Class Notes

from The Gryphon: Spring/Summer 2021

by The Cambridge School of Weston (CSW)

Robotics

1950s

Sandy Behrens ’54 writes: I’m still upright, move a bit slower, walk like a drunken sailor, but can still laugh. Had a hip replacement in November 2020 and was sent home with COVID. Long recovery. Still in my home with no plans to move yet. Hugs to all my classmates.

Nick Fleck ’54 writes: Follow my blog Welcome to Sparrowhawk: Poetry, Photography, Notions, and Reflections on Teaching. My website: www.nickfleck.com.

Mary-Lou Weisman ’55 writes: I’ve been a lifelong Darwinian, but I’m particularly cherishing his theory of adaptation in my old age. I used to swim a mile; now I’m busy adapting to one-half mile, with panting. As for “survival of the fittest,” that waits to be seen. I’m far more concerned about the survival of my country. I continue to teach memoir and personal essay writing at the local library. It’s one of my great pleasures. I have quit writing books, along with the anxiety that has always accompanied that passion. If a publication asks me to write, I will, but only if I like the assignment. I recently wrote a chapter about the writercartoonist Al Jaffee for the Library of America that’s publishing a book about MAD magazine. I’m still long distance in touch with Jane and Adam Stein and Nina Meyers Susman ’55. I think a lot and fondly about my years at Cambridge — Mrs. Wash,

the Mikado, Hal Sproul, Nat

Wing ’55, and those wonderful morning assemblies where

Carol Singer Rabinowitz ’55

presided with her clipboard, and we all joined our voices in song.

Jane Burkhardt ’58 writes: I lived in NYC for many years and worked in book publishing. I moved back to Vermont and got my MSW in social work and worked for Planned Parenthood, Community Mental Health, and retired from visiting nurses and hospice doing counseling. I am now involved with the Bennington College Center for the Advancement of Public Action working on food insecurity. Cambridge School provided wonderful, understanding, and supportive teachers like

Jack Rogers, Miss Elizabeth

Belcher ’22 and Trove Rogers. Thank you, Cambridge School.

Martin Skinner ’58 writes: I continue as well as expected for 81 years old. All of us remain free of COVID-19 — all the children and grandchildren. Have become even more of a recluse in the past year but did move to Montana to be near daughter and granddaughter.

1960s

Ed Freeman ’60 writes: It’s been, and continues to be, a wild ride. Working full-time as a photographer/artist these days, after a 30-year career as a musician and record producer. Visited 50 countries, worked on the Beatles tour, performed in Carnegie Hall, produced dozens of records (including “American Pie”), made a fortune, lost a fortune, took drugs, quit drugs, got sick, got well, came out, got outed on Fox News… It took a lifetime, but I finally found the man I love and the work I love doing. Life is a miracle and I’m endlessly grateful for every minute of it.

Marc Haefele ’61 writes: Spring 2021, I had my 53rd Op-Ed in the LA Times. This one was about water resources. [I’ve also been] senior writer for Bermudez Projects, an East Los Angeles art gallery. Have been lecturing MA candidates at Cal State University, Los Angeles, on journalism in American History.

Esther Pasztory ’61 writes: I am putting the finishing touches to a book of short (serious and funny) essays entitled, Something to Say: An Art Historian Looks at the Present. I had fun writing it the last few years. Also, seven videos are on YouTube, Esther Pasztory’s channel, “Ancient Americas, Etcetera.”

Ignacio Bernal Verea ’64

writes: I was a senior in 1964. I went on to live my life in my nation, Mexico. Today I am 74, thanks in part to CSW.

Alice Myerson ’65 and her daughter Alethea Pace

Myerson ’65 died last June after a heroic battle with cancer. She had been the clinical coordinator of the Adolescent AIDS Program at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York. For many years she was involved in the Bronx arts scene. She is pictured here with her lovely daughter, Alethea Pace. I miss her terribly.

Emily Davis ’69 writes: At the beginning of the pandemic shutdown, we were in New Zealand for a bat research conference. Our experience coming back to the U.S. was a surprise. Our saga started with Qantas canceling our flights about 10 days out and telling us we had no options. We went to Orbitz and bought flights on New Zealand Air for March 30. Then we headed back to the

South Island (from Stewart Island) where we had an AirBnB for one night, traveling across the Catlin and stopping at waterfalls and other sights. Drove up to Christchurch and our friends there to settle in until our flight. On the 27th, we were sitting around reading and a refund popped up on the phone from Orbitz. We found out the rules had been changed yet again, and if we did not fly before midnight we would be in New Zealand for at least a month. We quickly found a 6:40 a.m. flight to Auckland. Then the fun started. The domestic terminal closed at midnight. It was a cold windy rainy night. We sat outside for a while and were then told we would have to sit on the cold stone benches until 3 hours before our flight 24 hours later. At 5 a.m. they finally let us inside. There was not a single person there, and we spent the next 16 hours in a corner with benches that we could sleep on. Flight from Auckland to Los Angeles left on time. It was packed. We had a seven-hour layover in Los Angeles. Flight from Los Angeles to New Jersey was empty, and we had a row each. New York City seemed very odd with no stores or restaurants open. Least amount of traffic I have ever seen there. We stayed home with lots of work to do to try and keep some income coming into the house for the past year. Working on a few quilts as well. Even with all of the above this was one of the most amazing trips we have ever taken. We got to net and handle some of the rarest bats in the world and we did two great walks of New Zealand, and hiked over 100k in 7 days. Lots of day hikes as well.

Thomas Graham ’69 writes: Keeping busy looking after the home place and making tin can collages. Virtual art shows are a pale substitute for interacting with flesh and blood humans. We’re all vaxxed up and I welcome visitors to our little corner of the world.

1970s

Ron Kagan ’70 is set to retire as director of the Detroit Zoo this summer, after 28 years. “Kagan is widely known in the world of zoos and as a pioneer in how zoos can play key roles in species conservation, environmental activism and showing compassion for the animals in their care,” said the Detroit Free Press. “His moves alienated some visitors but won over many more. During Kagan’s tenure, the zoo’s annual visitor counts doubled and its paid memberships tripled.” Anne Peterson ’70 writes: We’ve enjoyed the pandemic here in Hawaii. The solitude has allowed for more reading and home projects. I’ve learned to knit socks, bake sourdough bread, and learn more about Photoshop. The most wonderful effect of our isolation is the start of regular Zoom class reunions with classmates in Scotland, Vermont, Ohio, South Carolina, California, and Hawaii. Anyone in the class of 1970 is welcome! Today a comment about the California elections led to a lively discussion on sexual identity and youth, noting that there were a number of things that our parents also didn’t understand about us when we were at Cambridge School. I’m thoroughly enjoying my classmates’ open-minded curiosity and their readiness to discuss a wide range of topics. Unlike our school days, the conversation is now peppered with a lightheartedness and wisdom that makes each discussion insightful, intelligent, and wonderfully inspiring!

Lucy Baker ’73 writes: It’s been more than a year since the COVID pandemic began now. I’ve spent a lot of time with my old CSW friends chatting on Facebook (thanks to modern technology!). It’s been a lot of emotional ups and downs. Thankfully my son lives nearby, I’ve been able to keep in touch and see him throughout the pandemic, and he’s worked straight through. So far so good! I just got my second vaccine. But all in all, it’s been a stressful year. As an artist, I’ve painted some, but mostly read a plethora of books! And stayed home! I live in Connecticut, where lots of stores have closed due to the pandemic, but we are keeping a positive outlook that this “thing” will end soon! I hope all of my CSW friends will continue to stay safe! And I’m so glad winter is over! I must thank those friends for their generosity in helping my son and I survive thus far! You’ve all been great! You know who you are! My CSW classmates came to our rescue numerous times with help for bills, food, car repairs, blankets, a down coat, buying my art, or just out of kindness! Special thanks to Deidre Smith ’73, who did a GoFundMe for us! And Clem Wang ’73, and Nico Sheers ’72. I can’t name everyone here, but so many great CSW friends! At 67 years now, my health has been an issue, and I just wasn’t up to doing much for myself. I’ve been amazed at the outpouring of love! Thank you all so much! It’s kept my son and I going through the cold winter, and we are still here! I look forward to a better year ahead!

Stroker Rogovin ’73 writes: Still running my own custom woodworking business when I’m not volunteering for the Appalachian Mountain Club and other environmental concerns. Now that everyone is finally vaxxed, I’m really looking forward to gigging again as accordionist for the country swing/Tex Mex band The Beantown Buckaroos. Arriba!

Richard Mirsky ’76 writes: I’ve been playing and recording music in Boston for 40 years. I’ve played on dozens of projects as a side person and have put out three solo albums. After having the same job for many years,

Frank Araby ’79 and Bill Rising ’79

I was furloughed and laid off in September. I chose to retire early and focus on music and the healing arts. Looking forward to YOUR stories!

Frank Araby ’79 writes: Bill Rising ’79 and I recently were able to reconnect in Washington, DC. We have also started a monthly CSW Reunion call with Debbie

Kemp ’79, Catherine Ramsey ’79, Nevin Shalit ’79

and Eric Johnson ’80. If anyone is interested in joining, please reach out to any of us through Facebook or LinkedIn.

Catherine Ramsey ’79 writes: I work part-time tutoring individual students at a local college outside Seattle, Washington. The biggest need is for algebra, so I’ve gotten lots of practice, and really enjoy it. We became empty nesters before COVID, and started traveling more, but that came to a screeching halt. My son got married, got his Ph.D. in astrophysics, got a job, moved to the Denver area, and bought a house — all during the pandemic. My daughter wanted to experience the east coast, so she is attending Smith College, and looks forward to returning to campus in the fall. I hope to travel back east again and visit the CSW alumni/ae I’ve reconnected with recently.

1980s

Jon Baker ’80 writes: I am a director of films such as Inconceivable, starring Nicholas Cage and Faye Dunaway. Becoming Iconic: Jonathan Baker includes my journey to completing Inconceivable and interviews with other directors who recount their experience as a first-time film director. I live on the famous Mulholland Drive in the famous Warren Beatty estate. Worked with many of the famous faces that have gone to CSW in the past. When asked about my CSW experience, I say the learning system is the best high school can offer with their module program, and the experience was priceless. Any school that supports the arts is for me. I would love to speak there one day to give back what they gave to me.

Michael Garber ’80 had a fruitful year, with two scholarly books being published. First, published in March, was a chapter in an anthology, Paris and the Musical, from Routledge. Even bigger news is his book, out in July from the University Press of Mississippi, My Melancholy Baby: The First Ballads of the Great American Songbook, 1902-1913. The product of over ten years of research, this history reveals the origins of ten crucial popular songs of the early twentieth century, how collective innovation influenced their creation, and how they were constantly revived and redefined as the decades went by. Michael (along with his wife, Sue Carpenter) will also be returning from England to the U.S. after a temporary residency (extended because of the pandemic) as a Visiting Research Fellow at two British universities. He looks forward to utilizing further his expertise in the study of jazz and pop standards with lectures and consultancy work. As well, he will be spearheading new workshops and websites to help parents with lullabying, along with other community arts programs.

Niho Kozuru ’86 writes: I am pleased to announce that my glass and cast rubber sculptures are currently in an exhibition titled DARKEST BEFORE DAWN: Art in the Age of Uncertainty. The exhibition is at Ethan Cohen Gallery, in Beacon, New York. Ethan is a graduate of CSW, Class of 1979! Also in November 2020, my father, two brothers and I were in an exhibition together. Titled: Kozuru Family Exhibition, it was held at Mitsukoshi Gallery in Fukuoka, Japan. My husband Jeff Hayes ’86 and I look forward to seeing our CSW family in person in the near future... Stay safe and healthy!

Heather Lang-Heaven ’86

writes: I live in the North Bay of the San Francisco Area in beautiful Marin County with my partner Kingsley and our two daughters. Sasha (14) is transitioning to high school next year, and Lexi (8) is finishing up second grade; their in-person and hybrid school schedule has been a welcome relief after many months of distance learning. They are super fun and enjoy singing, dancing, reading, and playing! Kingsley is a builder working in the construction field on multiple projects in Marin and San Francisco Counties. He is also building our other home in his native country Jamaica and we travel there as frequently as possible. I am the Family Services Department Manager at a dynamic nonprofit in Oakland serving parents, children, and early childhood caregivers. We also travel regularly to see my family in Arizona, Cape Cod, and New Hampshire. It was wonderful to be on CSW’s campus for an in-person reunion several years ago, and participate virtually more recently. So proud to be a CSW alumna and love the strength and connection it has given me!

Jenny Burkin ’87 writes: I have been living on Martha’s Vineyard for the past seven years. Winters are always challenging but with COVID only the very strong made it through this winter. I am pleased to say that I am one of them and I am showing my artwork at more galleries and stores than ever in 2021. Should you be on island, please visit Island Art Gallery in Vineyard Haven for my fine art as well as Tending Joy in West Tisbury. My new line of note cards can be found all over the Island in drug stores, bookstores, galleries, gift shops, flower shops, and more. My work can also be seen at jenniferburkin.com.

Betsy Marvit ’89 writes: In January 2020, after choral directing elsewhere for decades, I started my own choral organization, Young Musicians Chorus. We were only five rehearsals in when the pandemic hit, so our end-of-semester concerts have both been online. They include songs that I learned while at CSW: “Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater” (with the kids accompanying on string quartet instead of piano), “Lullay My Liking,” “Blowin’ In the Wind” (with a surprise ending that speaks to the nature of patriotism), and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (with electric

viola in lieu of electric guitar). Feel free to check them out! ymchorus.org/videos. Still in touch with good friends from CSW: Will Turano ’89,

Laurel Holmes Maury ’89,

and Albert Reinhart ’89 (who is uncle to my kids, though we see each other less since sheltering in place). Warm wishes to all!

Madeleine Perlman ’89

writes: Hey all — (that’s Washington D.C.-speak for Hi, Everyone). Greetings from the land of almost 50 and freaking out! I’m still working as a Flamenco dancer, performer, and teacher... though a lot more teaching at this point. I’m in touch with many CSW friends which is great. My kid is in second grade; I’m training her to be a rock star. xoxo

1990s

Janos Stone ’93 writes: Hello, CSW community! I hope everyone is benefiting from the warm weather and increased vaccinations. Haus (www.childrenshaus.com) has had some interesting moves that I thought might be of interest: Design Milk featured Haus in a wonderful article, and dwell magazine will feature Haus in its May print/online editions. In May 2021, Rainershine will be collaborating with Haus to produce one of their monthly, inspired-by-artists, homedelivered art kits for kids. A design group in Tokyo loves Haus and believes that it would be trendy in the Japanese market and help Haus crowdfund in Japan. It is early stages yet; however, I am speaking with Life is Good playmakers about helping schools around the U.S. have a Haus in classrooms for quiet and personal time for kids. All my best!

Will Fertman ’96 writes: I’m still in Berkeley with my wife, raising two wonderful children. The pandemic has kept me home this year, enjoying them as they grow. Our oldest is now six and fascinated with math and cooking. Our youngest is three, and was recently accepted to the wonderful California School for the Deaf in Fremont. Good schools for deaf kids are few and far between in the U.S., and I credit my time at CSW for helping me understand the value of good teachers and a progressive educational environment.

Becky Carberg ’98 writes: I have been living in Santiago, Chile, for the past 12 years. I followed in my father’s footsteps and became a teacher. I teach seventh grade humanities at the International School of Nido de Aguilas. It reminds me in many ways of good old CSW. I have two half-Chilean kids, Seba, 10, and Lucy, 4. I keep in close touch with Sasha McGarvey ’98 and Jessie May ’98. Warren is doing well, still writing and living in Concord, Massachusetts, at the age of 86! We are finally getting to visit this summer after two years of not being able to come home!

Dhira Rauch ‘98: After six years building their organization Holes in the Wall Collective, supporting people and organizations who are creatively rebalancing the world we’re in, Dhira and her partner took to the streets during COVID with a six-foot spoon, bringing joy and curiosity as part of a campaign to raise 100,000 teaspoons from as many people as possible to fund their Center for Creative Work. It’s been a magic high-five to humanity, despite the times. Follow the spoon at holesinthewallcollective.org.

Mattie Eisenberg ’99 writes: Hello, everybody. I always love hearing what others are up to and finally got over the hurdle to share myself. In the spring of 2020 I moved to Bend, Oregon. My private practice, Spruce, through which I offer Mind Body Therapy and Private Meditation Instruction went virtual and I am now seeing people without the limitation of physical distance which is quite rewarding. The shift to virtual sessions provided this wonderful dissolving of the curtain between the therapy office and the world outside it. I am grateful to the pandemic in that it forced me to overcome fears around shifting how I practiced and be reminded of the ingenuity that is available within loss. I’d be humbled if anyone wanted to take a look at my work and pass on the info to anyone that may be interested. I’d love to connect with anyone else in the healing industry too! www.destianationspruce.com

Dhira Rauch ’98, her partner and their six foot spoon raising awareness for Holes in the Wall Collective

2000s

Ayla Barreau ’05 writes: I recently changed talent managers and am now represented by Bohemia Group in Los Angeles. I’m excited to say that CSW Alum Andras Jones ’86 is now my new talent manager! CSW community sticking together.

Rose Kaufman ’05 writes: I have been in the early intervention field for 10 years, working as a developmental specialist. I was recently promoted to assistant director of three Riverside early childhood programs in Cambridge and Somerville. It is a pleasure to continue to serve my community in this new role. I started working in an early childhood setting meeting the school service requirement at CSW’s daycare.

IN MEMORIAM

Judith McConnell ’42 Serge Karpovich ’46 Carrie Lewis ’47 Doris Winder ’48 Judy Goldston ’51 John Waddell ’52 Suzie Davis ’54 Bert Caldwell ’54 David Berkeley ’73 Jessica Engelman ’87

Madeline Furst ’06 with husband Alex, son August, and daughter Rosemary

Cozy Josephson ’05 writes: Hey, CSW! I have been working closely with global health leaders at the Gates Foundation, The World Health Organization, and the President’s Malaria initiative to help excel COVID vaccine distribution in Sub Saharan Africa using existing malaria programs and emergency operation centers. I work as a chief of staff and senior assistant to the director of the malaria program at the Gates Foundation.

Madeline Furst ’06 and her husband, Alex Weiss, welcomed baby number two on January 8, 2021. Rosemary Priscilla Shand Weiss was given a name to commemorate all the strong women of her heritage. Her brother, August, who is almost three, loves her dearly and can’t wait to scooter and bike with her around the neighborhood.

Zack Miller ’06 and his wife, Anna, are celebrating their daughter Leora’s first birthday in January 2021. Zack will be completing his residency in pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in June 2021, and will soon after begin a three-year fellowship in child abuse pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Zack, Anna, and Leora live in Wallingford, Pennsylvania, with their dog, Cedy.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Everyone is invited to submit news to the Alumni/ae Office. Please email news and photos to alum@csw.org.

2010s

Joe Hille ’16 writes: I just completed my liberal arts bachelor’s at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC) this past Spring. So that was fun... Right now I am working with Brigid and Max, two friends of mine who I met on my first day at SLC. I am working two jobs and completing an edit of the adaptation style narrative piece, which wrapped shooting on July 31, 2019. I am finding that a lot of the passed down trauma within my family is closely linked to my relationship with the institution of academics. This is what I plan to investigate, and I expect to rekindle my relationship with CSW in the process. I guess sending this alumni/ae check-in really is a good way of getting myself to commit to the project. I promise CSW alumni/ae relations isn’t paying me to say this. Everyone should watch How To With John Wilson (2020) on HBO. Again, neither are paying me. Rena Wu ’17: Music Department Chair Michael Weinstein shares that Rena played a fantastic senior recital at Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester. “Four major works, masterfully done. Rena has grown musically, as well,” Michael says. “Her playing is full of interesting decisions about what nuances in the score to bring out as originally suggested by the composer. Wonderful technique and so heartfelt. As a teacher it makes one’s day (year/ decade) to be able to participate in such an event as an audience member.”

Ella Trumper ’18 writes: This past semester, I was admitted to MIT as a transfer student. I am studying bioengineering and am also on a pre-med track. I have worked in a BioE lab at MIT for the past few years, so I feel very excited and grateful that I now get to be a student!