUMNI PROFILE
Piano Man A salon piano concert at the Darwin D. Martin House featured a very special piano— and a pretty special piano player, too: H A R R Y M U R S T E N ’44 .
DARWIN D. M ARTIN H OUSE , B UFFALO ’ S FAMOUS Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure, is nearing completion of a massive restoration project undertaken by the non-profit Martin House Restoration Corporation (MHRC). In November, a salon piano concert featuring soloist Harry Mursten brought back to life a piece of Martin House history: the home’s original Steinway grand piano.
T
HE
The piano was obtained by the Martin family in 1909 and was customized with quarter sawn oak veneer to make it an appropriate fit with the Wright-designed furniture and millwork in the house. (Wright did design a piano himself as part of his comprehensive tout ensemble furnishing plan for the Martin house, but due to the protracted process of designing and fabricating the furniture in general, the Martins never had the Wright-designed piano built.) Dorothy Martin Foster, daughter of Darwin and Isabelle Martin donated the piano to Elmwood
Franklin where it was used for many years. With the assistance of EFS alumni parents Doug and Beth Swift (Doug is also an EFS alumnus and a MHRC board member), Elmwood Franklin donated the piano back to the Martin House in 2006 and it has since been completely restored and refinished. At the time Harry Mursten attended the Elmwood School in the 1940’s, the treasured piano was in the home of Dorothy Martin Foster, daughter of Darwin and Isabelle Martin, but the piano’s many connections—and its significance—are not lost on him. “The concert honoring Darwin Martin, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the composers was a memorable event,” says Harry. “The evening was a celebration of the genius of the honorees and will be long remembered. The leadership of the foundation is to be congratulated for their passion and commitment to restore this magnificent structure.”
ALUMNI PROFILE 35
continual change. We transition through multiple stages with each stage having its profound experiences. As one matures it
“Life is a
becomes obvious that it is the journey that's rewarding, the relationships that are nurtured, and the contributions made that
bring satisfaction
and fulfillment.” W HAT KINDS OF MEMORIES DO YOU HAVE FROM YOUR E LMWOOD DAYS ? “Elmwood was a caring and nurturing environment, a strong learning experience, and lots of fun. I particularly remember Miss Harry (how could I forget this teacher?) and Ms. Schomaker, who guided us through these early and formative years. Playing tag was especially fun until the time I was chased across the playground, ran up the steps of the adjoining building, and landed in the fish pond. Very embarrassing for a 10-year-old.” W HEN
DID YOU LEARN PIANO ?
D ID
YOU EVER CONSIDER
PURSUING IT AS YOUR PROFESSION ?
“At the age of five, I heard a song on the radio and commenced to ‘pick it out’ on the piano, which totally freaked out my parents. Piano lessons followed with R. Leon Trick, Beth Wolanek, and Mona Bates, ending up in Julliard Conservatory in New York City. Performances were recitals and orchestra appearances up until age 19. After two years in New York my decision was to change the career path and pursue a business degree at UB.” W HO
ARE YOUR FAVORITE COMPOSERS OR
COMPOSITIONS ? “It is difficult to single out one composer. The periods that are the most satisfying start with the classical composers (Beethoven, Mozart) through the Romantic Composers (Chopin, Brahms, the Russian composers). This would be the period from the late 18th century through the early 20th century. But then, how could you leave out Gershwin or Scott Joplin? The one piece that stands out is the Grand Polonaise in A flat by Chopin.”
H OW OFTEN DO YOU PERFORM NOW ? “About three or four times a year, usually at churches, fundraising events, or senior centers. A standout event was performing the Liszt Hungarian Fantasy with the Buffalo
Civic Orchestra directed by Jan Wolanek under the stars on the steps of the Albright Gallery on a beautiful summer evening in July. A perfect setting, a passionate compositions, and a most receptive audience of around 5,000.” T ELL US ABOUT YOUR CONTRACTING BUSINESS , M URSTEN C ONSTRUCTION C OMPANY. H OW DID IT GET STARTED ? “Starting back in the 50s, my first contract was for $700, followed by a second contract for $750. The office was the front seat of my ‘59 Rambler, and the back seat had the files and checkbook. The next year a contract for $12,000 was landed to build a 1500 sq. ft. house. In the third year, a contract for $60,000 was negotiated for a 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse. We ultimately ended up as the eighth largest general contracting company in South Florida, focused on shopping centers, office buildings, banks, churches, jails, and schools. General contracting has been a blast. One really memorable project in construction was the involvement in restoring 35 churches after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. These churches had no insurance and had no place to turn. The restoration was made possible through grants from ‘We Will Rebuild,’ all private funds. Some of the most meaningful relationships were made during this stressful period as these churches were brought back to operational status.” H O W ’ S YO U R FA M I LY ? “I’ve been married to Margaret for 41 years, and we have six children and eight grandchildren. A fantastic crop of highly motivated and productive individuals. Truly a joy!” H OW OFTEN DO YOU RETURN TO B UFFALO ? “Every five years I make the effort to return for my high school reunion at Nichols. This year I was particularly impressed with Elmwood Franklin and thoroughly enjoyed taking a tour of the facilities. It sure is a far cry from the old
36 NAMES IN THE NEWS
Names I N
T H E
N E W S
NEWS
O F N OT E Head for a Day: Fourth grader Logan Humiston served as Head for the Day in October, and third grader Peter Said served as Head for a Day in January. As Head for the Day, students assist Mr. Featherston with his busy day by handling such pressing matters as deciding the dress code and choosing the lunch menu. Corporation Breakfast: Life members of the EFS Corporation gathered for breakfast—and a musical performance by Prep students—in the newly expanded EFS dining room in October.
STUDENT NEWS Student Coordinating Committee Officers for the year are Alec Long and Will Kuettel, co-presidents; Sarah Duncan and Lizzy Cappuccino, co-vice presidents; Autumn Rolack, secretary; and Thomas Westbrook, treasurer. Blue-Gray captains for the year are Molly Mathias, girls Blue captain; Charlotte Jacobs, girls Gray captain; Tino Tomasello, boys Blue captain; and Dan Scully, boys Gray captain. First semester co-captains are Amber Chinn, girls Blue co-captain; MacKenzie Hamill, girls Gray co-captain; John Bassett, boys Blue co-captain; and Marc Cangé, boys Gray co-captain. Second semester co-captains are Sarah Obletz, girls Blue cocaptain; Erica Lipke, girls Gray co-captain; Bo Whitney, boys Blue co-captain; and Austin Egri, boys Gray co-captain. Pushing Up the Sky awards were presented in October to fifth graders Lucy Featherston and Peter Najdzionek; sixth graders Natalie Harden and Ned Mathias; seventh graders Rachael Barnes, Colin Hogan, and Sarah Obletz; and eighth graders Sarah Duncan, Molly Mathias, and Dan Scully. Awards were presented in February to fifth graders Alex Lahood and Jillian Sternberg; sixth graders Henry Frome, Jocelyn Velardi, and Walter Zurowski; seventh graders John Bassett, Helen Boisaubin, Amir Gulati, and Jordan Tick; and
eighth graders Sam Hausmann and Autumn Rolack. National Junior Honor Society inductions in January included 21 new members: seventh graders Rachael Barnes, Elliot Biltekoff, Helen Boisaubin, Marc Cangé, Annie Cleary, David D’Agostino, Austin Egri, Amir Gulati, MacKenzie Hamill, Katie Herer, Colin Hogan, Will Lahood, Erica Lipke, Grace Munschauer, Sarah Obletz, Rachel Piazza, Michael Rapaport, and Jordan Tick; and eighth graders Margaret Downing, Daniel Scully, and Alexandra Viti. Eighth grade flutist Emily Kuettel was selected to perform in All County Band. Sixth grader flutist Addie Truax was selected as an alternate. Of 162 flutists auditioning from all over Erie County, only 12 were selected, with four alternates. Seventh grader Helen Boisaubin took part in the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh in July and placed third in her age category in the 5K run. The EFS Eagles basketball teams had a stellar 2008-2009 season, with three teams placing in the championships. The Grade 4 boys team was named Fourth Grade Champions in the Father Schauss K of C J.V. Play-off, and the Grade 6 boys team and the Grade 7/8 girls team each took second place in their respective divisions.
PA R E N T N E W S Current parent Beth Munro and alumni parent Martha Marlette have their original paintings on display in the Anderson Lobby of EFS’ Johnston Theatre through the spring.
F A C U LT Y
A N D S TA F F N E W S Phys ed teacher Pete Johnson welcomed son Nicholas Daniel on December 22, 2008. Director of Development Julie Berrigan welcomed daughter Paden Juliet on March 18, 2009.
NAMES IN THE NEWS 37
TO P L E F T :
Logan Humiston ’13 and Tony Featherston
TO P R I G H T :
Peter Said ’14 and Tony Featherston
MIDDLE:
Director of Development Julie Berrigan and Head of School Tony Featherston gather with Corporation members as they listen to Prep students perform in the newly renovated dining room.
B OT TO M L E F T :
Nicholas Daniel Johnson
B OT TO M R I G H T :
Paden Juliet Berrigan
1
2
4
5
7
8
D AY TO D AY 3 9
D A Y
to D A Y
3 1 Another smile, another September: Elmwood Franklin kicked off another great year on September 4. Here, Mr. Featherston meets and greets students as they make their happy way (yes, happy!) back into school.
2 EFS exclusive: Drama teacher Christine
6
Cooke directed seventh and eighth graders in her own original adaptation of the popular children’s novel The Lightning Thief. The unique production, which ran in December, blended contemporary themes and contemporary technology with Greek mythology.
3 How does he do that?: A professional magician wowed Lower Schoolers in November as part of the fall Book Fair theme, the Magic of Words.
7 Leopards, and dancers, and chickens, oh my!: Prep students stroll along the parade route decked out in their Halloween finest. 8 Fit for a king: Sixth graders made history come alive on Medieval Night in December, a Middle Ages celebration complete with food, drama, dancing, juggling, and swordplay. Fortunately for everyone except the king’s royal taster, the “poisoned wine” was discovered before being served to families.
9 I’ve got the music in me: Studentmusicians often share their talents with their classmates at EFS as a part of music class. Here, second grader Carlton Alsheimer demonstrates his abilities on his electric guitar.
4 Feasting with friends: The annual Prep 10 Czech this out: Prep dad Ludvig Karl, Thanksgiving feast brought out gratitude—and appetites—in everyone. The children made special decorations for the table and themselves!
9
5 Fire alarm: Students observe a spectacular burst of flame that results from a chemical reaction created by Sandra A. Miller, a chemist with Pfizer Pharmaceutical (and sister of EFS’s own Mariann Miller), who visited sixth grade and first grade science classes in December.
6 No campfire needed: The power of the sun’s energy can be used to do all sorts of things—even to make tasty snacks, as seventh grade students found out after making solar smores in science class in October.
originally from the Czech Republic, shared stories and a bit of his native language with Prep II students in December.
11 Special guests: Grandparents joined their beloved Prepsters for a morning of stories, crafts, and snacks on Grandparents’ Day in November. 12 Kids and politics: The Fall Parent Council Speaker Series presented Michael V. Haselswerdt, PhD from Canisius College who spoke to parents about politics in the news.
40 ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE
AROUND
THE
World & BACK AGAIN
A D R I A N B E N J A M I N B U R K E ’ 89 makes some meaningful discoveries by indulging his love of genealogical research.
Some of Adrian Benjamin Burke’s fondest memories from EFS are of Mrs. Drew’s thenfifth grade history class and Medieval Night. “I remember my parents dressing up and Matt Newman’s father arriving to applause in monks’ robes!” he recalls. Ever since then, he says, he has been captivated by everything about medieval Europe—including his own distant family ties—and feels fortunate to have lived all over Western Europe, from Italy to France and from Ireland to Poland. Here, Adrian discusses his interest in historical family research that has both taken him around the world and back in time.
ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE 41
ADRIAN IN FRONT OF LEEDS CASTLE KENT, ENGLAND
42 ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE
ADRIAN’S GRANDFATHER, RICHARD J BURKE, IRISHAMERICAN JOURNALIST, POET AND PLAYWRIGHT.
doing private investigation—you never know what you will find and sometimes skeletons that have been hidden in a closet rear their heads after decades. For example, I discovered evidence which suggests my great grandfather had married a young lady who died of tuberculosis and then moved to Buffalo and married my grandfather's mother. My grandfather died never knowing of his father's previous married life in New Jersey!
By Adrian Benjamin Burke, Esq. ’89 became curious about my family's history when I found dusty old books tucked away in a bookcase in my grandmother's big old farmhouse in Attica, New York, filled with the names of early New England colonists and Revolutionary War soldiers. She never talked about her ancestry and yet streets all over the countryside were named after her grandparents, and the town cemeteries were filled with giant tombstones and granite obelisks dedicated to them. Later, my mother's cousin shared with me all her work from the decades she had spent researching my maternal grandmother's family, and I picked up where she had left off.
I
My first genealogical project was assembling the documentation required to the join the Society of Mayflower Descendants, which took many months of requesting wills and death certificates from courts and town clerks. I published my three Mayflower lines in the Society’s journal and continued to research not only my mother's side but my father's side as well. It's basically like
As a student at Brooklyn Law School, I went off to Ireland for a summer to study. One of my goals in going to Ireland had been to find out from which town in county Kilkenny my great-great-great grandfather John Robert Burke, who came to New Jersey in 1840’s, came. I filled out a form at the local historical society with the few names and dates I had, and sure enough after just a few minutes the historian located the parish records in a database and told me that John Burke came from Freshford, a small village a few miles outside the city. My friends and I immediately drove over to the picturesque little town with its medieval stone fountain and 11th century Norman church. It was an amazing feeling being the first descendent of John Burke to return to his birthplace after 140 years. The most rewarding part for me was sharing this research with others. It took several years of working with a distant cousin but we finally tracked down all living descendants of John Robert Burke. After locating the phone number online of one of my third cousins, I called her, and it just so happened that her sister was visiting from New Hampshire and she invited me over to her house. Meeting the two sisters and their families was a dream come true, only slightly saddened by the fact my grandfather, Buffalo Evening News columnist Richard Burke, had been killed a few years earlier and never got to meet his cousins. Soon after our reunion I published an article, “Tracing Richard J Burke, Irish-American journalist, poet and playwright…” in the journal The Irish Genealogist. I loved that the article gave substance to these poor Irish immigrants, many of whom slaved away in textile factories in New Jersey as young as ten years old, who worked so hard and yet are absent from the history books. Many never had children themselves and when they died, only an aging sibling who
ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE 43
ADRIAN BENJAMIN BURKE BESIDE THE WINCHESTER OBELISK IN ATTICA, NY.
had relocated to another state received the death notice—no one else cared. Now those interested can read the article and know these individuals existed. I immediately started working on a new genealogical puzzle. John Whitney, a Puritan immigrant in the 1630s, started a family in Watertown, Massachusetts that would spread out across the continent and around the world. Today his progeny number in the millions. Yet with all the attention paid to this early American settler, his origins in England have remained a mystery of sorts. Two distant Whitney cousins on opposite sides of the country had been operating a website devoted to the Whitney family. The three of us began to collect documents from the 16th century in an attempt to conclusively prove John Whitney’s ancestry. I finally tracked down the location of the Whitney Manor Records, a collection of early medieval parchments that had once belonged to the Whitney family and were now in the library of the University of Wales, Bangor. I had a seasoned English genealogist transcribe the 14th century deeds and wills from virtually incomprehensible Latin script into plain old English text. Although nothing up to this point resolved the problem of our Whitney’s origins, I did discover proof of the marriages of one medieval Whitney. I published my findings in Foundations, the journal of the Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. Six months later a follow-up article appeared with additional information relating to Lord Whitney’s grandchildren. In rare cases we actually make discoveries that will perhaps one day make it into a footnote of a treatise or text book. One example is the identification of one of the captains in Sir Walter Raleigh's fleet that voyaged to South America and eventually cost Sir Walter his life. For centuries writers and historians had assumed that a certain captain in his armada named Thomas Whitney was a son of a 16th century Lord Whitney, but by a stroke of pure luck, I obtained a court case which proves Capt. Whitney was from a different family from the other side of England. Although it may be a small correction, for people who are die-hard fans of Sir Walter Raleigh, it will be a tiny improvement on the overall knowledge about a famous figure in Europe and America’s history.
I continue to work with my Whitney cousins in the hope that one day we will finally discover our Whitney’s ancestry once and for all. I think what drives me to persevere is the challenge of solving the mystery—who was so-and-so's father, why did they emigrate thousands of miles, was a lower middle class family actually descended from nobility. The thrill is finding out the reallife soap opera that has occurred over and over again through time and yet remains unknown. There are so many documents in the archives of governments, churches, museums, libraries that have not been viewed in centuries—there’s no telling what will be discovered, what previously established fact will have to be revised because a parchment is found which contradicts the established tradition. This is what makes genealogy so captivating. Alumni are invited to write personal essays on themes relating to their careers, hobbies, or experiences at Elmwood Franklin. We are interested in printing pieces between 500 and 1500 words that deal with memories, opinions, or ideas relevant to the EFS community. If you’re interested in writing for a future issue, contact Sally Jarzab at sjarzab@elmwoodfranklin.org or (716) 877-5035.
44 CLASS NOTES
class notes D E B B Y C L A R K ’ 63
R I C K S M I T H ’ 73
SAWYER
Berenice (Bunny) Hewitt Lothrop writes from Towson, Maryland to say, “I am very much ALIVE.”
1964
Ann B. Quackenbush writes, "I retired last April. My sister Susie and I are living on Long Boat Key in Florida during the winter and in Canada over the summer."
Howard '85 and Jamie Saperston welcomed son Sawyer Elliott on May 22, 2008. Sawyer joins big brother H. Truman Saperston IV, grandparents Mary Franklin Saperston ’60 and Howard T. Saperston, Jr. ’49.
1937
Note: Mrs. Lothrop was incorrectly listed in the in memoriam section of the last issue of Bulletin Board. Our deepest apologies for this error. Barbara Strebel Conners writes from Wellington, Florida to say that she is still taking her camera along on her African safaris, as she has for almost 50 years. "Bill, Bob, Chrissy and Kelly are all fine. We meet in Bay Beach for the Fourth of July with their children—a great reunion!"
1938
Sally Gisel Green writes, "Work at the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond is challenging these days! We wish all in Buffalo and at EFS the best."
1961
EFS physical education teacher Debby Clark was inducted into the Buffalo Seminary Athletic Hall of Fame in September.
1963
Brian Meegan recently moved to Abu Dhabi, capital city of the United Arab Emirates, to take a new academic position. Brian writes, "I am moving to Abu Dhabi where gas is only $1.50 a gallon!"
1973
Rick Smith performed in the Johnston Theatre on November 6, 2008.
1975
Matthew Antkowiak lives in Washington, DC where he works as a veterinarian.
1985
Jennifer Feagin Powell lives in Los Angeles, CA where she is the educational program director for an international organization which builds and maintains inclusive playgrounds for children including those who are physically challenged.
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H . T RU M A N SA P E RS TO N
Lara Antkowiak Cabrera lives in Cambridge, MA where she is a high school Spanish teacher.
1987
Jonathan Feagin lives in Fairfield, Connecticut where he is a middle school history teacher. Ben Wilton was a featured artist in the exhibition "Focus on Gender: An Investigation of Male and Female Perspectives in Contemporary American Ceramics." The show ran October 3 to November 30 at the Westchester County Courthouse in White Plains, NY. Ben’s pottery was also on display in the EFS Anderson Lobby this past fall and winter. Adrian Benjamin Burke, Esq. attended the annual Savoy Charity Ball at the Colony Club in
1989
CLASS NOTES 45
A D R I A N B U R K E ’ 89 ( L E F T )
C H R I S T I N E L I L L I E ’ 92
K A R E N K E P L E R Z A L U S K Y ’ 95
New York City Saturday, December 13 to raise money for the charitable foundation of the Royal House of Savoy (Italy). Burke was accompanied by his friend (not pictured) Lady Nazareth Tesfit of Eritrea, His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Lady Saba of Eritrea. In 2002 Burke, who is the son of Beverly J. Burke, Dame of the Order of Merit of Savoy, was awarded the Bronze Medal of the Order of SS Maurice and Lazarus by H.R.H. Prince Victor Emmanuel of Savoy for his charitable works and support of the House of Savoy.
before beginning his career in the luxury home building industry. He is currently a realtor for Bunny Caravello & Team located in Bonita Springs and servicing the southwest area of Florida.
I recently married my college sweetheart, Justin, in sunny Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on May 23, 2008. We were lucky to have 23 guests there to celebrate with us. It was such an amazing experience!
Tricia Barrett has been appointed president of the Board of Directors of The Advertising Club of Buffalo.
1992
Christine Lillie married Aaron Sylvan on October 10, 2008 in New York City. She is currently in her last year of law school. The couple resides in Manhattan. Paul K. Taefi studied business management at the University of Buffalo
Wende Ann Mollenberg wed Robert Trevor Stevenson on August 30, 2008. They live in Buffalo.
1993
Karen Kepler Zalusky writes, “I graduated from Plattsburgh State University in 2003 with a BS in elementary education and English literature. In 2003, I returnd to Buffalo to work as a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher for two years. Afterwards, I took time off from the classroom while finishing my masters degree at UB as a literacy specialist. I am currently working in my third year as a literacy specialist and reading coach where I remediate struggling readers for half the day. During the other half of the day I work closely with the instructional staff to professionally develop their literacy teaching techniques. I am challenged everyday, but I love it!
1995
We just recently welcomed a new addition into our home—a Westie named Bill. He's good enough for now.” Sarah Lillie is studying for her PhD in public health at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
1996
Mathew McHugh was recently named talent coordinator at Saturday Night Live. He began at SNL as a talent intern while attending NYU in 2004. A graduate of Buffalo Seminary and George Washington University, Caitlin DeRose has loved living in Washington and Paris. She worked for ArtVoice before becoming an officer in the International Premier Client Division at HSBC Bank. She still enjoys writing and continues to
1998
46 CLASS NOTES
P H OTO
freelance when she can. Caitlin spends a lot of time traveling and visiting friends. She writes, "thanks again Elmwood Franklin...for everything!" Caitlin DeTine is currently in the master's of library science program at University at Buffalo. David Moore is working for the New York Restoration Project, a non-profit organization founded by Bette Midler that restores, develops, and revitalizes underserved parks, community gardens and open space in NYC neighborhoods. Molly DeRose is a graduate of Park School and currently attends Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. She is involved in all aspects of fashion and design and has enjoyed working at New York City Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week and several fashion shows in Miami. Molly competed successfully in Lynn University's Project Runway where she earned two second place awards. After graduation, Molly plans to move to NYC.
2000
Samantha Friedman Olsen welcomed her second son, Eli Todd, on March 2. Andrew Simmons is in his senior year at Boston College, where he is the captain of the Boston College NCAA Alpine Ski Racing Team. Karen Lillie is in her last year at Princeton where she is a global health scholar. Rick Munschauer finished ninth in the men's C-2 stock class at the Adirondack
2001
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DA N I E L S W I F T
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D A V I D H O B BY .
Canoe Classic in September. Paddled over three days from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, it is New York State's biggest race of its kind. Rick attends Hamilton College. Brendan Swift is in his senior year at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA, majoring in civil engineering. He will graduate this May. His spare time has been taken up with interviews for his future position in the real world! For fun and relaxation, he plays team Rugby for Bucknell in the spring and fall. Eric Lux is currently a junior at Jacksonville University in Florida majoring in business and communications. He writes, "I am still a professional race car driver in the Grand Am Rolex Series, now racing a Porsche for Farnbacher Loles.” Eric raced in the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway on January 24-25, 2009.
2002
Daniel Swift spent his freshman year at the University of Colorado in Boulder. This year, Dan is studying and volunteering at the Monteverde Institute (MVI) in Santa Elena, Costa Rica doing everything and anything asked of him! The MVI collaborates with schools and universities from around the world to host unique academic programs addressing global issues of sustainability while retaining a local focus on the environmental, cultural and economic realities of the Monteverde region. Living with a host family, he has become quite fluent in Spanish. When Dan is home in Buffalo, he spends time snowboarding and visiting his pals.
Michael DeRose graduated from Canisius High School where he played both lacrosse and squash. He is currently studying at Fordham University's Business School and just finished a great lacrosse season. Over the summer, Michael worked for AG Edwards/ Wachovia. Michael spends his free time on the lake wakeboarding and traveling. He writes, "Hi to everyone at Elmwood Franklin School...love New York City!"
Julia Friedman is a freshman at Union College majoring in English and minoring in dance. She interned at Marie Claire magazine in New York City over the winter break.
Eliza Friedman is a sophomore at Trinity College majoring in neuroscience. Eliza plans to study abroad in England next fall.
Joanna Cianciosa plays volleyball for St. Mary's High School in Lancaster, which claimed the New York State Catholic Championship in November.
2003
2004
Derek Brim writes, “I will be graduating from Canisius High School in May. I plan to attend the University at Buffalo and will major in electrical engineering. I will also be a part of the UB football team.”
2005
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UPCOMING ALUMNI
dates & events Will Gisel has started "Brazilets," a nonprofit business that sells Brazilian bracelets and supports the Nature Conservancy's "Plant a Billion Trees" initiative. The bracelets are available for sale at www.brazilets.com. Ben Meyer was chosen for Business First's 2009 All-Western New York Academic Team, which commends students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom. Winners are selected based on their records of academic achievement, school leadership and community involvement. Ben is a senior at Nichols School. Madeline Friedman is playing varsity field hockey, varsity squash and varsity tennis at Buffalo Seminary. Maddie is also the Jacket captain.
2006
James Blackwell was named New York State Junior Golf Player of the Year.
2008
June 5 & 6 3 RD ANNUAL ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND @ Elmwood Franklin School Check the website under Alumni Events for full details and a schedule of planned events. A tribute to retiring teacher Sybil McGennis will be part of the activities.
June 7 @ 10AM TO 12NOON CLASS OF 2005 BRUNCH @ 27 Fairlawn Drive, Amherst, NY Head of School Tony Featherston will host a brunch in honor of the high school graduating class of 2009 (EFS class of 2005). Parents are invited to attend. RSVP by June 1 to Kim Yarbrough at (716) 877-5035 or kyarbrough@elmwoodfranklin.org. Casual dress.
June 10 @ 3PM COMMENCEMENT @ Elmwood Franklin School’s Johnston Theatre Alumni are invited to the 2009 commencement ceremony held in the Johnston Theatre. Please RSVP to Mariann Miller at
IN MEMORIAM Joseph Block passed away on October 14, 2008 at the age of 91. He was the father of EFS alumni Rodney Block Danforth '61, Arthur Block '65, and Robin Block Bissell '68.
1931
(716) 877-5035 or mmiller@elmwoodfranklin.org.
August 11 @ 11AM ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT @ Arrowhead Golf Club 12292 Clarence Center Road, Akron, NY
Tamra Jo Burgwardt passed away suddenly on January 27, 2009. She was the mother of EFS alumnus Garrett Clark Burgwardt ’07 and sister of Melinda Burgwardt Gibson ’70.
1973
Put together your foursome and spend the day golfing with fellow EFS alums. Ticket includes golf cart, greens fee, food and beverages. To register online at www.elmwoodfranklin.org, select “Alumni Events” under the Alumni menu. Ticket price: $100 per golfer
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