Class Notes

Updates From the Alumni Board

Greetings MBS Alumni and Friends,

As my presidential term comes to an end, I write to all of you to share my gratitude for all that we have achieved together. I am so proud of our countless accomplishments, however, the most rewarding part of being Alumni Association President was connecting with our rich network of talented alumni.

I promise this isn’t the end of the road for me. I’ll continue to serve on committees, volunteer and participate in alumni events, and support our alma mater in any way I can. It's been a joy to have shared my energy, pride, and leadership with the MBS alumni community and the future will continue to build on our momentum to strengthen connections with each other and with our School.

Here on the Alumni Board, we are always planning ahead. I invite you to come along with us for the events we have planned. We will be celebrating MBS Alumni Reunion and Homecoming 2022 on Saturday, October 22. This year we will be recognizing milestone class years ending in 2 and 7.

The 2021-2022 school year marks the 50th anniversary of Morristown Beard School as a coeducational school. Congratulations to the class of 1972 on their upcoming 50th Reunion. They were the first class to graduate from the coed MBS.

As we move into warmer weather, I look forward to hearing more about your successes, triumphs, and achievements, as well as your struggles and challenges. I am here for it all. In fact, please reach out to me if you are interested in joining our Alumni Board.

I end this letter with a note of thanks to our alumni community for staying involved, connected, and engaged with MBS in so many different ways. I look forward to seeing you at a future MBS Alumni and Friends event. Keep the Crimson spirit with you!

With gratitude,

Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78 President, MBS Alumni Board

Need volunteer or event information?

Please visit www.mbsconnect.net or email alumni@mbs.net

1948

Robert Greenberger writes, “Hello to (my) class members of The Prep. I have three great-grandsons to enjoy. My traveling is reduced because of age and weather. The development of the School since 1948 is quite encouraging.”

1950

Peter M. Hall, PhD, PE shares: “At 87 years, I’m extant, healthy, and solvent, so I have much for which to be grateful. I retired from teaching 20 years ago, but I still do online tutoring for physics and trig, using equations I learned at MBS more than 70 years ago. I live in Delaware with my wife Betty (whom I married 65 years ago), a daughter and one small dog. I am still grateful for the education I obtained at MBS under some great teachers, especially Mr. Wilkie, Mr. McBride, Mr. Quimby, and Mr. Taylor. I still remember my pass receiving record in MBS football (0 for 1), but I did great keeping the bench warm. With many fond memories, I remain a loyal alumnus.”

1954

Class Agent Anne Overman Bunn shares the following updates about herself and her classmates. Anne states, “My husband, Freeman, and I moved last April (2021) from John's Island to a 50 years old and older development. We love it and love our house. One of our fellow residents is Penny Dunn Alexitch! So far she seems to be the only ‘Beardite’—but there are quite a few (of us) from Bennett. We think it’s a good move for us.” Anne continues, “My cousin Fran Overman Mercer has moved from New York to Seattle, Washington. She misses New York City but has made new friends and is near her daughter Kirsten. Sally Rogers Epstein sadly lost her oldest son Christian. He had a long illness and Sally says ‘he is in a better place.’ Sally had an operation on her foot which I hope was a success. Carin Asbach Gordevitch passed away about a year ago. She had Parkinsons’ disease. Sally Epstein and

I went to see Carin about a year before she died, so sad. Betsey Adair Glaeser checked in with me recently. Despite eye problems, she is very happy in her retirement home. Betsey sees a lot of her daughter who lives nearby. Kathy Meglaughlin Ferris lost her devoted husband Pete in December. She loves her house and where she lives. She has no plans at the moment to move. Mary Earl Pruden Rogers and her husband Bill moved out of their wonderful house to a condo in town. I think she vacationed in Florida this past winter,” writes Anne. “Jenny Lou Warner Laughlin is very happy in Marblehead, Massachusetts and rides a grass cutter to mow her lawn - all the neighbors love her! Jenny has one dog and three cats.”

1955

Don Lum and his wife Colene moved from Burbank, California to Little Rock, Arkansas to be near their son Kragen and his wife Jenna Leigh.

1958

Belinda Rinker Phillips reports, “Leaving my heart in New Hampshire a year ago, I’m delighted with my spacious new digs in historic Dorchester, Massachusetts with Solace (“Solly”), my tiny dog. Family and fun are minutes from Boston. Come visit!” Belinda would love to hear from her schoolmates. Please email alumni@mbs.net for her contact information.

1960

“Los Angeles is treating us well as John and I are still hopping along,” writes Melinda Mitchell Lyon. “Our family news is that our son, Carl, is finally marrying his partner of over 15 years, William. They are planning a May wedding in San Francisco. It will be a small family reunion as many of our out-of-state relatives plan to attend. It should be a fun event. I’m sorry to say that I haven’t kept in touch with any of my classmates since our 60th Zoom reunion that was hosted by Pam Russell Bush. Maybe I can ask her to host another meeting?”

1961

Thomas McEwan states, “I recently finished a book titled Out in Africa Senegal 19661968 relating my Peace Corps experience. A paragraph from the foreword reads as follows: ‘One of the reasons I applied for the Peace Corps was to avoid being drafted to fight in Vietnam. Justin Whiting and Bruce Tufts, two of my (classmates and) good friends from Morristown School, today have their names inscribed on the wall in Washington honoring those killed in Vietnam.’”

1962 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

“Notes from Adventure Barbie!” writes Barbara Hardenbrook. “Spent the winter months this year on Pawleys Island, South Carolina then returned back to my home state of Maine in April. At this age I am collecting experiences with a different location each winter. Last winter it was horses near Ocala, Florida and then on the coast in Tarpon Springs. The year before Europe coming home in March 2020 as COVID was ramping up. Four and one half months in Europe with only a very small backpack, I was able to travel to England, Portugal, Greece, Malta, Gozo, Cyprus, and Albania. In those countries I was able to spend time with local families and often do odd jobs. I have learned more traveling than I ever did from books! Next year I hope to return to Dominica in the Caribbean, where I lived for several years, I haven’t been back for a while. Other than the traveling I keep busy buying and selling antiques and kayaking and sailing on a nice lake in the foothills of western Maine. In the picture I am helping to make carpet in the mountains of Albania.” “Merrie, my new Maine Coon (cat) makes a tree house of everything!” shares Dr. Jeanie Hayes. Jeanie adds: “I am grateful for my Beard School education and for my smart group of friends who are still in my life today. They were role models teaching me how to study which then enabled me to go on with my education. I was set on my course for graduate school, a Ph.D. and a thriving, successful career as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Thank you Beard School, teachers, and classmates!”

Susan Underwood writes, “We get very little news from the Class of 1962 so I wanted to share about my pilgrimage on El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. I am also very involved in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) activities and like what MBS is doing.

I flew to Madrid from JFK airport in New York arriving on September, 10, 2021. I spent three days in Madrid before taking an early train to Sarria my first stop on the camino. We were a small group of four people: myself, a couple from outside San Francisco, a woman from Charlotte, and our wonderful young guide who was in his 30s. The group could have had up to 12. I liked the small size. We were a very compatible group in our 60s and 70s and were able to keep a good walking pace. Remember, we were in Spain and there was no reason to be in a hurry.

Our first night on El Camino was in Sarria, reached by train from Madrid. I arrived ahead of the group and had delicious octopus for lunch and enjoyed seeing them pulled out of a large caldron, snipped with scissors into bite-size pieces, sprinkled with salt, paprika and olive oil and served on a small wooden plate. Having lived in Spain for two years after graduating from Wheelock College (now part of Boston University), I came to love Spanish food.

I admit that we were spoiled. We stayed in nice places. Each morning, we would bring our luggage to the front desk to be transported to our next hotel. We ate breakfast at 8:00 a.m.

and were out on the trail at 9:00 a.m. carrying our day packs. I used trekking sticks. Most of the time we were in rural Galicia walking past green corn fields, pear, apple, and fig trees. It was very peaceful and serene. We saw cattle and sheep in the fields and along the road. One restaurant had an arbor of kiwi fruit. It was raining so we ate inside. We would greet other pilgrims with ‘Buen Camino’. Some pilgrims were on horses or bikes. The first day we walked about 14 miles. We took midmorning breaks, lunch breaks, and another in the afternoon if needed before arriving at our next destination. We received a Compostela - certificate written in Latin having walked 100 kilometers which was required to get one. After the Camino, I visited our daughter Megan, her husband Dani, and their children Emma, 4, and Nolan, 16 months. I spent three weeks in Linares with them. Linares is in southern Spain. Andre Segovia, the famous classical guitarist, hails from there. Spanish children begin school at three years old (and) Emma is bilingual speaking Spanish and English. Peace and blessings to all.”

Charles H. Coffin III writes, “An assortment of people of various ages, after listening to some of my stories related to my experiences while serving in the US Navy, strongly encouraged me to write a book so, I did. The title is Tempest. The book was published in 2021 and is available on Amazon. Although my story takes place in a military setting, bullying can be experienced by people of all ages and gender. My book relates how I coped with my particular environment and yet offers some entertaining, humorous vignettes. You will note from the 5-star reviews I have received that it has struck a chord with many. Writer’s Digest wrote a supportive review. Tempest was featured as an Amazon ‘Book-of-the-Week’ in December. As an MBS alumnus, I thought I would let you know that older alumni can be very active producers.”

1964

As a newly-ordained minister, Justine Braatz Ashton continues to run her family-owned wine business in Northern California. Mother of three daughters and grandma to two, minister Justine is also an author, organic fruit and vegetable farmer, and painter. Never one to quit when the going gets rough, she and her family are rebuilding their family home, guest house, and barn after all was lost during a 2017 fire storm that swept through Sonoma Valley. Justine’s husband of 50 years passed in 2018. Now she’s “ready to find love again.” Pictured are Justine and her daughters, Aurora, Sarah, and Tara. Justine welcomes your call, 707-721-6671.

1972 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

Barbara Kennard is excited to announce, “My first book, Dragons in My Classroom: A Teacher’s Memoir is being published by She Writes Press in June.” The book is “a memoir of the year I taught overseas at the Dragon School in Oxford England.” In the book, she writes, “I started teaching in 1980 and by 1997 I had taught in a variety of settings. I had received two teaching awards. My craft felt honed and strong. I’d always loved my work and never felt it to be a burden but a gift from God and from some of my own teachers, in particular, several from The Beard School and Morristown Beard School: Mrs. Rose Koch, Mr. Patrick Hall, Mrs. Elizabeth Berg, and Mrs. Marie Church all gave me a deep and abiding love for history and English. Even though my dyslexia and blindness in one eye were significant stumbling blocks for me, I never considered giving up the craft. I’d loved school all my life. I wanted to spend my life teaching. In 1997, the 17th year of my career was a watershed year for me. I was brought face to face with the biggest stumbling block I hadn’t seen in my work: my perfectionism and how it held me back from being the teacher I wanted to be. An administrator called me out on all the ways I was too demanding of my students and myself. I was headed for burnout and possibly dismissal. It was in that year, by the grace of God, I learned about a teaching exchange between the Fessenden School in Boston where I was teaching and the Dragon School. I’d have to give up everything I knew about teaching in the US to teach at the Dragon. In short, I would have to begin again and confront my inner dragons.”

1975

Elaine Pantages Conti, Susan Reed Scranon, and Cindy Close Campbell enjoyed reminiscing as they helped contribute to Bob Namar’s ’74 article “Two Schools Into One” on page 24.

1978

Ann Marie Kennedy is excited to announce, “I have a new appointment as a field representative with the Census Bureau and I have been active in politics.” Ann’s titles include—Affirmative Action Officer, Congressional District 2 Oklahoma Democratic Party member, and 2020 Sanders Delegate for the DNC National Convention.

Congratulations to Fred Schector who shares, “I was married in October 2021, to Debora Varon. Alumni Phil Schector ’79 (my brother) and

John Lewis (classmate) were both there. We also adopted a new puppy, Romeo.”

1979

in October. Pictured from left to right are: Nancy Wenzel (Chris Wenzel’s wife), Chris Wenzel, Rob Schaffer, Chris McClanahan, KC Hnat Joubran, Rosalie Small, and Adam Diglio. A great time was had by all.

“This past September I participated in the third annual New England fall classic where we golfed on Nantucket with Tripp Billings ’80, Steve Fusco, Peter Van de Graaf, and Bruce Esbaugh ’80,” shares Art Lewis. “It was great seeing the boys.” Art continues, “This past October we celebrated the marriage of my daughter Jillian Lewis to Geoff Ollwerther. Jillian is an Assistant District Attorney for Manhattan and Geoff is Chief Financial Officer for an entertainment company. They reside in Long Island City. It seems like I was just a Crimson the other day…”

1980

“Klaus is on the shelf!” exclaims Warren Bobrow. “My three-years-in-the-making, California-regulated craft cannabis libation is finally on the shelf in fine dispensaries around the state, like Solful in Sebastopol, The Vault in Cathedral City, and soon to Torrey Holistics in San Diego. To start a new business in the nascent world of cannabis beverages at 60 is a gift that will inspire and charm. Just like the gnome! Drinkklaus.com and on Instagram @ drinkklaus.”

1986

Alumni Herman Kurz, Merritt Lewis ’87, Andrew Callahan ’13, Alex Ranger ’13, James Callahan ’15, Nick Sanford ’15, Tim Sanford ’15, and Jake Kurz ’17 skated to win the Founder’s Cup at Essex Hunt Club this past December. Current MBS student Pierce Brucker ’24 was the team’s goalie.

1987 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

1981

Bill Scarlett has retired. Bill was a clinical mental health counselor and later a school counselor for many years. Bill says he is “happy to embrace the snowbird life, dividing my time between Maine and Florida.”

1982 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

Elise Phillips Margulis is the editor of TAPinto Millburn and TAPinto West Orange and “loves covering hyperlocal news.”

1984

Members of the Class of 1984 gathered at Arthur’s in Morris Plains “In the first weekend of December, Caroline Elias Turben graciously hosted our Girls’ Weekend at her home in the Catskills,” writes Helen Broder Fuller. “We were certainly in school spirit (note the MBS t-shirts) as we enjoyed a weekend of catching up and having such a fun time together. Cheers!” In the photo left to right: Kate Carlson-Furer, Sandi Appet Pesso, Caroline Elias Turben, Jennifer Seabury Sowa, and Helen Broder Fuller.

1993

Michael Masini is “Currently shooting a new television show for Apple TV with Ben Stiller, Matt Dillon, and Patricia Arquette to be released fall 2022.” Earlier this year, Michael “wrapped a Marilyn Monroe movie, Blonde where I play Tony Curtis produced by Brad Pitt opposite Anna DeArmas and Adrien Brody, and Queenpins with Kristen Bell and Vince Vaughn. I am living in Los Angeles with my wife Katrina and two little guys Floyd, age 5 and Otis, age 2. Floyd started hockey in the spring.”

1998

Sean Downey and his wife Julie welcomed their second child, Lucy Jill Downey on December 20th! Earlier in 2021, the Downey’s moved from their home in Washington, DC just over the line to nearby Chevy Chase, Maryland. Sean continues his work in progressive campaigns and public affairs as a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions based in Georgetown and running the firm’s New England practice.

2002 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

Corey Douglas Moore currently lives in Saratoga Springs, New York with her husband

Cody, two children Johnny (4) and Georgia (2), and their dog Willy Wonka. After 12 years as a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley, she’s now running her own business as a full-time potter. Her work can be found locally as well as online at undergroundclay.com or on Instagram @underground_clay.

Members of the Class of 2002 got together in February for their annual Mount Snow Vermont class ski trip. Pictured in 2022 are: Todd McConnell, Dan Pellenburg, Ross Selby, and Tucker Crooks. And pre-COVID in 2019 are left to right: John Benanato, Tucker Crooks, Bob Skinner, Greg Bottitta, Dan Pellenburg, Dave Starr, Ross Selby, and Todd McConnell.

2003

Denny Madigan has accepted the role of VP Retail Banking at New England Federal Credit Union, Vermont’s largest credit union. He will oversee all sales, service, and operations for their retail and contact center departments. Denny joined the credit union after 11 years at TD Bank.

2005

Brian Kilduff and wife Alicia recently moved from New York City to Summit, New Jersey with their one-year-old son, Robert.

2007 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

Matt Engel began his new role at KPMG this past winter and says he is “keeping plenty busy.” Continues Matt, “I’m looking forward to the next MBS event on campus and I am always available on the MBS Alumni Portal, www. mbsconnect.net to reconnect!”

2009

“When you’re seeking to do renovations on your home in Atlanta, Georgia and Ray Garrison Jr., Morristown School class of ’68 shows up. Morristown Beard alumni are everywhere,” writes Ian Elmore-Moore.

“John Masini married his MBS sweetheart, Gabriella Daidone Masini ’12 on November 13, 2021 at Park Chateau in East Brunswick, New Jersey. Celebrating in attendance with the happy couple were 16 MBS alumni ranging from the class of 1993 through the class of 2016.” Pictured in attendance are – back row: Christina Verduce Sargent ’93, Eric Sackman, Ali Rakow ’12, Michael Masini ’93, Kristen Fitzgerald Tamboor, Jay Tamboor ’07, Thomas Greco ’07, Bobby Raynolds, Oliver Nugent, Doug Taylor, and front row: John Masini, Gabriella Daidone Masini ’12, Jaynie Siegel ’12, Dan Greco ’07; not pictured but in attendance: Matt Engel ’07, Colin Larmond, Jr. ’08, and Kenny Monteith ’08.

2010

Mike Dunlevy recently proposed to his longtime partner in Central Park’s Shakespeare Garden. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Columbia Business School while teaching financial literacy in Harlem. Prior to Columbia, Mike worked in investment management with a focus on sustainable investment and the global healthcare industry. He is preparing for the final exam of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program and encourages anyone with a similar passion to reach out.

2015

Kaitlin Hunt is excited to announce that she “started an art business, Katiecreatives LLC, www.katiecreatives.com. I sell paintings, and small home decor objects.”

2017 2 Morristown Beard Sch ool 1 9 5 2 1 9 57 1962 1967 1972 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 20 1 2 0 1 7 REUNION October 22, 2022

Jared Rosen was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York in May 2021.

2019

Spoken word artist Trevone Quarrie participated in a performance in February at the Oasis Taproom, which is a local venue near his college, University of Pittsburgh. Trevone writes, “My performance went well and I was an accompanying act to the headline. I got to network with some people that really liked my performance, and hopefully, this is what gets the ball rolling.”

Stay in Touch with MBS!

Keep the MBS community updated on your latest personal, professional, and civic achievements. Please email alumni@mbs.net or scan the QR code by August 31, 2022 to be included in the next issue of Crimson.

Morristown Beard School

Meet the Alumni Board!

The Alumni Board works to promote a mutually-beneficial and rewarding relationship between Morristown Beard School and its alumni. Alumni Board members make meaningful contributions of their time, talents, and wisdom to the School and its students. They connect the traditions of the past with the vibrant future of our students.

Alumni Board Executive Committee Amy Chaiken Wolffe ’78, President Matthew Engel ’07, Vice President KC Hnat Joubran ’84, Secretary David Kramer ’69, Treasurer The 2021-2022 Alumni Board Members

Christina (Toth) Breen ’95 Jerome Brown ’08 John Capo, III ’08 Ryan Carr ’95 Sue Driscoll ’02 Michele (Cestone) Fusco ’83 Laura Geron ’08 Tiffany Halo ’01 Brian Kilduff ’05 Todd McConnell ’02 BeLara (Bryant) Palmer ’98 Eriqah (Williams) Vincent ’06 Nancy “Taz” (Tasman) Brower ’47 (Emeritus)

Join the Alumni Board!

Alumni Board Members meet four times throughout the school year. They are looked upon for their engagement, dedication, and leadership within the MBS alumni community. Term limits are three years with possible extension.

If you are interested in serving on the Alumni Board, please visit the Resources section of our Alumni Networking Portal, MBS Connect— www.mbsconnect.net or contact Alumni Relations at alumni@mbs.net or 973-532-7578.

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• Read inspiring MBS alumni news • Find classmates, teammates, and friends in the online directory • Stay up to date with the calendar of events • Share job opportunities on the job board Utilize all of these tools and more on MBS Connect—Your Alumni Networking Portal

Questions? Please contact Alumni Relations at alumni@mbs.net or 973-532-7578.