THE MAGAZINE OF THE GOW SCHOOL
Gow
Life
WINTER/SPRING 2013
WAY TO GO!
Kudos to Gow’s Undefeated Varsity Soccer Team ~ 14 winss!
New Faces Around Campus The Gow Magazine ForLife Alumni, Families,
Gow’s New Dining Hall Named for Donald Weston ‘42
1 and Friends of The Gow School
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The Gow Life Magazine is published twice a year by The Gow School Development Office. We welcome your comments. Please send them to development@gow.org or call 716-687-2075. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Gow Life! FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Call 716-687-2075 or email development@gow.org TO SUBMIT ALUMNI NEWS: Email news and photos to development@gow.org
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The Changing Faces of Gow
This year, Gow is home to 144 boarding and seven day students. Read Rick Ohler’s article to find out more!
Pictured front cover:
Gow’s winning Varsity soccer team Row 1 Angel Mena-Messina ‘14, Robert Ty-Holland ‘13, George Lewis ‘14, Greg Kelly ‘14, JT Cashmore ‘13, Mark Bronner ‘13, Bjorn Thorsson ‘14, Sasha Evans ‘15, Eddie Purtell ‘13, Peter Obletz ‘14, and Vaibhav Nagar ‘15 Row 2 Robin Marshman (Coach), Dominic Sykes ‘15, Patrick Murphy ‘13, Rodrigo Pascazio ‘16, Aurel Lambert ‘14, Joe Schneiders ‘15, Chuck McCroary ‘13, Thomas Gruber ‘13, Joshua Bucher ‘13, John Edwards ‘15, Izer Martinez ‘13, Conner Slee ‘13, Tim LaRocca ‘13, Gerald Zeis (Assistant Coach), and John Ebersole ‘13. Not pictured: Kristian Eddy ‘15. Lower left: Janna Milks ‘14. Lower right: the newly dedicated and named Don Weston ‘42 Dining Hall. The Gow School 2491 Emery Road Post Office Box 85 South Wales, New York 14139 716-652-3450 www.gow.org
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View From the Top Headmaster Rogers looks forward to the future
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All in the Family
Alumni children (and even grandchildren) carry on the tradition of Gow
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Honoring Robert Garcia
After 31 years at Gow, Rob is looking forward to retirement and shares what makes Gow special
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Grandparents Day
More than 80 guests came to campus September 21 for a day of fun and learning
New Faces
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Alumni Action
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Campus News
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Champs!
What a team and what a year for soccer at Gow
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Gow Out &About
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VIEW FROM THE TOP Headmaster Rogers with Jeffrey Wheeler, nephew of Donald Weston ‘42, at the Fall Weekend dedication ceremony when the dining hall was named in honor of Don, a longtime supporter and friend of The Gow School.
Greetings from South Wales! What a dynamic year we are enjoying at Gow. Renovation of the former dining hall into The Alice R. Gow Science, Technology, and Research Building (STAR) is well underway and scheduled to be completed in January. We recently named our terrific new dining hall in honor of Donald M. Weston, Jr. ‘42, a longtime friend and supporter of Gow and its mission. Through generous gifts in his estate, Don created a scholarship to support students from the Dalton, Massachusetts area, and also allocated funds to name this fabulous dining hall. We only wish he had realized his dream of seeing this building become a reality. We were honored to have Don’s nephew, Jeff Wheeler (pictured above), with us for the dedication during Fall Weekend and to be able to celebrate this treasured moment with current Gow families and alumni who were on campus. This year, Gow is home to 151 students from 26 countries and 20 states. To fully appreciate the worldwide impact of Gow, please check out the map and list of countries represented by our students on page 16. It is incredible to realize that this year’s students come to us from every continent but Antartica and Australia. Remember, a favorite way for people to find out more about Gow is from you. Please keep us in mind if you happen to meet students who are struggling and may need the academic boost that our college prep or summer program might provide. If you know of events that promote boarding schools or camps in your area where Gow should be represented, please tell us and we will consider hosting an information table at the event. Thank you again for your continued belief in Gow. On behalf of everyone at the school, I thank you.
Most sincerely,
M. Bradley Rogers, Jr. Headmaster
Staying in touch with Gow keeps getting easier! Click to visit Gow’s website www.gow.org
Click to visit Gow’s Alumni Facebook page
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Gow’s New Dining Hall Named To Honor
Donald Weston ‘42
Don Weston was a longtime friend and supporter of Gow - both during his life and in his estate. A 1942 graduate, he always treasured the skills he learned at Gow and credited the school with changing his life. A native of Dalton, Massachusetts, he wanted to do something special for those in that area. He established an endowed scholarship to make it possible for students to attend Gow and then dedicated money in his will to name Gow’s new dining hall. The dining hall was still just a vision when Don passed away in 2009, but his generosity, along with that of many others, helped to make this terrific gathering space possible. We are grateful to Don for remembering Gow in his estate plan. If you wish to learn more about how you can make a difference by including Gow in your will, please call 716-687-2074 or email ghutton@gow.org.
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family We think of Gow as a family place. Just this year, we have nine students (children, nephews, and grandchildren of alumni) who are attending Gow or who were 2012 Gow School Summer Program (GSSP) campers. Also pictured along the edges are some of the many related students who have attended Gow through the years. As an alumnus, if you are related to another Govian, please send us a photo and we will include it in the next Gow Life!
Daniel Goodyear ‘54 with his grandson, Nick deWindt ‘14
Trey Shattuck ‘16 is the brother of Joe Shattuck ‘11
Pictured from top: Henry Minis ‘09 with his dad Henry ‘66; Dan ‘79 and Bruce ‘82 Israel (their dad Sid ‘53 was also a Gow graduate); Chris ‘05 and Matt ‘06 DeGeer with Headmaster Rogers; Rob Thompson ‘89 with his brother Andrew ‘85; Headmaster Rogers with his aunt Lynn’s husband, Bob Vail ‘68.
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TIES Doug Cotter ‘87, Associate Director of Admissions, has two sons, Andrew and Edward, who attended Gow’s Summer Program
William Hobbs ’16 is the nephew of David Hobbs ‘80
Alumni whose children attended Gow’s 2012 Summer program: Larry Acheson ‘83; Andrew Hettinger ‘88 and Graeme Hepburn ‘84
Todd Smith ‘86 with his son, Todd Jr. ‘14, his wife, Lisa and younger son.
Pictured from top: Jim Ives ‘74 and his son Graham ‘05 with Rick Thompson ‘05 and his dad Rick ‘71; Graeme Hepburn ‘84 with his brother Warren ‘82 and friend John Remar ‘86 in the center; John Simms ‘02 and his brother Spencer ‘05; John VanMeter ‘74 and his brother Ike ‘70; and Jarad Kleinberg ‘05 with his brother Matt ‘07.
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THE CHANGING FACES OF GOW
Day Students and Co-eds Bring that Pioneer Spirit to Gow by Rick Ohler It might have seemed like business as usual if you had dropped in on The Gow School campus last fall. The 86th year at Gow would have looked much like any other year, with young men from all over—26 countries and 20 states, dressed in blazers and neckties, moving between buildings at the tolling of the bells to signify the end of one class period and the beginning of another. If you had peeked into a classroom a few minutes later, you might have seen teachers tending to academic matters in front of small groups of students—five or six, no more—that have been the hallmark of Gow’s success. There would be, you might guess, no reason to change much about the scenario. When you have led the world in education for young men with dyslexia and other learning disabilities for decades, and when you still find many of the original techniques of Reconstructive Language employed by school founder Peter Gow, Jr. effective, change hardly seems necessary. But look more closely as you wander the campus; change is everywhere. Take in, for instance, a student council meeting. You’ll be surprised to see that one of the student delegates planning a school dance is Shelby Balcom. She—yes, she—is a Gow sophomore from nearby East Aurora. Maybe next you’ll come upon the cast of the school play, “Wait Until Dark,” rehearsing in the Reid Arts Center. The lead is played wonderfully by Kristen Klementowski, not an import from a local public school, but a junior at Gow. At day’s end, something else will pique your curiosity: seven students—three girls and four boys—will leave for home, six who are picked up by parents or grandparents, and one, JT Cashmore, who will pilot his own car back to East Aurora. It is a brave new world at Gow these days where even the Mission Statement: “The Gow School is a college preparatory boarding school for young men, grades 7-12 . . .” is no longer cast in stone, and is ready for an update. Co-education and day students have arrived at Gow. For good. The coming of day students has been a
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Gow’s Day Students with the author: Jack Brinkworth ‘18, JT Cashmore ‘13, Janna Milks ‘14, Victor Mohney ‘14, Kristen Klementowski ‘14, Author Rick Ohler, Shelby Balcom ‘15 and Max Balcom ‘17
gradual process, one that the sixth headmaster Brad Rogers, now in his ninth year, and his faculty have nurtured carefully. Rogers has a unique perspective because, unlike his predecessors, he and his wife Anne have four children of their own, all who have graduated from or are currently attending local public schools. Both Brad and Anne Rogers are active in their children’s schools and activities, so Brad understands the pervasive need, local as well as worldwide, for the educational expertise of Gow’s program. And the Gow Summer Program has been attracting students from the Greater Buffalo area for twenty years, emphasizing the need for Gow even more. Back in 2008, Victor Mohney garnered the distinction as the first day student. Assorted Gow family members may argue that they were first, having attended classes here and there, but Victor is the first bona fide, full-time day student. He arrived as a very young seventh grader, a veteran of the Summer Program who, even with private tutoring, struggled and was floundering in his home school. Industrious, selfmotivated and with a supportive family, Victor, from Holland, just south of South Wales, has flourished, earning good grades, making friends, developing confidence in his evolving abilities while holding down a part-time job cutting firewood. And most importantly, he will be well prepared for college after graduation. As an added bonus, Kathy Mohney, Victor’s mother, has joined The Gow School Board of Trustees and now
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lends her enthusiasm and dedication to the Student Life Committee, which she chairs. In 2010, JT Cashmore, son of two East Aurora School teachers who understood his special needs, made his way to Gow, commuting back and forth to his home and working on the maintenance crew during the summer. He will graduate this May, giving him the title of first day student alumnus. Then, in January of 2012, Shelby Balcom came to join the ninth grade, already in progress. Brad Rogers recalls that day in November of 2011, when Shelby and her grandmother arrived in his office with something important on their minds. “Mr. Rogers,” Shelby began, forthrightness never lacking in her, “I’ve been one of the best Summer Program students for the past several years, haven’t I?” Rogers allowed as how that was indeed the case. “And you know that I’m struggling in school, and I’m not happy there at all, right?” Again Rogers agreed. “Well, Mr. Rogers, I need to go to Gow School. It’s the only way I have a chance to be successful.” “That’s great, Shelby,” said the headmaster. “But there’s one problem. We’re a boarding school for boys.” “I understand,” said Shelby. “But I need to go here. I can help the school change.” Of course, there had been discussions about co-education at Gow for years. “I knew,”
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said Rogers, “that one day we would be co-educational. Maybe this was the time. I pulled the ninth graders out of class, took them to the library and explained that we had a young lady who wanted to come as a day student, and would they be willing to accept her. Without hesitation, they were. I knew that whatever advances we made would require the support and understanding of the faculty, administration and staff. They were ready, too. I went to (former headmaster) David Gow just before he passed away, and he said, ‘I approve,’ adding in his mischievous way, ‘And good luck with that.’” So Shelby Balcom arrived for the winter term of 2012, the lone girl in a sea of 140 boys, the Amelia Earhart of The Gow School. As Admissions directors Rob Garcia and Doug Cotter were putting together the classes for the 2012-13 school year over last summer, more potential day students came forward. Ultimately, four of them made the jump from public school to Gow. There was Kristen Klementowski from East Amherst; eight grader Max Balcom, Shelby’s brother; Janna Milks, a junior from East Aurora; and Jack Brinkworth, a seventh grader. These “pioneers”, as they have been called are unique individuals with seven different stories. But there is a commonality that binds them together. All seven found that their dyslexia rendered their former schools frustrating, demeaning, even frightening. Ultimately, they were smart enough to know, the education they were getting would be of little long-term value. And all of them had an intense desire—call it a pioneer’s desire—to take some ownership of their education. So, half a school year into the experiment, how is it going? I have met with the day students twice since the beginning of the year to let them talk freely about their experiences so far. What a wonderful, articulate, forthcoming group of young men and women they are. Oh, they might grumble about Saturday classes or long commutes or the workload or the fact that a physics lab write-up needs to be six pages long, but the relief that they have found at The Gow School and its welcoming faculty - an educational alternative that works for them, surfaces without hesitation. “I was scared to ask questions in my old school,” says Janna. “I would never ask a question in class because the teacher wouldn’t answer it anyway. Here I’m comfortable raising my hand and asking the teacher to go over something
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again.” Janna has the best of both worlds, as well, a satisfying school situation that still leaves her enough time to work at a local stable and take part in the 4-H activities she loves. Jack Brinkworth was miserable as a young sixth grader at his former school. Now he’s sporting one of the highest GPAs in his grade and he’s an effervescent conversationalist. Says Victor, “I like the smaller classes. Six kids in a class. You can’t hide. And the different cultures, so many different kinds of kids from all over the world.” Oh, and by the way, Kristen just set the Gow School record for the most Girl Scout cookies ever sold on campus. Of her the headmaster says, “Everyone at Gow is good at something, and we try to identify what that one thing is. Now we know that Kristen’s thing is acting. She is a very good actress.” Perhaps then, experiment is no longer the proper word to use. “The message,” said Brad Rogers, “is that we’re not just trying this, we’re actually doing this. Having a day student representative on the student council (Shelby Balcom) gives all day students a voice, legitimizes their presence as a part of the student community. That speaks to the fact that this is real. Now we have a day student who wants to be a boarder, to take advantage of the evening and weekend activities. And a boarder who wants to be a day student. So there’s a process of de-mystification that the school’s encountering and encouraging.” As far as the effect the girls are having on the boys? “The boys are cleaning up a little, polishing themselves, remembering to shower a little more often.” There have been the odd tiffs between students, a few hurt feelings that have caused Rogers to call in faculty, staff and students for one of his patented “social autopsies,” to identify the issues and smooth the waters. And there remains the sense that Gow is still a boys school with some girls. The girls do have their own “chill room”- upstairs in Main Building— no boys allowed—and they have “safe” faculty members, to whom they can go at any time with any problem. “The new car might have a little mud on it,” says Rogers, “but it’s still a fine car. Problems that we have now with students will be of the type that we’ve always had to solve, not ones caused by the advent of girls or day students.” Rogers is the first to acknowledge that none of this could succeed without the complete backing of his faculty and staff. In the course of preparing this article I
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talked with not only Mr. Rogers, but Alice Gow, Assistant Headmaster Dan Kelley, Lower School Headmaster Jeff Sweet, Development Director Gayle Hutton, teachers Tom Giallanza, Vin Barrett and Jeff Poblocki. They agreed that, early in the ball game, it’s working so far, and they’ve seen that day students, male and female, bring something fresh and new to the campus. Going forward Rogers would love to have more girls and more day students, cautioning that the school still has to retain the small school feeling where every student gets individual attention. That is, after all, what each of the seven day students said he or she values about Gow, the personal touch. But, he says, he loves the idea of extending Gow’s reach into new communities. “It’s our moral responsibility.” Realizing the $35,000 price tag for day students (boarding students pay $55,000) presents an obstacle, he’s committed to making financial aid available to those who demonstrate the need. Onethird of Gow’s 151 students now receive nearly one million dollars in financial aid, most in the range of $15,000 to $18,000 a year. “If we need to stretch to make Gow a reality for some local students, we’ll do it,” he says. “We want more people to know about us,” said Rogers. The Gow Visitation Day, held on October 8, brought families from across the region to hear a presentation by administrators, to participate in a question and answer session with students, to tour the campus and to speak with teachers. “We’ll continue to make our Teacher Training Institute a viable option for educators from other schools. We’ll make our facilities available to local sports groups at dirt cheap rent, just to cover expenses. We’ll offer a series of lectures in the dyslexia field that is open to the public. The more people we can entice to visit us, the more the word gets around about the great things happening at Gow. Maybe that will lead to a young man or young lady enrolling in the Summer Program, as a way to test the waters, to see what the benefits of a Gow education are. Perhaps that young man or young lady will become the next day student.” The next pioneer. Writer Rick Ohler is a lifelong friend of The Gow School. His first book, “Have You Lived Here All Your Life? Not Yet” was published in July by Right Field Books. Visit www.rickohler.com.
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We love having company! Fall Weekend Fun
It is always invigorating to return to campus, to meet today’s students, and to see how the school has changed. We in the Alumni Association want to be a resource for our alumni: to help graduates when they move to a new area, to provide internship opportunities, job interviews, and career advice. After all, as Govians, we share unique skills and an interest in helping others to succeed. If you would like to serve as a mentor, return to campus and speak with students about career and college, or get more involved in the Alumni Assocation, please contact Gow’s Director of Development Gayle Hutton at ghutton@gow.org or send me an email. Thanks for your continued belief in Gow! Best wishes,
Roger Adams ‘71, President, Gow Alumni Assocation radams72@cogeco.ca Pictured right top: Saturday night alumni and faculty dinner at The Roycroft Inn - Jeff and Cindy Sweet, Ian Sturdevant ‘92, Jody Kelley, Drew Hendley ‘91, David Maier ‘92, John Simms ‘02, Dan Kelley, Lowell Powers ‘59, Brad and Anne Rogers, Jason Brown ‘92, Doug Cotter ‘87, Carla and Zack Darling, Keith Breische ‘96, April Martin, Robert Kraus ‘92, Chris Ceren ‘08, Brad Rausch ‘95, Scott Darling ‘82 and Bill Parsons. Photo 2: Scott Darling ‘82, Kathleen Rose, Chair of RL Department and Rob Reid ‘82. Photo 3: Ian Sturdevant ‘92, Robert Krause ‘92 and Neil Howe ‘90, Gow History Teacher.
SPOTLIGHT
Honoring Gow’s Athletic Wall of Fame Inductees DREW HENDLEY ‘91 pictured with (from left) Mark Szafnicki, Athletic
Director, Tennis Coach and Reconstructive Language teacher; and Mason Winfield, former Tennis Coach and English teacher. Drew attended Gow from 1989-91 and played basketball, soccer, and tennis. In his junior year, he held the singles record of 8-0 for the Varsity Tennis team that finished 7-1 for the season. Drew played both first singles and doubles tennis at Muskingum College. After graduating from Muskingum, he moved to Florida and coached tennis at The Saddlebrook Resort. He continues to be an avid golf and tennis player.
GRANT PHILLIPS ‘80 pictured right with two longtime Gow lacrosse
coaches, on left Charlie Brown, Math teacher; and Jay Wright, English teacher. Grant attended Gow from 1979 – 80 and played soccer and lacrosse. In 1992, he co-founded the Ontario minor field lacrosse league and then founded and coached the Niagara minor travel team. He has been a coach at Brock University and Wilfrid Laurier University. Grant returns regularly to Gow to run lacrosse workshops and observe practices. As Coach Brown commented, “Wherever one goes in North America, there will always be someone in the lacrosse brotherhood who knows and respects the work of Grant Phillips.” The Gow Life Magazine
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Gow Grandparents Visit September 21
Jacob Abul-Khoudoud ‘15 with his grandmother
Kian Chalwell ‘16 with his grandfather
Cole Alban‘16, his grandparents and Mr. Rogers
Shelby Balcom ‘15 with her grandparents
Michael Braverman ‘15 with his grandma and mom
Jack Brinkworth‘18 with two grandmothers
Tyson Nelly ‘15 with both sets of grandparents
Kevin McNamara ‘14 with his grandparents
William Clarke ‘14 with his grandfather
Kristian Eddy ‘15 with his mom and grandparents
Reese Fisher ‘15 with his grandmother
Conner Price ‘17 with his grandmother
Bryan King ‘15 with his dad and grandparents
Janna Milks ‘14 with her grandmother
Zack Miller ‘14 with his grandparents
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THE STAR BUILDING Gow’s former dining hall transformed into the Alice R. Gow Science,Technology and Research Building
CNC Machine Arrives at Gow: Will Expand Horizons of Applied Technology Written by Rick Ohler
There’s a new BMOC at the Gow
School, only this time BMOC isn’t Big Man on Campus, it’s Big Machine on Campus. As this edition of Gow Life goes to press, a seventon, pickup truck-sized Haas VF3-YT computer-numeric-control (CNC) metal fabricating machine is being installed on a specially fortified concrete pad in the new Alice R. Gow Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Building, the former dining hall. Both the STAR Building and the CNC machine come to Gow thanks to the generosity and dedication of alumni, parents and friends who provided, in a very short time frame, more than $1.2 million to ensure that Gow will continue to have one of the most advanced applied technology, robotics and physics programs of any secondary school in the country. The prospect of having a facility such as the STAR Building and a tool as versatile and precise as the CNC might explain why retiring Applied Technology Department Chair Vin Barrett, Director of Technology Jeff Poblocki and intern Chris Ceren ’08 were all smiles when I visited them
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over the Thanksgiving break. Barrett and Poblocki run the popular BattleBots curriculum which Gow alumnus Trey Roski ’84, invented, took to cable TV and then helped Gow initiate in 2000. In BattleBots, teams of students design and build small, remote-controlled robots, fabricating all the parts in their own workshops, and then enter them in competitions against high school and college students from across North America. Barrett and Poblocki had just returned from a training session on the Haas VF3-YT in Rochester when I met with them, and it seemed impossible for them to do anything but gush with enthusiasm. They were amazed by the machine’s capabilities and precision. For instance, students will now be able to insert a piece of solid aluminum (or other metal) as big as 40-inches, by 25-inches, by 26-inches into the machine, close the door, program the computer on the front panel with a special code, push the GO button, and watch as cutters, routers and lathes produce a perfect (to within 1/100,000 of an inch) wheel or other part. The tech teachers were clearly impressed, too, with the cross-curricular possibilities the
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CNC presents not only for BattleBots participants, but for all physics, applied technology and math students as well. When I left them, the trio was deep in animated discussion about how to adapt what they had learned for the curricular needs of Gow students. To oversimplify what the CNC means to the applied technology program, you could say that for years Barrett and Poblocki, along with community volunteer Ray Beers (retired Moog, Inc. Engineer) and their charges have been making parts by hand. Let’s say you needed a mounting block for your BattleBot. You would design the block in the tech room upstairs at Orton Hall, plot it out in a CAD program, then walk it over to the machine shop at the Reid Arts Center. You would measure the piece of metal with a tape measure, calipers
or micrometer and make the cuts. Then you would mark bolt holes on the block and drill them with a press and tap the threads. It’s accurate,
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CNC Machine ~ What is it?
The acronym CNC stands for Computer(ized) Numerical(ly) Control(led), and refers specifically to the computer control of machine tools for the purpose of (repeatedly) manufacturing complex parts in metal as well as other materials, using a program written in a notation conforming to the EIA-274-D standard and commonly called G-code. CNC was developed in the late 1940s and early 1950s by the MIT Servomechanisms Laboratory. (Source: WordIQ.com)
as evidenced by the many trophies the Gow BattleBots teams have won in both California and Florida tournaments, but only to a point. Now with the Haas and the new facility, everything will happen at the STAR. At the STAR Building, the CNC will sit at the north end of the building with the Applied Technology labs close by. As students become proficient, they’ll design their parts, plug in the code on the Haas CNC computer and produce a finished product of such high quality that it could pass muster at an aircraft or watch factory. Both Headmaster Brad Rogers and eventual Applied Technology Chair Poblocki are quick to point out that, while BattleBots will continue to form an important part of the curriculum, especially because of the teamwork aspect it requires, the STAR and the CNC will take Gow beyond BattleBots. “We want to get away from just warfare,” says Rogers, “and head into construction, not just destruction. We’ll still enter competitions for design and other robotic applications,
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but we won’t be destroying someone else’s creation.” “For the short term,” says Poblocki, “we’ll concentrate on projects we have under way, and we’ll be able to make more intricate, more complex and precise BattleBot parts with the CNC, and we can undertake some things that before we might not have been able to attempt. Down the line, though, it might turn out that with our increased ease of fabrication, and the increased level of competence of our students, that BattleBots might become a half-year course, while during the other half year students are working on humanoid robotic projects. That’s what’s so exciting, all the possibilities. I can see younger physics students and geometry students working with shapes and having the CNC being a great resource. And the leg up it will give graduating Govians as they head toward engineering or science programs at college will be considerable.” While the Haas CNC will be the star of this latest chapter in Gow’s history, The Alice R. Gow Science and Technology Building will provide the stage. STAR might as well be an acronym for state of the art, because everything about it incorporates the latest available technology. Other than the brick shell, you would never know that for nearly half a century, generations of Gow students and families ate there. The renovation, designed by architect Heather Nemec with input from Headmaster Rogers, Buildings and Grounds Director Paul Rose and teachers Poblocki, Barrett, Joe Gullo and Brad Rausch, features several classrooms with lab spaces adjacent and wireless information systems at hand everywhere you go.
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Full walls will turn into video screens of infinitely adjustable size, and teachers will be able to work projectors from wireless controls, even merging projected images over each other to demonstrate paths of objects or changing velocities. A 12 foot square window forms the north wall and is engineered to be removable and accommodate vehicles bringing in large pieces of equipment. All of the learning areas are gathered around a central, vaulted-ceiling atrium where public displays, lectures and receptions might be held. As ground-breaking as all this seems, we would do well to acknowledge that Headmaster Rogers and his staff are simply following along one of the paths that Peter Gow, Jr. set for them 87 years ago. The school’s founder well knew the value of hands-on learning, especially for young men with dyslexia. Toward that end he was an inveterate tinkerer, often taking his students to his garage on Sunday afternoons to take apart a Model T engine to understand it’s working. We can only imagine how pleased he would be, not only with the additions to Gow’s technology curriculum but the enthusiasm with which faculty and students are forging ahead.
Writer Rick Ohler is a lifelong friend of The Gow School. His first book, “Have You Lived Here All Your Life? Not Yet” was published in July by Right Field Books. Visit www.rickohler.com.
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Faculty Spotlight on Rob Garcia
Rob and his family: daughter Amy, wife Leslie and grandchildren Avery and Eli.
According to Norse mythology, a pair of ravens would fly all over the world, and return to the ancient god, Odin, every night with news of the world. Rob Garcia has been a man in motion for the past 19 years, but has always managed to return home. When he steps down as Director of Admissions in June, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that his plans are not exactly fixed. When asked about his post-retirement goals, he eased the question aside. “I’ve been tossing some things around,” he said. “I haven’t made any specific plans. I haven’t had time to think about it. We’re busy traveling and interviewing two or three prospective students a week.” Rob has been Director of Admissions for The Gow School since 1993, but he’s been at Gow since 1980. “I started out as a 7th grade Science teacher,” he said. “I also taught Math and Reconstructive Language, I was Athletic Director, I did some coaching, a little bit of everything,” he shrugged, “as do most people in a boarding school.” Rob received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education at the University of Buffalo in 1972 after only three years of study. He spent a couple years “substitute teaching and coaching in various public schools” before deciding to pursue a post-graduate degree. He moved to Seattle, where he received his Masters of Science in education from the University of Washington in 1977. Rob again began teaching, both in public and private schools while in Seattle. At the Bush School, he “taught physical education and science. I was also athletic director, basketball coach and girls’ soccer coach.” After a few years, the Garcia family, now including Rob’s wife, Leslie, and their daughter, Amy, then five years old came
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home, to Western New York. “In 1980, I was without employment, and was hired part time at The Gow School to assist in athletics and to teach seventh grade science and biology,” Rob explained. “By mid-year (then Headmaster) David Gow hired me full time to teach and do meals and study-hall.” Rob was named The Gow School’s very first Athletic Director in 1981. The position included on-campus housing in Emery House, “a new purchase for the school,” he said. It also brought some new additions to the family. The Garcia family took in four students that year, and did so again each and every year that they remained in Emery House, until 1993, when they moved off-campus. The students might have moved in and out, but the Garcia family made it a home. “It was a small dorm, very cozy,” Rob recalled. Perhaps more importantly, “it gave the students an opportunity to live with a family.” As Gow’s inaugural Athletic Director, Rob quietly, steadily, made forays into previously uncharted territory. “I introduced intramural sports as an option to those students who were not involved with interscholastic athletics, yet enjoyed random pick-up games and fitness activities.” He fondly recalls “The World Series of Softball that Paul Rose and I oversaw for several seasons. The excitement that was injected into the athletic program for those boys was indeed gratifying.” In addition, Rob, “along with the help of a few parents,” eventually managed to convince David Gow that “the addition of a basketball team would not weaken the ski program,” Rob said. “It took about a year to prepare, but the basketball program was underway in 1983 and it has continued until now.” “Rob established Gow’s first basketball program, and under his leadership it was successful from the very beginning,” said Assistant Headmaster Dan Kelley. “I had the pleasure of helping Rob coach those teams and learn from him. From the start, Rob impressed all of us with his knowledge and professionalism,” he continued. “He went right to work
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and transformed our athletic activities into a first rate sports and recreational program. He set high standards for athletes and coaches.” The Gow School basketball program now fields modified, junior varsity and varsity teams. “The boys took great pride in being on the team,” Rob recalled, adding that he and Dan Kelley instituted a structure that the student athletes still follow. “Once we began to travel and have home games, we had a ‘dress code’ for travel to away games,” including Gow ties, dress coats and slacks. “Dan and I instilled in our charges that, all things being equal, the most disciplined team will win.” Indeed they did. “In my 14 years (as Athletic Director), Gow Varsity Basketball teams won two league championships; two cochampionships and two IAC Tournament Championships,” Rob said. “Many of our losses came at the hands of much larger schools with developed programs.” To celebrate Rob’s passion for coaching, the school recently surprised him by naming the basketball court in The Gow Center in his honor. His name is now printed above the door of the courts as a tribute to the hundreds of lives he touched, both on and off the courts. Family, both his own and his extended family at Gow, is Rob’s passion, aside from teaching, coaching and golf. According to Headmaster Brad Rogers. “Rob is a man of tremendous faith and family values,” he said. “He has touched every corner of the globe spreading the ‘Gospel of Gow’, but still makes time to connect with all the students on campus. Rob not only brings good teaching but a spiritual value to the community of Gow, and on Sunday mornings you’ll see him driving around campus, picking up kids to go church.” “He’s a quiet leader with a strong presence,” Brad added. “He’s calming and thoughtful and you know that about him in minutes.” It’s almost hard to fathom, but in addition
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Gow Varsity Soccer Team Finishes 14-0
Written by Julie Hadley
to his other accomplishments, the high-watermark of Rob’s work at The Gow School might possibly be the number and diversity of international students populating the student body. Today, the school enjoys world-wide recognition as a destination for students challenged by dyslexia, but when Rob became Director of Admissions, the only international students enrolled at Gow hailed from one country - Canada. “We started recruiting international students fourteen years ago” Rob said. “That was a big a deal.” Today, nearly one-third of the students enrolled at Gow live outside of the U.S. “We were ahead of other schools,” he added. “The interesting part is that we began to be well known internationally, but we were a local secret.” That is clearly changing, with the admission of day-school students, who commute from Williamsville, Amherst, Buffalo, and East Aurora to attend classes at Gow. Rob acknowledges that technology has changed the way the Admissions Department operates, presenting both challenges and opportunities. “We do Skype interviews now,” Rob said, referring to on-line video-conferencing. Thanks to the Internet, “families are more educated about their children, they’re well-versed and know what they’re looking for” in a school. It has exposed The Gow School to more families than ever, but it has also brought about competition. “A lot of little schools are cropping up,” he noted, many seeking to replicate The Gow School model. Looking back on his career, Rob can look to many accomplishments, but he affirmed that his happiest days came not in a traditional classroom, or an office. “To this day I believe my best teaching occurred on the ‘green’ Andy Thompson Gymnasium floor,” he said. “I had the opportunity to coach many fine young men; two who scored over 1,000 points and a few who had the opportunity to play basketball in college.” Rob Garcia’s impact is reflected in the lives he’s touched over the years – his daughter, Amy, who runs a tutoring business, the many Gow School graduates who became part of his extended family, and his many colleagues. “Rob has devoted most of his adult life to The Gow School,” added Dan Kelley. “As Director of Admissions for many years, he has had a very special and important role in the school’s remarkable growth and achievements. Rob will be missed, but the impact he has had on Gow will be felt for years to come.” Bon voyage, Rob, and soar like the Raven that you are. Just don’t forget to return home once in a while.
First undefeated season since 1969!
The Gow varsity soccer team did what no other Gow varsity soccer team has done since 1969. This season they went undefeated in both the Independent Athletic Conference (IAC) and Monsignor Martin League, winning all fourteen regular season games. Overall, Gow outscored its opponents 55-8. The team was led in scoring by senior Robert Ty Holland who had 14 goals and nine assists during the season. Other scoring leaders included junior Bjorn Thorsson with 12 goals and 13 assists, and freshman Rodrigo Pascazio who had six goals and six assists. Junior goalie Greg Kelly finished the season with six shutouts. As Coach Robin Marshman commented “This team was special, and a joy to coach. Each and every player contributed in some way to the team’s success. I hope that every time they think about their undefeated season, they will take pride in what they were able to accomplish.” Pictured at right, top to bottom: John Edwards ‘15, Headmaster Rogers gets a peck on the cheek from the Gow mascot; Rodrigo Pascazio ‘16 scores a goal, the team runs to greet the home crowd after winning the semi finals of the championship, and Sasha Evans ‘15 works his way down the field.
Julie Hadley, Contributing Writer Julie is a free-lance writer and estate paralegal with the law firm of Cannon, Heyman & Weiss, LLP, of Buffalo, New York. Formerly Assistant to Jeff Fazzolari, late Food Service Director at The Gow School, she resides in East Aurora, New York with her husband, Mark; their three children, Carrie, Alison, and Michael and several pets.
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SNAPSHOT: Home Sweet Home the states and number of students from each
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This year, Gow is home to 151 students from 26 countries and 20 states. To fully appreciate the worldwide impact of Gow, here is a list of the countries our students hail from: Barbados - 2 Bermuda - 4 Burkino-Faso - 2 British Virgin Isles - 1 Canada - 11 Cayman Isles - 2 China - 2
Columbia - 1 Costa Rica - 1 Dominican Republic - 2 Hong Kong - 1 Iceland - 1 India - 3 Indonesia - 1
Jamaica - 1 Japan - 1 Latvia - 1 Mexico - 1 Singapore - 1 South Korea - 1 Sri Lanka - 2
Switzerland - 1 Thailand - 2 Turkey - 1 United Kingdom - 2 Venezuela - 1
All in the family Part of what makes Gow special is the family atmosphere - literally! Currently we have six married couples, one daughter and a set of twins working on the Gow team. Of the couples, half met while working at the school (the Giallanzas, the Chafins, and Heidi Baust and Rick Hausauer). Pictured left: Kathy (RL faculty) and Paul Rose (Director of Buildings and Grounds); Lynn (RL faculty) and Jon Chafin (Student Coach); Jeff (Head of Lower School, math faculty) Cindy Sweet (Librarian) with their daughter, Kim (Day Student Coordinator); Marybeth (Webmaster) and Tom Giallanza (History faculty); PK (RL faculty) and Walter Sanieski (English and Spanish faculty); Heidi Baust (Art faculty) and her husband Rick Hausauer (Maintenance), and twin brothers Steve (Admissions) and Brian Thompson (RL and history faculty).
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Gow Trustees On Campus Trustee Quick Facts: Gow Trustees: • total 24 members; • come to campus three times a year for meetings; • meet monthly via conference call; • serve on committees including Development, School Life, Campus Planning, Finance, Investment, and the Committee on Trustees; • include Presidents of the Parent and Alumni Associations. They are Honorary Members; • include twelve alumni, five past parents, five current parents, and two friends of the school; • hail from eleven states, and four from Canada; and • help ensure a strong future for Gow. They strive to make sure that the school is fulfilling its mission and help create a long-term plan for the school. Pictured top to bottom: [1] Larry Acheson ‘83 with Kathleen Diassinos, Carson Jones ‘92 and Andy Evans ‘62 [2] Tony Baker ‘53 with John Pulvermann‘64 [3] David Gow Jr. with Assistant Headmaster Dan Kelley [4] Andy Evans‘62, John Bullock ‘80 and Steve Ibbotson ‘80 [5] Al Chircop (parent of Craig ‘06), Director of Buildings and Grounds Paul Rose and Creighton Murch ‘63 [6] Newly appointed Board Chair Mary Ann Coulson (parent of Adam Kendrick ‘04) with Immediate Past Chair Tony Baker ‘53
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BOA R D O F T RU S TE E S 2012-13 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Newton D. Baker ‘53 Immediate Past Chair John R. Bullock III ‘80 Vice Chair, Committee on Trustees Al Chircop Treasurer and Chair Finance Mary Ann Coulson Chairman of the Board Elizabeth Evans Secretary Robert Vail ‘68 Vice Chair, Chair Campus Planning TRUSTEES Lawrence Acheson ‘83 Roger Adams ‘71 Mark Bonner Erick Bronner John R. Bullock II ‘80 Andrew Evans ‘62 Marcus Goddard David W. Gow Jr. Graeme C. Hepburn ‘84 Robert Hopkins Steven Ibbotson ‘80 K. Carson Jones ‘92 Stephen B. Luby ‘00 Katherine Mohney Creighton B. Murch ‘63 Valerie Packham Lowell G. Powers, Jr. ‘59 John A. Pulvermann, Jr. ‘64 Peggy Purtell M. Bradley Rogers, Jr. Gregory Tayler
Alumni Association President
Chair, Committee on Trustees
Chair, Development
Chair, Student Life
Parent Association President Ex-Officio
E M E RI T U S T RU S T E E S Edwin T. Bean Joseph C. Giallanza Dean H. Jewett ‘61 George M. Reid ‘43
A D MI N I S T R AT I ON Robert Garcia
Director of Admission
Gayle E. Hutton
Director of Development
Daniel F. Kelley M. Bradley Rogers, Jr. Paul R. Rose Rosemary Shields Jeffrey S. Sweet
Assistant Headmaster Director of the Upper School Headmaster Director of Buildings & Grounds Director of Finance Director of the Lower School
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GOW’S GREEN TEAM MOVES AHEAD The Green Team is engaged in planning several dynamic new projects. The first is to purchase a biodiesel reactor which will make usable fuel for on-campus vehicles. This will be incorporated into the expanding science and engineering curriculum, and used during the Gow School Summer Program for technology and environmental science classes. The second project is to design, build, and maintain an on-campus windmill. The windmill is currently being designed by students on a 3D CAD program which will then be built and used to harness the wind to help power Gow’s campus. Finally, members of the Green Team hope to install a weather station to help collect wind, solar, and other environmental data. These measurements could be a valuable educational tool for other projects that they hope to pursue in the future. If you’d like to support one (or more!) of these three projects, please check out the Wishlist below and consider making a donation to help these become a reality. Thanks!
WELCOME!
New Faces on Campus Evan Giacomini - Instructional Assistant
Evan graduated in 2012 from SUNY Fredonia with a bachelor’s in English Adolescent Education. He and his three brothers grew up in East Aurora. Evan enjoys reading, writing, music, hiking, cooking, and traveling.
Kathy Faltyn - Nurse
Kathy has been a nurse for 27 years. Before joining Gow, she worked for Head Start. Kathy has been married for 27 years and has four children, three girls and one boy. She likes to travel, read and work in the garden.
Mary Schnorr - Nurse
As a nurse for 30 years, she has a Master’s in pediatric/adolescent health from the University of Virginia. Previously she managed home care for the frail elderly. A Buffalo native, she cares for her 87 year old father and her sister with special needs.
Kim Sweet - Day Student Coordinator
As the daughter of two faculty members, Kim grew up at Gow. She has a Bachelor’s in early childhood development and is getting a Master’s in special education at Canisius College. Kim loves being active and plays soccer. She is excited to be working at Gow!
PURCHASE SOMETHING FUN FOR GOW’S WISHLIST This list contains items which will benefit students and teachers in their classrooms and dorms. If you wish to make a donation to purchase items on the Wishlist, can help us buy items at a reduced price, or want to donate money to the general Wishlist fund, please contact Tammy in the Development Office at development@gow.org or call 716-687-2075. We will recognize your generosity with a plaque (when appropriate) and in our Annual Report. We thank you!
Item Description Department/Area # needed Cost
Raku Workshop (to hire instructor of one day class) 3-D Art Studio 1 $600 Dimmable house lights for Drama productions Theater Department 6 $200 Golf Bags for golf team Athletics 10 $2,000 P90 X Video (intensive workout video) Athletics 1 $125 Assorted Dumb Bells and Free Weights Athletics 1 $200-300 24 Team Chairs for gymnasium Athletics 24 $3,500 Squash team workshops (fees for guest coaches) Athletics 2 $500 each Basketball Shooting Machine Athletics 1 $4,500 Laminating machine Library 1 $450 Portable 4 x 6 dry-erase boards Buildings and Grounds 2 $550 each TETRIX/Lego robotic building kits Physics 4 $900 each TV, DVD and entertainment center Templeton Lounge 1 $1500 Davis Instruments 6163-IP VantagePro2 Weather Station Green Team 1 $1300 Parts and electronics for Student-built Windmill Green Team 1 $600 Bobuddy 53 gallon biodiesel processor Green Team 1 $2,040
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Giving Gow A Hand Easy ways you can make a difference A guide for Gow parents, alumni and friends Shop while you help Gow!
Spreading the word
Box Tops for Education
We are often asked about ways to let more people know about Gow.
Clip boxtops - When you shop, look for the Box Tops logo on hundreds of products like Cheerios®, Hamburger Helper® and Kleenex®. Clip and send them to Gow or drop them off when you’re next on campus. Each boxtop is worth 10¢. Shop Online - Shop at more than 175 of your favorite stores while earning eBoxTops. To register and see a list of all stores that donate when you shop, visit http://www. boxtops4education.com/earn/marketplace. There is no cost to you! Each participating retailer will donate a certain number of eBoxTops for every qualifying $10 purchase you make through btfe.com.
OneCause
Install the One Cause Toolbar and never miss a contribution when shopping at 2,000+ merchants online (including Expedia and more). By simply installing the OneCause toolbar http://www.onecause.com/toolbar, you’ll make sure eligible purchases count.
Tops Supermarket
Target Take Charge of Education Program
Visit Target.com/tcoe or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate Gow, then use your Target credit, debit, or Visa® cards, and Target will donate up to 1% of your purchases to Gow. Learn more at Target.com/redcard or visit a nearby Target store. The Gow Development Office
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PO Box 85
2491 Emery Road
Host an event.
Tell friends, neighbors and others who might need the programs Gow offers.
This is a great way for parents, alumni and potential families to meet and talk about Gow. If you’d like to host an event, email development@gow.org or call Tammy at 716-687-2075.
Network with media types.
Make an Annual Fund gift.
Talk about Gow.
Do you know a newspaper writer, radio or TV personality who might be interested in doing a story about Gow or profiling a local student? We’d love to meet them!
Tell us about summer camps and school fairs in your area.
Tell us what’s happening in your neighborhood! We might want to advertise or attend the event to promote Gow.
Help us identify local schools with potential Gow students.
Simply register your Bonus Card at www. topsmarkets.com/Education and Tops will donate a percentage of your purchases to Gow.
Other Inspiring Ideas
There are so many students that need a place like Gow! If you know of local schools that might have students who would benefit from Gow’s programs, please let us know and we’ll visit with them. South Wales, NY 14139
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This helps Gow to balance its budget, to retain highly qualified faculty and to provide financial aid to more than 30% of deserving students.
Introduce us to others.
Do you know anyone who serves on a foundation board? If so, introduce us so we can seek their support.
Matching gift company?
Do you work for a company with a matching gift program? If so, please submit paperwork so your gift can be matched - sometimes doubling or even tripling its value.
Include Gow in your will.
This is a great way to make a difference for the future of Gow, receive tax benefits and to help make a meaningful tax plan.
716-687-2075
development@gow.org
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Class Notes 1940s David Howard ‘43 writes that “Everything is OLD! Golf (now long-range croquet), bridge and basking in the sun, also meals at the club with friends. At 88, that’s not bad. If all goes well, I’ll be at my 70th high school reunion at Nichols and Gow Schools.”
1950s
Lowell Powers ’59 was recently recognized by Angel Flight Northeast for completing 100 Angel Flights. Founded in 1996, Angel Flight Northeast is a non-profit organization whose volunteer pilots fly patients free of charge to hospitals to receive medical care. Since 1996, they have arranged more than 60,000 missions and have flown nearly 10 million miles. Kathy Rose (Chair of Gow’s Reconstructive Language Department) and her daughter Jen, a JetBlue flight attendant, attended the dinner which honored Lowell. Bill Hoke ’58 completed a hiking traverse of the Olympic Mountains this summer. He is semi-retired from his sales and marketing business. He is proud of the fact that he served as a mentor for more than 1,000 economically disadvantaged women as they started their own businesses. Currently he is working on a book for retirees wishing to start their own businesses.
1960s
Jim Nowak ‘67 has been married 40 years and has four grown children and nine grandchildren. For more than 30 years, he has been an announcer for the Cape Cod Baseball League. One out of six pro ball players have played in this league during college. He is also a Kiwanis member and each December, arrives dressed as Santa on a USCG boat in Chatham on the Cape. Jim and his wife, Laura, visited Gow’s campus in September. Jim Purdy ‘62 is living in Phoenix where he is building race cars. He has five children, including a son who played on the PGA tour.
News to share? Please email us at development@gow.org or send your news to Gow’s Development Office. Photos are welcome! The Gow Life Magazine
1970s
JB Brown ‘71 worked as a truck driver and animal caregiver for a circus this summer. He is living in New England, framing a new house and doing some logging and firewood cutting. In the spring, he will be driving an 18 wheel grain truck, starting in Texas and working north. He documents all his travels with photos which you can see by visiting www.facebook.com/jbthemilker or send him a note at JBTHEMILKER@aol.com. Cap Pinkerton ’70 lives in Michigan and is in the real estate business. He is proud of his youngest son who recently graduated from the State Police Academy. Ross Dingwall ‘74 lives in British Columbia in the mountains, near the ocean. He writes that “I am living vicariously through my six kids and their adventures traveling the world. I work for the BC government and spends my summers exploring the west coast from Alaska to Vancouver Island, following the salmon runs. Good to see The Gow School is still flourishing, helping young men accomplish their dreams and finding their ways in the world. I often think of my days at Gow with fondness and wish all your students, past and present, the best.” Chuck Hunter ‘77 attended Gow when the rock band KISS was popular. He remembers another Govian playing the album and becoming hooked. Today he is in a KISS tribute band called “Wasted Aces” and performs the role of Gene Simmons. They play live every chance they get and can be seen on YouTube. He writes, “Little did I know that years later, I would be performing the songs I was listening to in my Gow dorm. Gow had a pumpkin carving contest in which I carved the logo of KISS. As I recall, it won first place, another first for KISS!!!!”
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1980s
Andrew Horstmyer ‘80 is an attorney and lives in New Orleans. Henry Ebert ’83 got married at age 46 on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. He and his wife, Barbara sold their house in Baltimore and moved to Wilmington in February and opened a Bikram Yoga studio about two miles from the beach. He hopes to write a little piece on how Bikram yoga has changed his life and says that it has done wonders for his concentration and focus. He went from a 36” waist to a 32” which he has not had since he was at Gow! He says that besides getting married, selling everything, moving to a new state and starting a business, nothing else is happening. Doug Cotter ‘87 and Ben Jordan ‘88 recently had the chance to catch up at a Gow event in Minneapolis. Ben works for Target at their headquarters. He and his wife, Janelle have two children and recently bought a new house. Jonathan Cowles ‘87 lives in Phoenix and works as an architect. He and his wife, Josefa have two sons. (Pictured in Phoenix with David Burgess ‘87) Justin Young ‘88 will be retiring from the US Army with 20 years of service in mid 2013. He is currently a sergeant working in the infantry and cavalry and finishing his last overseas assignment in Afghanistan.
1990s
Drew Hendley ’91 was recently promoted to Senior Account Executive at Main Line Broadcasting. In October, he was inducted into Gow Athletic Wall of Fame. (Pictured with Charlie Brown, Mason Winfield, Grant Phillips ‘80, Mark Szafnicki, Dan Kelley and Brad Rogers).
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Class Notes K. Carson Jones ‘92 (pictured with David Maier ‘92) has served as a Gow trustee since July 2001. He and his wife live in Dallas with their daughter, Liliane. David Maier ‘92, started working at Gow as an Instructional Assistant in April. He was the assistant coach for Gow’s golf team and is coaching the modified basketball team. Troy Espy ‘95 (pictured), is living and working in Savannah. He is hoping to move to Chicago soon. Kerr Gelvin ‘96 lives in Phoenix and owns a yogurt shop with his wife. (Pictured right with Michael Schmidt ‘96.) Tom Slatin ’98 lives in Schoharie, New York where he has a writing, photography and website design company. Visit his website, visit www.tomslatin.com Greg O’Gorman ’99 and his wife, Jen had a baby girl on October 11.
2000s
Dan Hammon ‘00 is in the process of completing his second bachelors’ degree and applying to a graduate program in College Student Development at Appalachian State University. He will also be coordinating the Alternative Testing Program for the Office of Disability Services at Appalachian.
Grayson Chalmers ‘00 moved from Montreal where he was working at Electronic Arts to Irvine, California where he is now working for Blizzard Entertainment as an outsource manager. Blizzard is known for World of Warcraft but he’s working on a new still secret, unannounced project. Christian Harbom ‘01 and his wife, Melani had a baby they named Axel Christian, born September 27. Brian Slosson ‘02 is a security analyst at LPL Financial in San Diego, California. John Leary ‘03 works in security for a casino in New Orleans. He has also worked on the film crew for several movies. Daniel Mehta ’03 moved to Chicago in June and worked at The Ravinia Festival. He is working at the Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview, Illinois and with the Boy Scouts. Lee Nelson ’03 worked on a salmon boat in the Gulf of Alaska last summer and loved it. He is currently at the University of British Colombia working on another Master’s degree. He had previously earned one from the University of Aarhus in Denmark. He hopes to get his Ph.D. Lee’s parents recently hosted a Gow dinner in New Orleans. Richard Hottinger ’04 is working as a real estate agent in New York City, specializing in residential purchasing and selling, and apartment rentals. He recently started a new company called HottinDaro which sells cashmere sweat pants. Its website is http:// www.hottindaro.com. Max Heinen ’05 and his wife, Chrissy had a baby girl, Gabriella on September 24.
Stephen Ferrell ’06 graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B.S. in accounting. Matt Delasotta ‘07 is living in the Phoenix area and working in real estate. Zac McLaughlin ’06 graduated from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology. He plans to start Army basic training in March. Paul Babbitt ‘07 graduated from Syracuse University in December. Price Combs ’07 started working in October as an independent contractor at iHigh.com. Chris Ceren ‘08 graduated from Roanoke College last spring and is working at Gow where he is helping with the robotics program. Jordan Walker ‘08 recently began working for Towboat US in Fort Lauderdale. Towboat is owned by Larry Acheson ‘83. Brooks Tao ‘08 is a member of the 18-person Hong Kong Ruffian Sailing Team which recently traveled competed in Ireland. Henry Minis ‘09, Kevin Murphy ‘09 and Emile Fu ‘10 attended a Gow dinner at the home of Henry’s parents (Henry ‘66 and Sally) in Savannah. All three Govians are studying at The Savannah College of Art and Design. Daniel Zappacosta ’09 got married on October 21. He and his wife, Nida now live in Turkey.
Jay Mandarino ‘79 Donates All Proceeds From His Book Cause for Laughter to Three Favorite Charities, Including Gow
As Founder and President of The C.J. Group of Companies, Jay Mandarino ‘79 oversees twelve companies with sales exceeding $25 million. Known for his philanthropy, Jay was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for his dedicated service as an auctioneer for charity events, and for his generosity to non-profit organizations throughout the United States and Canada. He serves on the boards of both the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario and The Gow Canadian Foundation. Cause For Laughter is Jay’s first book. He says “Some twenty years ago when I started doing charity auctions, I began meeting world-class celebrities. I decided then to start collecting the jokes that are now compiled in this book.” All the proceeds of the book will be donated to three organizations: The Gow School (Headmaster Rogers even submitted a joke for the book!); The Learning Disability Association of Ontario; and C.J. Skatepark and School. All three are significant because they helped him cope with his dyslexia and ADHD. Jay says “My relationship with them is a result of my childhood. At a young age I attempted suicide, I couldn’t read or write, I was called stupid and had no self-esteem. I had a terrible time adjusting to regular school and was bullied constantly. Through the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, my parents learned of a special school in New York called The Gow School, which specializes in young boys with dyslexia. My parents sold their house to afford the tuition, and that school changed my life. It was at The Gow School that I discovered my passion for skateboarding. It was the perfect vehicle for me to gain self-confidence and I excelled at it, unlike any sport I had tried before. I wanted to give something back to these three organizations that were, and are, such an important part of my life. ”
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Class Notes 2010s Sam Diarbakerly ‘11 writes “this past year I was selected to be on Student Association cabinet, was elected pledge trainer and then social chair of my fraternity, was elected to the Inter-fraternity council, hired as the Southern Tide Clothing as a college ambassador and lastly I was hired last week to work at Augusta National for the Masters. I earned a 3.5 GPA while doing all this as well. The tools I learned at Gow make college very easy for me, so for that I thank you.” Henry Henson ’11 is enjoying college at Louisiana State University and has a 3.1 GPA. Sam Hubbard ‘12 is doing well in classes at Southern Methodist University. Jacob Podyma ‘12 is attending Mercyhurst College and is actively involved in its martial arts program.
Brett Marcoux (former faculty) is Assistant Director and Head of Admissions at The Campus School at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Julie Kinder Marcoux (former faculty), have two daughters. David Mendlewski (former faculty) is the Head of School at the Hillside School in Macungie, Pennsylvania. Bill Patterson (former Headmaster) and his wife Gaby recently hiked in the Grand Canyon. Bill serves on the board of Knox Farm State Park. They live in Elma, New York and enjoy playing tennis. Brian Taylor (former faculty) is Associate Director of Admissions at The Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Illinois. Tom Watts (former faculty) is a Civic Leadership Fellow at Cornell University.
Brian Wylie ‘12 completed his first semester at RIT with a 4.0 GPA.
Former Faculty News: Bill Adams (former Headmaster) and his wife, Nancy live in Chicago. He is an educational consultant and enjoys helping students make the right college choice. Bill plays in a competitive tennis league several times a week.
Rita Buckley (former Nurse) is the proud grandma of Eliose, who was born in October. Lari Farenholz (former faculty) taught Reconstructive Language at the Gow Summer Program this past summer. She and her husband, Dave (former faculty), have four children and live in East Amherst, New York. David Hoffman (former faculty) currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia and teaches at North Point High School in southern Maryland. He previously coached track, and was named coach of year for southern Maryland in his first year as head coach. David enjoys the Alexandria area and hopes to transition into teaching in a public university in the next few years. Mark Kimball (former Assistant Headmaster) and his wife Gann are living in Pahrump, Nevada. Mark retired as headmaster of the Winston School in Del Mar, California and now serves as its board chairman.
The Gow Life Magazine
In Memorium:
Barbara P. Ebsary of Amherst, New York, a former longtime East Aurora, New York resident, died on September 27, 2012. She was 90. Born in Springfield, Ilinois, the former Barbara Pogue earned a BFA in Mrs. Ebsary with commercial art from the Robert Manice ‘71 University of Illinois in 1944. at Gow in 2004. She married her husband Stephen in 1949. She taught mechanical drawing and fine arts at Gow in the 1960s and 70s. She worked as an artist specializing in portrait and landscapes and exhibited at local art shows. Arthur Peter III ‘49 Lt. Col. Army, Ret. Husband of Tina Sandy Peter. Art died December 10, 2012 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born November 20, 1930 in Louisville, Kentucky. Surviving are a sister, son, daughter, two Art and Tina Peter grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
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J. Trumbull Rogers ‘57, died September 4, 2012. Trum’s copy editing work included the writings of Stephen Hawking, James Michener, Sylvia Porter and many others. He was one of four copy editors for the Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Second Edition, Unabridged. He joined the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) in 1977 and served on the Board of Governors. His consistent support of aspiring and new copy editors included the publication of his book Editorial Freelancing: A Practical Guide in 1995. He co-wrote a mystery novel When Last Seen with Marian Herrick. His works have been published by The Journal of Learning Disabilities, Publishers Weekly, Scholarly Publishing, and MÖBIUS: The Poetry Magazine. He was born in Buffalo on April 26, 1939. He attended The Elmwood Franklin School, Nichols School, and The Gow School through his freshman year when he returned to Nichols, graduating in 1957. Trum credited his personal and professional successes to his years at Gow. He earned his BA in English from Hobart College in 1961 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, and editor of the Hobart Review. His military service from 1963-69, included the U.S. Naval Reserve and two years active service. After the Navy, he moved to New York and started editing with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He was an associate editor when he left after five years to begin freelance writing and editing. He worked for the New York Academy of Sciences from 1996 to 2006 while also pursuing his freelance copy editing career. A celebration of his life will be held February 9, 2013 in New York City. Memorial donations can be made to The Gow School.
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GOW IN ACTION - on campus and off! GOW’S BIG BROTHER PROGRAM
(Pictured left) Each fall, seniors are invited to serve as Big Brothers and mentor Gow’s seventh and eighth graders. Activities include meeting for lunch, spending time on weekends in the Gow Center and just serving as friends. This program helps to welcome new students and allows students of all ages to get to know each other better.
2012-13 STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Day School Shelby Balcom ‘15; Grade 10 Grade Reese Fisher ‘15; Advisor Lynn Chafin; President Izer Martinez ‘13; Vice President John Ebersole ‘13; Grades 7/8 Connor Price; Grade 12 Grade Nick Gregory; Grade 11 George Lewis ‘14; and Grade 9 Oliver Langman ‘16.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION ADVENTURES
HIGHEST GRADE AVERAGES
MUSIC RECITAL PERFORMERS
WALKING FOR CHARITY
LYNN OTTAWAY CHAFIN AWARD WINNERS
ROBOTICS CLASS
A group of outdoor enthusiasts took a trip to Algonquin Park at the end of September. They camped, canoed, hiked and had a great time.
Forty students and faculty members joined thousands of others to participate in “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”, a charity walk in Buffalo.
The Gow Life Magazine
We honored these students who earned the highest GPAs during the first semester: Jack Brinkworth - 7; William Moore - 8; Eddie Purtell - 12; Peter Obletz - 11; Jon Woo - 9; Sasha Evans - 10; and Aaron Ivie - 12.
Created by the Ivie family, this award was given in October to Jonathan Woo ‘16 and Peter Obletz ‘14, recognized for making a difference in our Gow community. Jon and Peter Shown with Mrs. Chafin and Mr. Kelley.
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Sam Zurenski ‘15, Michael Aivaliotis ‘14, Kristen Klementowski ‘14, Trey Shattuck ‘16, J’Von Thompson ‘14, Vihan Herath ‘17, David Anazodo ‘16, Kristian Eddy ‘15, Tempel Viti ‘15, Connor Price ‘17 and Kyle Foggon ‘15
Hard at work! Sam Tayler ‘13, Zachery Holniker ‘13, teachers Ray Beers and Vin Barrett, and Reece Jones ‘13.
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National Recognition for Gow Faculty Members Marykate Hoffman and Dan Kelley Kelley earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Springfield College in 1973 and his Master’s of science in learning and behavioral disorders from the State University College at Buffalo in 1987. He volunteered as a director on the board of the Buffalo Branch of the Orton Dyslexia Society (now known as the Western New York Branch of the International Dyslexia Association) for several years beginning in the late 1980s. He authored articles for the school magazine Gow Life and for Perspectives on Language and Literacy, the IDA’s national newsletter. Kelley began his teaching career at The Gow School in 1976, subsequently serving in various administrative capacities including Department Chair and Dean of Students. In addition to Assistant Headmaster, he also functions as Director of the Upper School at Gow. In 1991, he co-founded the school’s Teacher Training Institute. His support of professional development indirectly benefited hundreds of teachers in Western New York. Kelley continues to teach Reconstructive Language classes at Gow and recently developed a new and successful method of teaching vocabulary using studentled slide presentations that is now a formal part of the course curriculum.
Two Gow teachers, Marykate Hoffman and Dan Kelley, were recently honored by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC). Marykate received the Innovator Award as Outstanding Teacher. Assistant Headmaster Dan Kelley received the Outstanding School Administrator award for 2012. They accepted the awards at the International Dyslexia Association Conference in Baltimore, Maryland on Wednesday, October 23. Hoffman received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 2005 and her Master of Science in reading and literacy in 2006 from the State University College at Geneseo. In 2009, she earned certification in The Gow School’s Reconstructive Language program, which is accredited by IMSLEC. She served as president of the Western New York Branch of IDA in 2010.
Written by Kathleen Rose, Reconstructive Language Department Chair
A treasure from the archives
Gow’s second Headmaster Norman Howard teaching class
In 2009, Hoffman co-authored a fluency development project for all tenth grade students at the school. The highly successful outcome led her to co-present Developing Reading Fluency – Why Student Awareness is Key to Success in 2010 at the International Dyslexia Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. She continues to present on fluency, executive function coaching and other dyslexia-related topics locally and nationally. Most recently, she guest-lectured for the Geneseo State College graduate reading program. She continues to develop innovative multisensory techniques in her Reconstructive Language classes to share successful methods with her colleagues through faculty training. The Gow Life Magazine
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GOW GATHERINGS - OUT AND ABOUT DETROIT, MICHIGAN (left)
David Underdown ‘61, Jeffrey Spoon ‘65, Ari Layno-Moses ‘03, Paul Ragheb ‘89, Mollie Proctor (mom of Alex ‘13), Alex Laethem ‘13, and David Maier ‘92
CHARLESTON, SC (right)
Brendan DeLuke ‘08, Bill Wallace ‘74 and Lea Givens ‘82 enjoyed the chance to catch up on the latest news at Gow.
SAVANNAH, GA (left)
Henry Minis ‘66, Sally Minis, Henry Minis, Jr. ‘09, Schley Knight ‘67, Walker Martin ‘74, Carolyn Hannaford (Royce Learning Center), Steve Maglione, (Head of Royce Learning Centers) Laurel Brady (Consultant), Kevin Murphy ‘09 and Emile Fu ‘10
LAS VEGAS, NV (right)
Gann Kimball, Hugh Gommel, Gayle Hutton, Mark Kimball, Sandra Gommel (mom of Henry Wehmeier ‘83), Jay Patel (dad of Kuvaal ‘16)
PHOENIX, AZ (left)
Marjorie Schmidt (mom of Michael ‘97), Matt Delasotta ‘07, Jason Blumenthal ‘92, Michael Schmidt ‘97, Max and Rocky Nierenberg (GSSP campers), Jon Cowles ‘87, David Burgess ‘87, Jim Purdy ‘62, Donna Nierenberg, Kerr Gelvin ‘96 and Richard Nierenberg
CHICAGO, IL (right)
Jean Basse (mom of Adam ‘15), Sally Schneiders (mom of Joe ‘15) Cally and John Furton (parents of Grant ‘12)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (left)
Ben Jordan ‘88, George Reid ‘43, Doug Cotter ‘87, Char and Michael Plitman (grandparents of Zach Miller ‘14), Julie Miller (mom of Zach Miller ‘14), Mark Hodder ‘82, Dan Crear ‘71 and his wife Mary, Mike Miller (dad of Zach Miller ‘14)
NEW ORLEANS (right)
Andrew Horstmyer ‘80, Gayle Hutton, John Leary ‘03, Charles and Dottie Nelson (parents of Lee ‘03) and Amiee and West Freeman (parents of Andrew ‘09)
The Gow Life Magazine
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ALUMNI INSIGHT
IAN STURDEVANT ‘92
WHITE LINES WITH BLACK INK During my first year as a seventh grader at Gow, I decided to take Mr. Parson’s art class. I can admit now that part of my motivation was to avoid sitting in yet another study hall. Looking back, I learned a great and long lasting lesson from him about perspective. In order to be prepared for his class, I needed an art folio (huge sheets of paper held together with spiral wire at one end), a Chinese brush, and a bottle of black India ink. Off to his class I went, my arms and hands barely grasping these supplies, and my mind alight with wonderment about what fascinating project awaited me in this funny little building across the street near the bridge. When I arrived, Mr. Parsons invited me and the other boys to take our seats and open up our folios, to carefully open the ink, take the cap off the brush and then watch him. Mr. Parsons proceeded to very precisely draw a fine line across the top of the sheet of paper. Okay, I thought to myself, this isn’t fascinating yet. He then instructed us to do the same on our own sheets. I did so quickly and rather imprecisely. He commented that my rashness would only make the rest of my task more difficult. I had no idea what he was talking about. He then demonstrated drawing another line, following every contour and bump from the previous one, attempting to keep the width of both the black line and the white space between uniform. He then instructed us to attempt to do the same, and when we were done with that line to draw another. I did, noting that while I wasn’t fascinated yet, it was better than study hall. After a couple weeks of drawing lines in class, Mr. Parsons came over to my desk to give me some instruction. For me, it was a moment I’ve recalled many times, and in many different ways. Part of what he talked about was technique which helped a lot, but what mattered more was how he explained the concept of negative space. He explained that art is made up not only of the substance we put on the The Gow Life Magazine
page, but also the interplay between that substance and the medium - in this case the white sheet of paper. The effect I should be looking for was equal sized black and white lines so that an observer would wonder if it was a black sheet of paper with white lines, or the other way around. He said mastery of this technique would help achieve this illusion, but in truth the concept has remained much richer for me, despite not ever mastering a Chinese brush. “Draw the white lines with the black ink” he said as he walked away, and I’ve never forgotten it. I haven’t grown up to become an artist. Perhaps Mr. Parsons was wise enough to see then that my talents lay elsewhere. Yet, his lesson about negative space has endured. Why is that? Perhaps it’s because negative space exists in many more places and in far more ways than we think about, yet I wouldn’t think about it much at all, were it not for him. We see it frequently in psychology. We all know an outwardly tough individual who displays much bravado and might even be a bully. But inwardly he is frightened, lonesome, fearful, and insecure. Sometimes even countries behave this way. North Korea displays its military strength, presents the world with images of its supreme leader, and yet thousands of its people starve to death and live in poor living conditions. Simple examples to be sure, but think about it next time you’re presented with bluster and bravado. There is an Bob Dylan song that displays the negative space concept very well. Called Most of the Time, it describes a lost love and accompanying feelings.. Nothing new there, but the angle Dylan takes is different. Here is a short bit of the song to give you an idea of its flavor: “Most of the time, she ain’t even in my mind. I wouldn’t know it if I saw her, she’s that far behind. Most of the time, I can’t even be sure if she was ever with me, or if I was ever with her, most of the time.” What makes this interesting is the way he draws the white line, with 26
the black ink in our imagination. Surely anyone who has suffered a broken heart knows exactly what he is talking about. Most of the time he’s fine, but what goes unsaid, what the song is about in fact, is the some of the time, when he’s not. At the end of World War II our country faced a choice, either to use the atom bomb we had created, or to invade Japan. We know what happened - we used the bomb. We also know what the history books say, that using that bomb was necessary to save American lives. Perhaps that’s true, but perhaps there is more to that story. Perhaps there is something in the negative space, something we don’t often explore. As destructive as the bomb was, Japan feared more the actions of the Soviet Union who had begun its attack on Japan the same day we dropped our second bomb. Japan sued for peace with us, but were they doing so to avoid more bombs, or war with the Soviet Union? Did Japan draw white lines with black ink, claiming we had bombed them into submission, when in truth, they didn’t wish to face a war with the Soviet Union? Did we draw white lines with black ink, using the bomb on a country on the verge of collapse, perhaps to impress the Soviets, and strengthen our negotiating position with them in post war Europe? To seek the answers to these questions requires that first one must ask them, and to ask these questions one must first know how to see things that are hidden in plain sight - the white lines drawn with the black ink. Mr. Parsons showed me how to draw those lines, and I’ve been seeing them ever since. Ian attended Gow for six years and graduated in 1992. He attended Wittenberg University and graduated from Hilbert College. He now works in the insurance industry. He and his wife, Sue live in Falls Church, Virginia. He serves as an officer of the Gow Alumni Association.
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10 TO PROMOTE 1
SIMPLE THINGS
YOU CAN DO
The Gow School 2
Tell a friend about Gow!
If you meet someone who needs Gow, have him check out the website at www.gow.org or give us a call at 716-652-3450.
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Show your Gow spirit!
Follow us on Twitter
and re-tweet us! This is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest at Gow and to help promote the school.
Put a Gow sticker on your car, motorcycle, boat or wherever! To get one, just send an email to development@gow.org or give us a call at 716-687-2074
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Like us on Facebook!
Check out both our Facebook pages: Gow Alumni Association and The Gow School
Watch and comment on our YouTube videos.
Created by our students, these videos are a great way to watch today’s Gow School in action. Check out sports, assembly, classes and more.
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Come to an event!
Attend a Gow alumni event or offer to host one in your home area. We love to get Gow folks together.
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Come to campus!
Return for a reunion, to talk to students, visit classes, see Commencement or attend our auction. We love having guests!
Tell us what Gow means to you!
Send a testimonial about your favorite Gow memory, how Gow changed your life or whatever! We use these words of wisdom in publications and on our website.
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Don’t forget about GSSP!
For your own kids or someone else’s. A five week, coed program for students ages 8-16, Gow’s Summer Program offers an academic boost and fun.
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Support the school
Make a gift to the Annual Fund, donate an item or service for the auction, or encourage others who might want to be involved.
Staying in touch with Gow keeps getting easier! Click to visit Gow’s website www.gow.org
Click to visit Gow’s Alumni Facebook page
The Gow Life Magazine
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NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE
PO Box 85 South Wales NY 14139 www.gow.org
PAID
PERMIT NO. 2 BUFFALO, NY
Celebrate Gow! Join us April 20 for
The Gow Gala
Proceeds from the evening will benefit health and wellness at Gow including the purchase of athletic equipment, renovation of the Health Office, a speakers series and more. The evening includes a delicious dinner, a basket raffle, silent and live auctions, entertainment and fun!
How can I help (even if I live far away)? • Donate an item, service, tickets to a game, the use of a vacation home - anything YOU and your friends would like to bid on! • Attend the event on April 20, 2013 • Sponsor an ad in the event program • Tell your friends! To find out more about how you can join the fun and benefit Gow at the same time, please visit www.gow.org/auction or call 716-687-2075. Thank you! The Gow Life Magazine
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