Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Winter 2012018-196-17 Permit No. 259 Newburgh, NY

Address Service Requested OakNEWSLETTER FROM OAKWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL • CELEBRATINGLeaves OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY “A Human Writes Human Rights: Estare Alston ’90 A Novelist’s Report” By Amitava Kumar “Living in Two Worlds”

promote social justice. Kumar will present: “A Hu- man Writes Human Rights: A Novelist’s Report.”

Amitava Kumar was born in Ara, India, and grew up in the nearby town of Patna, famous for its corruption, crushing poverty and deli- cious mangoes. He is the author of several books of nonfiction and two novels. His prize- winning book A Foreigner Carrying in the Crook of His Arm a Tiny Bomb (2010) was described by The New York Times as a “perceptive and soulful … meditation on the global war on ter- ror and its cultural and human repercussions.” His latest book, Immigrant, Montana: A Nov- el (2018) was included in the list of notable Visit us at www.oakwoodfriends.org books of the year by The New York Times. Kumar is the Helen D. Lockwood Professor of English at Vassar College and has been honored with residencies at Yaddo and The Norman Mail- Estare Alston, class of 1990, mesmerized our 16 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY er Center. He also has been awarded a Guggen- school community with her powerful talk heim Fellowship as well as a Ford Fellowship in about “Living in Two Worlds” presented dur- Literature from United States Artists. He serves on ing winter reunion on Friday, January 4th. Es- the editorial board of several publications and is tare spoke with candor about her own very Winter Fun the script-writer and narrator of two documenta- difficult childhood and early teenage years in ry films: “Pure Chutney” (1997) and “Dirty Laun- Brooklyn, the unexpected sequence of events dry” (2005). Professor Kumar teaches classes that brought her to Oakwood Friends School that mainly deal with reportage; the essay-form, in Poughkeepsie, and her struggle to find a both in prose and film; cities; literatures describ- place for herself in this new and unfamiliar Writer and journalist Amitava Kumar will ing the global movement of goods and people; environment. She was truly living in two present the Caroline “Dash” Davis Glei- war; and memory-work. He earned his BA and worlds – a sometimes lonely and confusing ter Lecture on Social Justice on Fri- MA at Delhi University; an MA at Syracuse Uni- experience. Estare succeeded on all fronts. day May 17th to open Alumni Weekend. versity, and PhD at University of Minnesota. After graduating from Oakwood, Estare Now in its 15th year, this lecture series was es- Oakwood Friends School is honored to wel- earned a Bachelor’s in History from Colgate tablished by classmates in memory of Dash Da- come Amitava Kumar as our 2019 Caro- University and later earned a Masters’ De- vis Gleiter ’51 in recognition of her work in civil line "Dash" Davis Gleiter Lecture on So- gree in Education and an Administrative Li- rights and her lifetime of volunteer activities to cial Justice speaker. All are welcome. cense in School Building Leadership. She is currently a 9th grade U.S. History Teacher, and President of Talk of the Town’s Toast- masters Public Speaking Club. Her goal now is to use her voice to change people’s lives by helping to change people’s perceptions.

It was clear that students felt a special rapport with Estare and her positive message. Many waited for a turn to speak with her privately to share something about their own life stories. The meeting concluded with a standing ovation for Estare after her breath-taking rendition of Whitney Houston’s song, Greatest Love of All.

Thank you Estare for a memorable and inspi- rational afternoon!

Winter Fun Circa 1949 Estare Alston ’90 with faculty members Bill and Nancy Doolittle and Charlie Butts 2 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 15

our community. We unplug and look inward. education and the merits of our Oakwood Letter from the Head We reflect. We think. As meeting concluded community. I was inspired by the engage- we shook hands, and not surprisingly the ment, the passion and the energy of our Remembering Bert Smiley ’62 IN MEMORY By: Chad Cianfrani, Head of School middle school students bolted out the doors. current seventh graders. They have a lot of vanced Mathematics. In 1973, he met his Oakwood learning ahead of them, as do I. future wife Nina Feldman who was a se- Early this Feb- English and writing were next up. Gathered nior at Vassar College. They married a year Alice Landis Tonry ’39 ruary I walked in a circle we compared the merits of novel later and went to Princeton University for July 5, 2016 into our Meeting versus movie. A statistical approach plotted graduate study. Bert earned a PhD in eco- Room for morn- who, when, what, and how we talked during Beth Porter ’87 nomics with a focus on industrial organiza- Lucinda White Lohr ’40 ing Collection class. Graphical representation of conversa- tion. For ten years he worked for the U.S. November 5, 2018 filled with an- tion? As a statistician and engineer, I was Speaks at Davos Department of Justice Antitrust Division as ticipation, excite- both intrigued and pleasantly surprised by the Director of Research focusing on public ment and a little this addition. Spoiler…’ Princess Bride’ the policy analysis. In 1990, Bert and Nina re- Janet Stone ’46 anxiety. With movie is better than the novel according to turned to Mohonk where Bert became the December 22, 2018 the seventh- Oakwood’s 7th grade (and most of society). president and CEO and Nina became the grade class as my Director of Marketing. Bert continued in John Gilbert ’49 guide, I focused On to United States History, Civics and that role until his retirement in June 2018. June 28,2016 on the experi- Politics: Having studied the US constitu- ence at hand… tion from formation to implementation As a fourth-generation leader of the resort, my day as a earlier this term, the 7th grade class began Bert was passionate about Mohonk’s mis- Tedye Lenore Thompson ’49 middle school- with two questions: ‘What is a State of the sion of historic preservation. In 2011, 874 October 13, 2018 er. The last time I was in this position the Union Address?’ Why do we have one?” We Oakwood Friends School lost a distin- acres of Mohonk Mountain House land was Carter and Reagan administrations were in then proceeded to watch the first 20 min- guished alumnus and wonderful friend transferred to the Open Space Institute to Johanne Haberstro Trotter ’49 transition and the Trapper Keeper was an utes of the recent State of the Union Ad- when Albert Keith Smiley III passed away ensure the land’s preservation for future September 14, 2018 organizational must. As our Middle School dress and then were tasked with identifying on October 16, 2018. Known affection- generations. In 2017, the Smiley family was Director texted a photograph of the daily major themes, major goals, and topics dis- ately as Bert, he was described with these named “Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers schedule to my iPhone, I quickly realized cussed by the president. Our homework: words at a reception held at the Smiley of the Year” by the Historic Hotels World- Mary Atherton Varchaver ’49 many aspects of the middle school experi- finish watching the SOTU address, discuss April 5, 2018 Oakwood Board Member Beth Porter ’87 family's historic Mohonk Mountain House: wide at their annual Awards of Excellence. ence have changed over the last forty years. with family at home and further identify ar- “With quiet confidence, a brilliant mind, Bert believed that the strength of the busi- eas of success, areas of concern and how was a speaker at The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held January 22-25, 2019 at and a dry wit, Bert worked tirelessly over ness lay in its community of staff. He con- Rosalee Haviland Boissy ’50 Walking the brick pathway between Main we as 7th graders can become involved. decades to preserve the Mountain House sidered them his extended Mohonk family. October 13, 2016 Building and the Dining Hall, our first stop Fourth class done… and I am exhausted. Davos in Switzerland. Beth took part in the 2nd Annual TransHuman Code Meeting of and his family’s legacy. His wisdom and in- was the photography studio and darkroom. sights, his ability to hold simultaneously a the Minds Roundtable focusing on “Humans Susan Hart Cayanne ’52 Having taken advantage of unseasonably With no rest for the weary, we shifted gears vision of the future and to craft the means warm weather the day before, the students from the classrooms to the courts. Next stop, as the Fulcrum to the Internet of Everything". October 2018 She was joined in this week-long event by of getting there were admired and appre- had already captured six rolls of black and Kildonan School with the 7th graders and the ciated by all. Bert lived with integrity – a white film around campus. Throughout rest of our middle school basketball team. the world’s premier authorities on the ap- plication of AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, kind person who appreciated others, and Richard White ’52 our hour-long class, canisters were awash After forty-five minutes of travel through the was, in return, loved, respected, and trust- January 5, 2019 in fixers and stop-baths. Timers governed rolling horse fields of Amenia, we arrived. IoT, and Robotics to transhuman education, employment, communication, transporta- ed by those around him. He has touched our every move as we measured, poured, Every Oakwood player, from our shortest many lives and will be deeply missed.” tapped, and rocked the film. A nervous 6th graders to our tallest 8th graders saw tion, communities, security, government, Richard G. Knapp ’58 food, finance, entertainment and health. January 2019 energy filled the studio space as we hung ample playing time. And although the bas- Bert was greatly admired by his Oakwood negatives to dry while performing a quick ketball gods did not favor us with a win, The World Economic Forum Annual Meet- classmates back in his school days and in quality-control inspection. Cutting, enlarg- we did drain an improbable skyhook three his adult life. Tom Ditto reminisced about Albert K. Smiley III ’62 ing and final development would have to point shot at the buzzer. Multiple parents ing at Davos is a yearly gathering that brings together leaders of global society. The heads his high school friend: “I convinced Bert October 16, 2018 wait for another day. Class one complete. made the journey to watch their children to jump into calculus with me because we and the Oakwood girl’s JV basketball team and members of more than 100 govern- Bert and Nina at Mohonk ments, top executives of the 1,000 foremost needed enough students to hold the class. Richard Holtz ’63 Leaving the photo lab, we veered left to- arrived in time to cheer us on prior to their I completely underestimated what was go- Bert was devoted to Oakwood Friends wards Collins Library and took a shortcut match. The coaches concluded an inspir- global companies, leaders of international February 10, 2019 organizations and relevant non-govern- ing on under his bonnet. Bert was methodi- School and to his class of 1962. Former head across the quad into Crowley Building and ing wrap-up talk with Dunkin Donuts be- cal, diligent and studious. Soon “I get it” of school Peter Baily spoke about know- science class. Discussions around sedimen- fore we boarded the bus back to Oakwood. mental organizations, the most prominent John Helfrick ’65 cultural, societal and thought leaders, and started erupting from his desk and in short ing Bert: “He cared very personally for his tary rock and Jurassic era fossils came alive Exhausted we travelled back to Oakwood’s October 23, 2017 the disruptive voices of the Forum’s Young order Bert eclipsed me mathematically. alma mater and for the succession of heads with the addition of a hands-on project in- campus. And although tired, this day re- It was his tutoring that eventually helped he knew and supported beginning with volving plaster molds, clay, sea shells and minded me of the true value of an Oakwood Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Tech- nology Pioneers come together at the be- drag me across the finish line in that class.” his student days. Bert also made time for Tara Tighe ’84 bone fragments. A query on ‘what can we Bert worked for Irence Csordas ’48 for his a friendship with me, which I hold to this learn from fossilized footprint patterns’ lead ginning of each year to define priorities and January 7, 2019 shape global, industry and regional agendas. work study. She remembers him fondly. day as a blessing and a gift. I will always to a spirited discussion. A few eyebrow "Bert was such a wonderful boy. One year, feel Bert’s spirit here at Mohonk, both in this raising jokes from both students and me Participation is by invitation only and re- when I was working at Oakwood, he was historic home and in the woods and cliffs revealed something that my wife has prob- assigned to me for his work-study job. Al- beyond, and of course on the Oakwood ably known for years - I possess a sense of served for members of the Forum’s commu- nities. The ongoing close collaboration with ways serious, prompt and detailed, Bert campus that was his high school home.” humor that has not matured much beyond would meet the Coca Cola truck promptly Oak Leaves my ten-year-old self. Class two complete. those communities in cooperation with a Network of Global Future Councils ensures and always keep the fridge stocked and Winter 2018-19 the solution-oriented substance of the An- ready in the student lounge.” Classmate “In the work that I do every day with Silent Reflection: Both our Upper School Judy White Komer speaks for many: “Bert our students and within our school, I ELAINE MILES and Middle School students have Meeting nual Meeting. Numerous initiatives of global importance have been launched in Davos. led an amazing life and was so well respect- draw inspiration from alumni with vi- Director of Development & Alumni Affairs for Worship on Wednesdays. Late morning ed even during his years at Oakwood. He sion, alumni of character, and those sun illuminated the back wall, benches and will be missed by all of us who knew him.” able to reflect deeply, act decisively JULIE OKONIEWSKI floor. Some of our meetings are structured Beth is the co-founder and CEO of Riff Associate Director of Development & Learning Inc. At Riff she applies the philoso- and who, through collaboration and by guided queries, some are punctuated by Bert grew up at Mohonk and returned action help create a strong enduring Alumni Affairs powerful and emotional messages shared by phy that people learn best from one another and that collaborative learning fosters both there for summer jobs while a student at community. Bert’s light serves as a WENDY GIANGRASSO students, and some center in complete si- Oakwood. After graduation, he earned a shining example on all these fronts.” lence for the entire thirty minutes. This meet- Chad and the Middle School boys personal and organizational growth. She Assistant Director of Development & degree in mathematics from Syracuse Uni- Alumni Affairs ing was silent throughout. I was reminded of taking part in the team building also teaches IT implementation strategies at Boston University and MIT Media Lab. versity, then went to NYU as a research Chad Cianfrani, Head of School the special time and place this space affords “Marshmallow Challenge” associate at the Courant Institute for Ad- 14 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 3

Thank you Li Guo for facilitating a virtual podcast anthology by Venus Radio Theater. conversation with current international students Congratulations Peter! Parent Dinner Supports 2019 Annual Fund from China during winter reunion in January. Via Cosimo's, Amadou Diallo & Mary Geis, Skype, Li fielded questions with 15 upper school 2011 Linda & Timothy Doherty, Rich Feldman, students about making the most of their time at Jill Poskanzer’s short story "Lost" was awarded the of Michael ’21 and Franco Giangrasso who Maish Freedman, Giacomo's, Doug Gilmour Oakwood and planning for college and careers in Annual Birdwhistle Prize in Fiction from Noble / stepped up to serve as auctioneers and to & Sadia Bihi-Gilmour, John & Wendy Gilvey the future. Li earned his BA from Boston University Gas Qrtly. Amy Solis, parent of Siena ’24, clerk of the - Hudson Beach Glass, Gold's Gym, Nathalie and his Master's from the University of Chicago. 2019 Parent Dinner. Student artwork was on Gravagna, Hudson Valley Healing Center, 2013 display and student musicians opened the Hudson Valley Renegades, Hudson Valley 2008 Rui (Ray) Gao graduated from Monash University Music Director Ted Messerschmidt travelled evening with their performances: Juniors Skin Care, Italian Center, Timothy Judge, Zack Federbush’s piece “Haunting” will be in Melbourne, Australia where he received his to Anchorage, AK, in December to participate in Willow Bennison, Stefanie Quintanilla, Elias Martina Deignan & Douglas Kirchner, Heidi showcased in Local Project’s “Love/Hate” Winter Master of Finance and Banking degree. a musical performance at the Hiland Mountain Fredericks and senior Youyin (Benna) Su. We Kronenberg, Marion SalonSpa, Lisa Matkin Group Exhibition in Queens/Long Island City! Correctional Center. Ted did his grad and post- are especially grateful to two local businesses - Sacred Healing Earth Arts, Richard Otte Congratulations Zack! grad work looking at the positive roles music can who sponsored the dinner this year: Bottini & Maria Melilli, Elizabeth Meyer, Mohonk play within our correctional system and society as Fuel & Rondack Construction. Thank you! Mountain House, Morgan & Cybele Nielsen a whole. - Sparkle, Michelle Niemiec - Eye Appeal Through the generosity of all our auction Optical, Paula's Public House, Robert J. Congratulations to Middle School Director Ricci Amy Solis, Clerk of the 2019 Parent Dinner item donors and dinner attendees, we Pfeifer, Pamela Phillips-Malcom, Bonnie Scott and Saddan Alma-Bueno on the birth of their raised over $13,000 for the Annual Fund. Raitt ’67, Mary Redmond & Eli Schloss, Amy baby daughter Emmy Madeline on October 24, 2018. Thank you: Adams Fairacre Farms, Michelle & Louis Solis, Patricia & Carl Stewart, Holly Thank you to Tim and Laurel Sweeney, Alumkal & Jeffrey Yang, Josie & Michael Sturges ’68, Alysa & Daniel Sullivan, Lucia parents of Sean ’09, and owners of Stone Angley - Go A2B Transportation, Elizabeth & Scott Swartz, Laurel & Timothy Sweeney 2016 Ridge Wine & Spirits, for sponsoring our Arnold, Atlantic Theater Company, Brian - Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits, Tea Talk, Last fall Ben Whipple spent 10 weeks in the Ghorka 14th annual wine dinner & auction to & Reina Baas - Renu Medispa, Bardavon Malcolm Turk and Village TeaRoom. region of Nepal, an area devastated by an earthquake support the Annual Fund. The event was 1869 Opera House, Boscobel House and in 2015. As a volunteer for Raleigh International, he held on January 26th at Locust Grove – Gardens, Bread Alone, Yvette Brockington, worked with a local and international crew on clean Samuel Morse Historic Site, catered by Camp Cody, Cancun's Family Mexican New Faces water infrastucture, which included digging ditches Cosimo’s. The festive evening was shared Restaurant, Center for Performing Arts at by parents, faculty, board members and 2009 for pipes and building tap stations. He also helped to Rhinebeck, Peter Christiansen & Debbie friends. Thank you to Josie Angley, parent Congratulations to former student clerk Jonathan teach schoolchildren in the area about importance Guy-Christiansen, Amy & Bob Cook, (JP) Powers ’09 and Jennifer Kennett ’08 who of handwashing, teeth brushing, and other aspects Congratulations to Berg & Moss Architects who were married on September 29, 2018. Fellow alumna of personal hygiene. He is currently traveling and designed the new Studios Building at the Randolph Kelsey Kleidman ’09 of Ke-Li Photography was studying social innovation/entrepreneurship in School in Wappingers Falls. Chris Berg is the their wedding photographer. Jen and JP planted an Uganda, India, and Brazil with the International parent of current student Milla ’23 and Jonathan oak tree at their ceremony to commemorate having Honors Program, part of the School for Moss’ son Parker was a Middle Schooler. The met and started dating at Oakwood in 2007. International Training. American Institute of Architects - Westchester & Hudson Valley Design Awards Committee has 2017 selected the building for a Design Award to be Parfait Bizimana met with Cyril Uebbing ’20 presented at a Celebration of Architecture ceremony over Thanksgiving break in Buffalo, NY. in Greenwich, CT.

Former history teacher, David Kehlenbeck was Oakwood welcomes new faculty members married to Ginny Wortham on February 2, 2019 in Richmond, VA. Congratulations! (l-r) Molly O'Donnell (Spanish), Student performers Willow Bennison ’20, Stefanie Quintanilla ’20 Sara Scotto (Math) and Jackie Bediako and Youyin “Benna” Su ’19 perform at the parent dinner (Academic Support Center)!

Mariah Lewis Purcell – Things rarely seem to go as planned. After graduating from the University of The Admissions Team and Student Ambassador Program Montana last month with my M.Ed., I was thrilled to accept a position teaching preschool in Missoula. they visited Rockefeller Center, took in the I’m enjoying experiencing the whole spectrum of Faculty & Friends Broadway show "Phantom of the Opera" education; from [student] teaching AP English and and ate a lovely dinner together before English 12, to middle school social studies and ELA, Congratulations to Jean and Fred Doneit who taking the train back home to Poughkeepsie. to working on a collaborative elementary school celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Linz, research project... and now teaching preschool! Germany this summer. Senior Joe Chen represented Oakwood's Our Ambassadors take pride in the work they While the goal is still to eventually work my way into team "Quivering Quakers" at the Alzheimer's do representing Oakwood Friends School to a secondary English classroom, in the meantime, Donna & Brian Fry – I treasure my four years as Association's 'Sub Zero Hero' icy plunge on newcomers. Thank you, Ambassadors, for I’m going to enjoy my circle lessons/activities, snack Admissions Director ’88-’92 and the rich experience February 9, 2019! Joe bravely jumped into a frozen your service to the school! time, arts and crafts projects, and discussing Moana living in a culturally diverse community so focused on lake to support Alzheimer's research and local and Frozen with little humans. teaching and living out social justice values. Donna programs at this annual event run by Oakwood also loved doing health education at Oakwood and parent Lauren Greif Voorhees (Matthew ’17). being part of the nursing office while obtaining Oakwood parent, CIA Chef and Professor Scott her RN license. Donna is now retired from public Swartz (Sam ’22) set up a hot chocolate bar to warm When new families come to campus for a house or on a tour, it’s often a quick

health nursing and I am semi-retired but working spectators and participants! visit, they are often greeted by our wonderful leap to feeling comfortable at the school. pretty regularly as a school bus driver. Oak Leaves Student Ambassadors. Many families report still impresses me with remarkable stories showing that they especially appreciate going on The Admissions Team appreciates the the school accomplishing its mission as much or campus tours with ambassadors who important work of our Student Ambassadors more than ever. speak honestly and enthusiastically about and prepares them for their role. They our programs and community. And, of meet as a group for training and discussion Congratulations to Assistant Business Manager course, our students are uniquely qualified throughout the year and sometimes get Denise Gralton and Vincent Eagan who were to talk about life at Oakwood. When a together just to have fun. Nick Ugarte, Grace Director of Admissions Nick Ugarte with Peter Zimmerman’s pilot DESTROY ALL married on August 3, 2018. prospective student makes a connection Obee, Akilah Spencer and our Ambassadors Admissions Associates Grace Obee (l) and HUMANS is being produced for an upcoming with one of our Ambassadors at an open enjoyed a day in New York City where Akilah Spencer (r) 4 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 13

delightful 27-year-old step-son, Michael Gough, solve a problem in a 5-minute time frame. Great 1992 Sports Center who brings so much joy to my life. My ‘third son’ hope for our future. Many thanks to Ben Daitz for hosting an Oakwood By: Charlie Butts, Athletic Director is in Air Force Security Forces, now stationed at alumni gathering at one of his Num Pang Kitchen Andrews Air Force Base. The sun shines brighter restaurant locations in NYC! And congratulations As this piece is being written, the Hudson every day. I am truly blessed. on the birth of his son Sage Kingston Daitz! Valley is alternating between frigid cold and surprising warmth. This past fall, our 1964 Matthew Jones – Finished up yearly open Martial athletes once again joined our teams in Congratulations to Pamela Tinnes Lord who Arts tournament. It was a wonderful showcase of record numbers. Almost 80% of the school published her first children's book, Furry Tales, diversity, talent and skill from participants of all ages was busy on our fields, trails, and courts. in May 2018. A copy of her book is now in the and walks of life. Following are a few highlights from the Oakwood Friends School library. In Pam's words: season. As usual, many of the words "I started writing a children's book in 2016. Friends 1993 you will read are from our coaches and who helped me with the endeavor encouraged me Congratulations to Jessica Kimelman and her I appreciate their dedication and input. to try to get it published. We were at our daughter's husband Tommy Cho on the birth of their daughter annual Buddy Walk when I heard an ad for Page Isla Paullina Cho on September 22. One big change this fall was the return Publishing. When we got home, we checked them Helen Claxton – All the best ’70ers. You’re in my of interscholastic soccer to the middle out. They cater to first time authors, promising to thoughts always. school. Bolstered with a few upper school Middle School soccer players on the field read but not to publish unless they like the story. I students, this coed team was then reborn can honestly say I never thought they would say yes. Gary Slutzky – Who knew when I left Oakwood as Thirds soccer. It was coached by Emily and moved from 4th place to 2nd in the Rashid ’19 completed her sixth season on They did and in May of this year I had my book in in the spring of 1968, that I would ever return? I’ve and Matt Woolever. The defense was an- league standings. The five scorers rotat- the cross country team and she earned hand. Got my first royalty check in August. What a been back twice. This past spring, I was invited by chored by Alex Turk ’21, Joe Cao ’21, Ale- ed amongst one senior, one junior, three recognition with the “6-Year” Award. feeling!" several alumna friends and I was glad I went to the jandra Calderon ’24, Preston Baas ’25, Aara- sophomores, and three freshmen. Layton Nafisa continued the streak of every girl 50th for the class of 1968. I reunited with a few lyn Gravagna ’24, and Lulu Schloss ’24. All Liu ’19 earned HVAL All-Star status with who started XC in seventh grade being 1965 alums who 50 years ago, seemed so much older six were new to their positions, but over his 10th place finish at the League Cham- on a League Championship team (2016). John Blackman – Retired from the County of Los than me. Now, we’re all the same age. I was glad to the course of the season, all of our de- pionship, which was hosted by Oakwood Her dedication to the sport, encourage- Angeles as an attorney in child support. reunite, including with Henry Hidell. fenders learned to think tactically. This of- Friends. Three other runners came to ment to other runners, and superb ex- ten included having the self-control to not practice so ready to train every day, that, ample will be missed. Even coaches at Tess Coppoc DeNies – Not much news lately. 1974 run forward and try to steal the ball from along with Layton, they formed the scor- other schools have grown accustomed to My husband and I are retired physical therapists Karen Knowles – I will not be able to attend the oncoming strikers, but rather to stay with ing nucleus for the team. Erik Budo Uerk- seeing her on the course year after year. for 2 years. Our daughter is living in Batavia with 45th reunion in the spring – I will be river rafting them and steer them away from the goal. witz ’22 ran as 2nd scorer most of the sea- her husband. We have a grand-dog and a grand- the Colorado River in Utah. I would sure like to see 1996 son and earned the “Newcomer with the Hosting the annual Oakwood Friends cat. Mark and I have traveled to places like Alaska, everyone – the 50th for sure! Congratulations to Eliot Harrison and wife The team was also strong at midfield with Most Impact” award. Jayden Brockington Invitational in September and the HVAL Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Iceland, etc. We Heather on the birth of their son Hunter Nakatani Soren Bertucci-Miller ’25, Haytham Tang ’21 earned the “Most Improved” award as League Championship in October high- are active in church and other groups despite the Carrie Ann Stern – Life is good. I moved to Rhode Harrison on November 18, 2018. ’22, Ivo Uebbing ’24, Luca Bax ’24, Milla he raced to be the 3rd Oakwood scorer at lighted the tremendous support the com- typical trials and tribulations of old age. Island 7 years ago and see Jennifer Wilkie Brandon, Berg ’23, Jonah Schumacher ’25, and Caleb the league championship. Elias Fredericks munity gives cross country. The athletic Cathy Wilkie and Debbie Lynn often. We all live 2004 Diggs ’24 all helping us to maintain posses- ’20 was one of several who started the sea- director, former XC coaches, the Sustain- Congratulations to Walter Effron, 2nd generation between 10 minutes and an hour of one another. We Congratulations to Frank McGinnis who starred sion. Successful midfielders need a blend son with our August preseason sessions; able Gardening crew, and friends and owner of Three Arts Bookstore on Collegeview also see Becky Rothey (Rebecca Pasiencier Rothey) as Sam in "Ghost, the Musical," at The Center for of ball control skills and field awareness he developed into a consistent 3rd or 4th spouses covered many tasks of conduct- Avenue in Poughkeepsie. His bookstore was whenever she comes to New England during our Performing Arts at Rhinebeck in October. The Up in order to get and keep possession of the scorer, and earned the Coaches’ Award. ing the meets and spotting certain places featured in the Southern Dutchess News on the summers. It’s been awesome to get together. In One production is based on the 1990 Oscar ball, and to move it forward to our strikers. on the course. They judged the finish or- occasion of Small Business Saturday. The store was winning film "Ghost." Our group performed this task admirably. For the girls, Adele Fredericks ’21 medaled der, collected scoring tags, directed traf- opened by Walter's parents, Jesse and Lillian Effron, 1976 Up front, our strikers included Max Kruk at all six invitational meets this season, fic, spotted turns on the course, cheered in 1946, featuring books, music and artist supplies. William Bogle, Jr. – Carol and I are loving living in 2007 ’23, Ian Matkin ’23, Tristan Nielson ’22, and won the Faith Christian meet. She runners from all schools, and rang the The store is directly across the street from Vassar the South Carolina low country. It affords me great Congratulations to Jon Pesner and Desiree Conway and Arjun Yang ’23. Strikers need quick finished 6th at the League Championship cowbells for further encouragement. No College. opportunity for photography. I updated my website who were married on the Oakwood campus on bursts of speed, the aggression to chal- to earn All-Star status. Then, she attended wonder Oakwood receives so many com- at www.BoglePhoto.com. Please go there to check September 1, 2018. lenge the other team's defenders, and sol- the New England Division 4 (small pri- pliments for hosting the best XC meets! David Sitomer – Renewed my warranties!! Eye, out my work. id contact on the ball when shooting. Our vate schools) XC Championship at Mari- colon & hip surgeries. crew all had numerous goals and assists anapolis School in Connecticut. About Finally, if you’re ever in the area, feel free to 1986 throughout the season. In the net, Arjun, half the course was a flowing stream from attend any of our athletic contests. Sched- 1967 Padoue Marra and his wife Marie stopped by Caleb, and Dylan Diallo ’23 shared duties recent heavy rains which made running ules are posted on the school’s website Philip Richmond – Just back from a 10-day campus in October and visited with his former as keeper, and each blocked many shots a bit difficult, but now Adele figures she which gets updated promptly if there are visit to Prague and Budapest. Very interesting teacher Charlie Butts. They live in North Carolina. and saved many goals. In addition to hav- can handle any course conditions. Nafisa any last minute changes. See you there! and important histories. Assuming that my paper ing quick reflexes, keepers also do a lot is accepted, I will finish my graduate work this of thinking and planning. This includes December. However, I may elect to defer the cap & deciding when to stay back and when gown tradition until next spring as there is probably to charge a striker, directing the defense, one more course that I may take. One’s learning calling out open opposing players, and should not cease because a certificate is achieved. Congratulations on your new additions: finding open teammates on punts and goal OFS is always in my thoughts. kicks. Everyone certainly learned a lot! Josie Trefz on the birth of her second son, Griff 1969 Wyatt, on December 18, 2018! Overall, our team saw tremendous Chuck Schwartz – Things are looking up. Looking growth over the course of the season. forward to May – 50th reunion. My daughter’s Zerui Zhu on the birth of her daughter Catalina! Many of our players were completely boyfriend told my wife and me that he plans on 1990 new to playing soccer, and many more getting married to our daughter. They live in Dylan Cristy – is married to Michelle Belville. Emma (Melchior-Schultz) Henning and were new to their positions. As the sea- Brooklyn and work in Manhattan. My sister has They live in DC and both work at NASA. husband Brian Henning on the birth of their son progressed, everyone improved their been living in the upper west side for 30 years and my daughter Elliot Grace Henning! stamina, ball control skills, and tactical urologist, who killed my cancer, works in Manhattan. 1991 thinking. This growth will certainly help Been spending more time in NYC than ever. Congratulations to Georgia Tetlow, M.D., for our soccer program in the years ahead. being selected by her peer physicians as a 2018 Adam Benzinger recently launched Laughing Gut 1970 Mainline Today Top Doctor. Georgia is the founder Kombucha out of the newly renovated Poughkeepsie In other fall action, our cross country Theresa Riley Baron – Here I am judging the FLL of the Philadelphia Integrative Medicine practice. Underwear Factory. Best of luck on this exciting teams were quite busy. The youthful boys (LEGO) competition – third one this year. It is She returned to Oakwood in 2014 to speak at winter business endeavor! team developed throughout the season Cross Country runners Jayden Brockington '21 and Hadis Daqiq '19 amazing how the young kids can come together and reunion. 12 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 5 Class Notes production was able to enact this effect in-school performances of the three annual So Much Drama… making for striking tableaus and creating a plays, it was by far the largest audience we’ve By: Melissa Matthews, Theater Director live soundscape that pulled audiences into had in the past several years. We are hopeful the Underworld along with the eponymous that by introducing Middle Schoolers and The 2018-2019 school year is proving to be character. As compelling was the “river”. The their parents to the work we are doing in a great time for theater at Oakwood Friends script called for a pantomime of characters the performing arts, we may entice support School. We have an ambitious schedule and “dipping” themselves in the river. I felt from parents and students at our other have already covered quite a bit of ground -- it was within our capabilities to actually performances and productions. The students the drama department at Oakwood is thriving! use water and create a river for the actors. work extremely hard and devote themselves This, much like the raining elevator, made deeply to Oakwood’s theatrical endeavors. for extremely strong images of Eurydice 1946 1954 Molly Lynn Watt – The Cambridge Cohousing and her Father standing soaking wet and The winter production, Rosencrantz and Betty Nunn Moon Kramer – I’m still living in Peter Mickelsen – It was a busy year at the ranch community Dan and I are co-founders of celebrated afraid having forgotten their lives entirely. Guildenstern Are Dead saw an incredible Gainesville, FL at a CCRC, Oak Hammock at – logging, roofing, excavating and building. Our it’s 20th anniversary this year. We have found energy Blank slates. The sounds of the actors audition turnout. Comedies always receive University of Florida. Husband Buddy and I are son, Marshall, continues to improve from the head and community every day as we live in our 1,083 moving through the small pool of water more attention from students, but this trying out the nineties to see how we like it. If we injury with goal of living independently with-in the sq.ft. on the third floor & commute by bike or foot and rising from it were deeply affective. winter was exceptionally robust. Twenty- do, we may stay until 100. coming year. to Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement – five students came out, all were cast, and almost like living at Oakwood! Meanwhile, the 6th and 7th-grade production nineteen were able to commit to the 1948 of Macbeth, the Musical Comedy by Ron responsibility. A Those who auditioned Beatrice Scherf Campione – Still a volunteer at 1957 Fink and John Robert Heath took on a very ranged from Oakwood theater veterans to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife “Spin & Win,” an interactive work by Warwick artist Isabella Kramb ’21 and Elias Fredericks ’20 in Eurydice different tone despite the source material. first-time performers, freshman to seniors. Refuge – 30 years! Jonathan Talbot was featured in the inaugural We spent some time prior to working It has been a pleasure to work with such exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Political We opened the year with Eurydice by Sarah through the text to discuss Shakespeare’s a diverse group. I’m excited for you to see 1949 Art in Washington, DC. “Spin & Win” has also been Ruhl. It’s a somewhat lesser known play version so the students had some context them and for them to have this opportunity Harvey Seymour – 70 years ago I was a senior at shown in "Raised Voices: Artists Resist" in Brattleboro, due to its experimental nature, and, being a which made the jokes more effective. An to perform such a complex piece! Oakwood under faculty members such as Alfred VT, 2018; "We The People" at the Barrett Art Center drama, I knew I was taking a risk. The turnout absurdist comedy by nature, the Middle Henderson – a Quaker and a science teacher who in Poughkeepsie, NY, 2017, and "Politicked Off" at the for auditions was not as strong as I was Schoolers were easily able to take on the We look forward to seeing you in the theatre! belongs in the rarefied atmosphere of a Jimmy Milkweed Gallery in Sugarloaf, NY, 2016. hoping for, but I ended up with an extremely material. It took some convincing that Carter or a Naomi Klein. My Oakwood memories strong cast of seven and an excellent stage something so silly could be genuinely funny still guide me on what I’m doing and where I’m manager. We were able to move through the if taken with the appropriate seriousness; going – so thank you, Oakwood, very much. blocking quite quickly and, as a result, spent however, the production was a success. quite a bit of time developing characters and Music Accolades 1950 Linda Rahl Nadas – Here on Bull Road in really tailoring the blocking to the actors. Ted and I agreed that a stripped down Congratulations to the following students Artist Jarvis Rockwell has a new large-scale Rock Tavern, NY, I am still making clay pots and The cast was tight-knit and worked well as rendition would serve both the actors and on their recent musical accomplishments! exhibition, titled "Us," at the Massachusetts Museum sculptures. I am happy making things from clay. I an ensemble which was truly a necessity text best. We were able to use the set from of Contemporary Art in North Adams, MA. guess I love the material. Working with clay is a for this production. The three students Eurydice to our advantage. We employed special time. It is possible to meditate in the studio. portraying the stones had a particularly the physical levels including the balcony- Wishing all a great and wonderful 2019. difficult job, and it was evident that they spent esque second level. We used a table, chairs, quite a lot of time outside of our rehearsals and a few small swords to round out our 1955 working on their dialogue together. minimalist aesthetic. Students emerged in Robine Andrau – I, along with several of my ‘ex- 1958 their best plaid shirts, skirts, shoes, and hats laws’ who were about to turn or had turned 80, Jim Davis – Moved from Woodstock, NY to As is so often the case when a play utilizes a in an effort to evoke Scottish tartan clothes. gave ourselves a birthday bash with a live band. I Marlton, NJ after Joan, my wife of 48 yars, passed powerful special effect, the most memorable Luca Bax ’24 even donned a kilt as Macbeth! kicked up my heels and danced with…my rolling away in April. My younger daughter and family moments in our production of Eurydice centered around the water. Water is an oft- Macbeth brought parents, faculty, and walker! I’m hoping to take my family on a visit to live nearby. Also, since last December, I am in a Elias Fredericks ’20 made second chair, first used symbol in literature and is extremely students together en masse. It was obvious the Northwest this summer. Any suggestions for wheelchair fulltime due to a nerve disorder. I have violin at the New York State School Music what to see? [email protected] a 24/7 caregiver. It is a big adjustement, but I keep pervasive in Eurydice. On several occasions, that the students’ efforts were appreciated. Association (NYSSMA) All-State Orchestra Congratulations to Robine on the publication of her fascinat- busy with PT and playing duplicate bridge. The the script called for characters to emerge The audience laughed, clapped, and gave festival in Rochester. ing book: Bowing to the Emperor: We Were Captives in bridge carries over from Oakwood. from an elevator in which it rained. With a standing ovation. It is our hope that the the help of Middle School English teacher Jarvis Rockwelll with Mass MoCA curator WWII. support they received will entice them to Alexandra Foradas 1959 Emily Woolever and her husband Matthew participate in the theater program again as 1956 Susan Stein Stephens - Hope to see class of ’59 and father Charlie LaPlant, Oakwood’s they move to the Upper School. Beyond the Susie Deane-Miller shared a tune with Oakwood folks at Alumni get-to-gether in May, 2019. Life at 1952 6th graders at her Poughkeepsie home. The students Freedom Plaza is just great! Come see why. Best wishes to Roger and Joso Bullard at their were completing their treasure hunt - part of their A Raisin in the Sun – a student initiative new residence in Stamford, CT. science mapping unit - and enjoying their treasure 1960 treats. Thank you, Susie! Richard Merriss – Teaching Qi Gong in Petaluma, CA. Student producers Joseph Spence ’19 and Andrew Harkness – Should the works of Ayn Willow Bennison ’20 described their pur- Rand be read and debated at Oakwood? 1961 pose: “We have decided to do this historic 7th grader Alejandra Calderon, shown with Rob Blackman – The perspective of time play to encourage and promote African- classmate Luca Bax, made it into Junior Anne MacDougall Preuss – I have lived for 10 continues to augment my appreciation and gratitude American culture and heritage at our school. High All-County Chorus. years at Kendal at Lexington in the Shenandoah for my Oakwood years that were foundational and We really appreciate all that our communi- Valley of Virginia. I do a lot of writing and painting transformational. The Malibu, CA fires torched my ty gives us and the cast and crew are very and edit the community literary magazine. property but left my house intact. Smoke damage excited to present this expression of free- will keep us out of our place another 3 weeks, but dom and culture to the Oakwood stage.” 1953 we are all safe and sound. Everything else is just Producers Joseph Spence ’19 and Special thanks to our friends of the theater Taffy Thunick Hoffman – I am living in an ‘stuff ’. Willow Bennison ’20 who are sponsoring this production: Parent active senior facility. I find myself speaking about In addition to all the wonderful offer- and board member Emilie Gay, Don Badgley Oakwood frequently, as people often discuss their 1963 ings of Oakwood’s theater department, ’67, Joe Cohen ’55, Randy Detwiler ‘75, Thom- past and where they came from. Oakwood, I say, Martha Richdale – It has been a year and a half several students have taken the initia- as Evans ‘90, Judith Ebenstein Grose ’66, Alec “made me who I am”. since my beloved Bill passed away…18 months of tive to create their own production of “A MacLeod ‘71, Julia Patten ‘07, Michael Plugh deep grieving and emotional/spiritual growth. As Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansbury. ’89, Jessie Washington ’86, and Molly Lynn Senior Youyin “Benna” Su was accepted a result of this painful loss, I have ‘inherited’ my The play is scheduled for April 11th and Watt ’56. We appreciate your support. into the music program at NYU. 12th in Lane Auditorium. All are welcome. 6 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 11 Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 70th Anniversary Reflections: 50 years after Oakwood The Universal Declaration of Human Rights In December, Oakwood’s UNA – Mid- The following are excerpts from the Class of Linda Thomas ’68 was adopted by the United Nations General Hudson Valley interns served as modera- 1968 reunion booklet: “My life has been a surprisingly circuitous Assembly on December 10, 1948. Authored tors at the “FDR’s Four Freedoms Today” adventure, and some credit for the ground- by Eleanor Roosevelt, The Universal Decla- event in Hyde Park. Interns are chosen Jack Jennings ’68 ing that informed the navigation of my jour- ration recognizes the inalienable rights held by the UNA board of directors through a Hey my Oakies "sixty Eighters " Sisters & ney can be attributed to my Oakwood expe- by all humans and provides a benchmark for yearly application process which aims to Brother ..can you believe it - it's been 50 rience. Rather than offer up a tedious linear the defense of human dignity and freedom involve youth locally in discussions of in- years! WOW ..YES!! I'm coming and gonna chronology of life events, I’ll just share a few by member states of the United Nations. ternational politics and affairs. Oakwood’s have fun! I'm bringing "Nina" my wife & anecdotes that have defined me: 1968-69 Humanities Chair, Stephen Miller, is Presi- "Dakotah" my 16 year old daughter! (My was an intensely political freshman year at To celebrate this important anniversary, Oak- dent of the UNA – Mid-Hudson Valley. oldest daughter "Nadia" is in London ..Boo NYU (for which I had been well prepped by wood welcomed guest speaker Ryan Kamin- she can't come & Sam the dog can't make it Oakwood), but I subsequently left univer- ski from the United Nations Association-USA The FDR event featured talks, dialogue, and too!) .But YES!...I'm so excited!! Hey Eric, sity to enroll at H.B. Studio – intensive, im- in October. He presented "Rights at Home: A workshops focused on connecting the Uni- Paul, Larry...any of the "Five Flies" coming? Ernan Roman ’68 mersive studies in advanced acting/theatre Call to Action on Immigration and Asylum." versal Declaration on Human Rights to Hud- (to Rock it Out! ) All I can say it's been such a “I was raised by activist parents and con- technique, training mostly with Uta Hagen Ryan is Senior Program Manager for Human son Valley issues and solutions. The event long time and I miss all of my Oakie Brothers tinue to try to make a difference. My Taking for the better part of 12 years. I loved it, and Rights at UNA-USA. Previously Ryan was a was co-hosted by the Franklin D. Roosevelt & Sisters so much! Groove out and get down Action group has been participating in voter in time, I got pretty good at it. I adored the research associate with the Council on For- Presidential Library and Museum, the Elea- in the dug out! So anyway let's have some registration drives and organizing commu- craft; abhorred the business. Was afforded eign Relations’ International Institutions and nor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, the Dutchess fun! YES! See Ya SOON! PEACE & LOVE nity meetings to stimulate awareness, dia- magnificent opportunities to work around Global Governance program and a U.S. Ful- County Commission on Human Rights, the logue and actions in support of humane im- the globe for extraordinary playwrights bright Fellow (Hong Kong). He is currently Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites - migration policies and legal reforms, rational and exciting productions across the U.S., a research consultant with Friends of the National Park Service and the United Nations Junior Daphne Ballesteros at the UN Day gun control legislation, sustainable climate London and Australia. Dreams come true. Global Fight Against AIDS, TB and Malaria. Association (UNA) - Mid-Hudson Valley. celebration at the FDR Library change policies and women’s rights issues in society and the workplace. In April 2018, In 1971, I decided I needed to leave the I received the “Good Guy” award from the theatre and the USA for a while and go Oakwood's international students are an in- Guilford freshman. Hadis is serving as Shai's Center for the Women of New York, for start- where the wind blew me -- while I had the The Daqiq Sisters tegral part of our community and bring an RA in the dorms and was a friendly Oak- ing a community action group to support means and the time. Spun a globe, closed invaluable richness to the school. The expe- wood face as Shai transitioned to college life! progressive causes and elect officials who my eyes and pointed, and my finger land- from Afghanistan rience of living and studying with students Basira is in her sophomore year at Smith support these causes. I served as a board ed on Brazil. So, I went. I had planned to from all over the world affords our commu- College with fellow alumna Sophie Poux '17 member of Free the Children for 12 years. stay in Rio for an initial two weeks; wound nity a first-hand exchange of different cul- while OFS senior, Hadi is an active mem- up staying there for two years. Yeah, there tures, religions and geopolitical issues in a ber of Oakwood's community serving as I will never forget these gifts from Oak- are a few stories that came with that, and way that can't be replicated in a textbook. a Human Rights Intern and a second year Alina Kaplan ’68 wood; introduction to pottery with Ms. I’m lucky to be alive. Overland hitchhik- For the past several years we have been for- member of the school's Libby Moroff Lead- “Coming from Israel, where most people Willis, a deep appreciation of poetry with ing 2k mi up the east coast almost to the tunate enough to have four sisters from Af- ership Program. She will graduate in June. share the same religion and culture, my Mr. Royal and the intellectual awakening of Amazon, overland all the way across to Bo- ghanistan join our community of learners. Shakiba, the newest member of the Daqiq fam- time at Oakwood, besides being fun, and those years as we immersed ourselves in livia, and south by bus, through Uruguay to The Daqiq sisters - Hadis '15, Basira '17, Hadi ily to join us at Oakwood, is a freshman and giving me lifelong friends whose friend- politics, social issues and music of the 60’s.” Buenos Aires. Incomparable adventure.” '19 and Shakiba '22 have been a vital part of is happily adjusting to life in the dorms with ship I cherish, taught me about toler- our community from the first day they arrived. her big sister close at hand as she settles in! ance, widened my horizons and opened Hadis is now a senior at Guilford College in The Daqiq sisters are just one example me to appreciate the diversity in people Hadi ’19, Hadis ’15, Sara and Shakiba ‘22 North Carolina where she recently connect- of the international student families who and cultures that are different from mine. (Basira – not shown) ed with alumna Shai Black Bird '18 who is a bring so much to our school community! After Oakwood, I moved back and forth from Tel Aviv to NY, but have been living in Israel for the last 33 years. My 30-year- Student Artist Annie Kronenberg ’19 old son just recently got married and I love Annie describes herself as a “tactile per- Annie also spent a summer at the Art Insti- working as an Art and Sand play therapist, son.” “I enjoy the actual feel of the mate- tute of Chicago for a figure drawing class which keeps me playful and creative, while rials – the charcoal. And the mediums I which pushed her out of her comfort zone dancing and swimming in our wonderful work in are connected. Drawing helped and challenged her in a positive way. Locally, Mediterranean helps keep me feeling young.” me pose people and learn how the hu- she’s attended Mill Street Loft’s (now known man body works which informed my pho- as The Art Effect) Summer Intensive in film 1-3:00pm Open Gym for families with tography work which is mostly portraits.” photography/digital photo and painting. Alumni Weekend young children May 17-19, 2019 2:00pm Reception for Class of 1969

Her influences include her aunt, Claudia When asked what advice she would give to Friday, May 17th - Head’s house Kronenberg, who was a prolific wedding a student interested in pursuing the visual 3:00pm Tea in Collins Library photographer in Nantucket, MA. Annie arts/photography at Oakwood, Annie re- 2:30pm Caroline “Dash” Davis Gleiter ’51 - Art Show & Oak Store described seeing her aunt’s studio as re- flected, “If you’re really dedicated to the arts, Social Justice Lecture Campus Tour ally interesting even though their styles I highly recommend you take drawing and Speaker: Author and Journalist - meet in front of Main Building were very different from one another. be a part of the critiques. Listen to feedback. Amitava Kumar 4:30pm Reception for Oak Tree Club 6:00pm Welcome Reception & Buffet Dinner Annie Kronenberg ’19 Ask questions and don’t take it for granted. - (Class of 1968 & prior) Outside of the classroom, Annie has spent Absorb it all. Explore. Oakwood has lots of in Dining Hall 10 Year Reunion at Bertucci-Miller Senior Annie Kronenberg has a bright fu- many summers in pre-collegiate art pro- opportunities in many different mediums. Shelley Raker Pick ’68 8:00pm Spring musical production Godspell house, Class of 2009 ture in digital photography ahead of her fu- grams across the country and abroad. She’s Learn from your mistakes. Learn by doing.” I am so grateful for my Oakwood education. A.H. Lane Auditorium 6:00pm Festive Dinner It set a strong foundation for the next 50 eled in large part by her experiences in the studied figure drawing, art history and th 8:00pm Spring musical production Godspell years, which have flown by & been grand. Saturday, May 18 Oakwood Art Department. Originally from portfolio development focusing on pho- To date Annie has been accepted to: A.H. Lane Auditorium I have lived in many countries, worked in 9:00am Registration & Breakfast Chicago, Annie moved to NY her freshman tography at Pratt Institute. The summer Moore College of Art and Design in th year of high school where she “found her of her sophomore year found her in Par- Philadelphia, Massachusetts College fashion, had a long happy marriage with 10:00am Alumni Association Annual Meeting Sunday, May 19 children & grandchildren, and now reside artistic voice.” She credits her participation son’s study abroad program in Paris. This of Art in Boston, Savannah College of & Community Meeting 9:00am Hot Breakfast in the south of France making olive oil & in Lizzie’s drawing classes with shaping her month long photography program gave Art and Design (SCAD) and Maine Col- 12:00pm Lunch under the tent & 10:30am Meeting for Worship honey. How lucky we all are to share the as an artist and giving her the vocabulary her the opportunity to delve into Photo- lege of Art (MECA) in Portland, ME. Class Photographs - Nine Partners Meeting House for critiquing art work, including her own. shop and strengthened her independence. memories of our high school years together. 10 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 7

Service learning placements took stu- Charlie Butts Libby Moroff Leadership Program Middle School Service Learning dents from Habitat for Humanity’s Restore to a local pet store for a supply drive. In keeping with Oakwood’s mission, every They participated in an Advocacy 101 work- They also volunteered at Bluestone Hill Returns to Childhood six weeks the Middle School is concentrat- shop where they identified their elected of- Farm in Red Hook and had the chance ing on a different Quaker value – simplicity, ficials and reached out to them about an is- to feed baby lambs, a highlight for all! Elementary School peace, integrity, community, equality and sue area of concern. During their Housing stewardship. Currently they are focusing on 101 workshop they learned about housing equality through hands on service-learning inequality through a budget activity in which at a variety of non-profits in the community. they had to find an affordable place to live. They further explored budgeting through Service learning work in the Middle School an activity exploring food security at the engages students in preparation, research, local supermarket. Students also watched and action, culminating with reflection. a film about civil rights and the children’s Students took part in a variety of work- march which was followed by a discussion shops during Oakwood’s Social Justice of how young individuals have a voice. Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Charlie Butts with Principal David Scott The Libby Moroff Leadership Program is taking on topics ranging from access to scholars have a busy spring ahead of education for students with disabilities and History teacher and Athletics Director Charlie them! From trips to Albany to advocate protecting the Hudson River to racial justice Butts returned to his childhood school, for farmworker rights, life-saving mental and sponsoring a rural school in Belize. Clinton Elementary School, for Oakwood’s health programs and critical environmental These student-led projects give participants bi-annual Workshare Day. In keeping with safeguards for the Hudson River to the opportunity to delve into an issue area the school's mission and Quaker values, working locally and on campus, these of concern with support from their peers each fall and spring Oakwood students students will be using their voices to and program coordinator, Julie Okoniewski. and faculty volunteer in non-profits ensure that equal labor rights are afforded throughout the Hudson Valley. Projects to all workers and that adequate funds are By the end of the spring term, members of range from harvesting at farms, assisting at allocated for these important programs. the group will implement their projects in Learning about budgeting for food at a local supermarket Milla Berg ’23 with friends at child care centers, trail maintenance and a variety of ways including writing op-eds Bluestone Hill Farm spending time with animals at local shelters. Juniors and seniors apply to be a part of to local papers, scheduling guest speakers the leadership program founded in the for Community Meeting, creating podcasts, Charlie Butts is a life-long resident of spring of 2017 in honor of former board and lobbying in Albany. This hands-on Poughkeepsie whose grandfather, Ralph F. president Libby Moroff ’54. Social activism program, which is run like a club and meets A Message from Malcolm Condon ’20 Butts, was Mayor of the City from 1920-21. was at the core of Libby’s career and these during lunch, encourages students to turn He grew up around the corner from Clinton students are following in her footsteps by their passion into action through creative, we go. I was raised on Quaker values putting toxins directly into our resources. Elementary on Academy Street and walked to pursuing their passion for a wide array of self-designed initiatives. We look forward to and my sister Hannah Condon ’11 and the school. Together with Oakwood seniors, issues. With four returning students from seeing what this dynamic group of students mother Susanrachel Condon ’80 were also Low-income residential districts are Charlie returned to his alma mater to assist last year and eight new members, the group accomplishes in the coming term! Oakwood students. I love the Oakwood sometimes put inside factory districts, where with a garden bench project with the help community for so many reasons: the people, pollution is condensed. As a result of the of third graders in Mrs. Sullivan’s class. The the faculty, and the spirit of every single racial wealth gap, this often forces black group painted and planted two handmade Oakwood student who flows through the and brown people into residential areas planter benches for the school’s outdoor campus; but even our community is touched where they are at higher risk for pulmonary garden area. These colorful benches, built Anh Ho ’20 by habits that contradict Quaker values. diseases and cancer, and at higher risk of by Oakwood students and summer program being exposed to natural disasters. A good participants over the past several years, are Publishes Op-Ed Let’s think about plastic consumption. We example of this was the water crisis in Flint scattered at locations throughout the City strive for simplicity, we love and appreciate Michigan. In April 2014, Flint's water source including Waryas Park, Pulaski Park and the Libby Moroff Leadership Program participant our mother earth, yet every day many of us was changed by the state government and dog park on Wilbur Avenue. Oakwood’s Anh Ho ’20 from Vietnam penned the use Styrofoam and plastic, both of which residents were exposed to high levels of lead newest initiative with the benches is Op-Ed below that was published in the we know poison our planet and are highly and other pollutants. People of Color made up partnering with local elementary schools so Poughkeepsie Journal on December 21, 2018. processed in a hazardous manner. We strive over 60% of those residents. And Hurricane that area children can enjoy them as well. for stewardship, but through our unnecessary Katrina: In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina The existence of the U.S. Environmental plastic consumption, we are damaging the caused chaos in the South, creating a massive Reflecting on his return to Clinton Elementary, Protection Agency (EPA) is strongly Anh Ho ‘20 with Manna Jo Greene, Envi- source of life for us and millions of other flood which struck the Lower Ninth Ward Charlie commented, “It’s great to be back in associated with our health. It keeps ronmental Director for Hudson River Sloop beings. Styrofoam and plastic are the two which is 93% Black. The president made my old neighborhood and have a chance to air and water clean. The EPA acts not Clearwater at a recent climate change event most common materials used in retail. the decision to breach the levee in a few work together with students from my current only to protect human health, but They are both horrible for the environment. different places to release the flood before and former schools. I remember walking it also helps us fight against global Malcolm Condon ’20 presents in Community People buy them without thinking about it. it reached New Orleans. The water flooded Styrofoam and plastic are photodegradable, these halls, working as a “safety monitor” warming, a persistent problem today. to air pollution each year, the partnership Meeting about plastic waste the Lower Ninth Ward, killing 1,577 people. and visiting the corner store after school with the EPA is very meaningful. which means that instead of eventually And when natural disasters like hurricanes for penny candy. Everything certainly As a Vietnamese boarding student in a breaking down into the organic materials hit residential factory districts, damages looks a lot smaller than I remember it!” school in Poughkeepsie, I feel grateful The EPA is globally significant, not just Please consider for a moment the following: that were processed in order to make them, to the factories can cause the release of that the EPA has cooperated with Vietnam for Americans. Cutting off the EPA budget simplicity, peace, integrity, community, they will gradually break down into smaller unsafe substances into the residential to reduce its environmental issues. It means we're risking our own health. It is equality, and stewardship. These are the and smaller particulates, but never cease areas, contaminating the living space. also has discussions and workshops time to protect the EPA, not weaken it. core values that not only shape a Quaker to be toxic. By supporting the production to help people better understand the but any kind-hearted spirit. As a community of these materials, we are speeding up We can all help. Please replace single-use that perpetuates these values, at Oakwood quality of water and air in Vietnam. For Anh Ho the process of toxins entering our water plastics with 100% degradable or compostable a country of about 1.5 million people Junior, Oakwood Friends School, Friends, it is our job to radiate radical love, sources and our food. We also directly materials. Let’s aim towards becoming a more suffering from respiratory illnesses due Poughkeepsie kindness, and social justice no matter where speed it up through pollution, literally sustainable and green institution and world. 8 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 9 Oakwood Alums Pursue Science and Math Zach Coto ’10 Presents Annual Herzog Lecture Many alumni are working and studying in cal Engineering from Stanford University Heather Stratica ‘13 demic trajectory and so I left SUNY-ESF to relates to the evolution of the brain, with a pursuit of careers in science and math, also in the fall of 2018. For the past 6 years I return home to New York where I began focus on the dynamics of energy allocation known as the STEM field – science, technol- have been a PhD student at Stanford Uni- working part-time in a local pet shop. There, at different biological levels (from sub-cellu- ogy, engineering and math. We connected versity in Electrical Engineering. Starting in I could use my biological knowledge to as- lar to social) using ant colonies as model or- with two alums from the class of 2013, Rui March 2018, I founded a materials company sist customers with caring for exotic animals. ganisms. A fundamental question for our lab (Skyler) Ma and Heather Stratica, and Greg called Aligned Carbon, Inc. to bring semi- and sociobiology more broadly is whether Pitner, class of 2008, to hear about their conducting carbon nanotubes from the lab My interest in insect sociality remained, but increasingly complex societies require in- academic and career journeys in the field. into real-world commercial applications that I wanted to focus on the molecular mecha- dividuals who are themselves increasingly will eventually make everybody’s comput- nisms underlying social behavior (for exam- complex and/ or who have increasingly Rui (Skyler) Ma ’13 ers a lot faster and more energy efficient. ple, pheromone communication), while in- more cognitive investment. Furthermore, corporating this into studying the emergent we seek to determine to what extent con- The aspect I like most about this career is the properties of insect societies as a whole. In clusions about social evolution can be gen- creative freedom in early research and de- 2014 I enrolled at SUNY New Paltz with a eralized across species and different levels velopment, where you get the precious op- major in Molecular Biology through which of biological organization. I hope to make portunity to define what the problem is and Zach Coto, a Biology PhD candidate at Boston I developed an understanding of molecular contributions to answering these questions justify why this is the problem that needs to University, will return to Oakwood to present interactions and development. Meanwhile, I as they get to the heart of today’s popular be solved first. I also get to be wrong a lot I currently work for DEKA Research and our Annual Herzog Lecture on May 3, 2019. gained a basic knowledge of ecology and I concerns such as whether we can maintain in my work, but when a novel experiment Development as a Test Engineer. DEKA is a A graduate of the class of 2010, Zach shared maintained a focus on social insects through large, cohesive and peaceful societies, what works it feels amazing. Also, I’ll admit I en- Manchester, NH based company that focus- his journey since leaving Oakwood and gave my work on insect tool use. While at SUNY are the limits of human cognitive and social joy playing with the nanoelectronics fabrica- es on creating innovative medical solutions us insight into his upcoming lecture, “Tiny New Paltz, I was accepted as a 2015 Sum- potential and what exactly we are doing as tion and characterization tools (read: toys). and advanced technologies. I’ve been at the Brains and Huge Societies: The Evolution mer Undergraduate Research Fellow at Rock- we develop technology and artificial intel- company since I graduated from college in of Metabolism in a System of Sterility, Divi- efeller University in NYC. At Rockefeller, I ligence networks that are meant to simu- Looking back, two things stand out from May and I really love it! I get to work with sion of Labor, and Collective Intelligence.” was able to see first-hand the real-time ap- late our cognitive and social dynamics. Oakwood: academics and culture. Academi- really passionate people and develop cut- plication of the scientific method. This in- cally the Oakwood teachers Lacey, Chad, ting edge medical device technology, which After Oakwood, I began pursuing a Bach- cluded seeing the development of the first After Oakwood I attended the Univer- Bill, and Ron taught me a solid foundation has been something I’ve been passionate elor’s degree related to social science at genetically modified ants using the now sity of California at Davis where I ma- in AP math, physics, biology, and chemis- about since I was a student at Oakwood. Goucher College in Baltimore. The following popular CRISPR technique. Furthermore, I jored in math. I am currently pursuing my try. Also Nora’s AP English poetry explica- spring, I decided to shift my academic focus was familiarized with insect neurobiology, master’s degree in pure math at "Katho- tion paper assignments helped me write sci- After Oakwood I studied at Worcester Poly- from social science to biological science with immunohistochemistry and developed a lieke Universiteit Leuven" in Belgium entific journal papers as well. The AP class technic Institute in Massachusetts where I a hope to eventually focus on insect social proficiency in micro-dissection. From this and I hope to become a PhD candidate credits then allowed me to enter college al- got both my bachelors and masters degrees behavior. This led me to return to New York experience, I decided to focus my aspira- For me, pursuing math is a leap of faith. most one year ahead of the recommended in Biomedical Engineering. The school is and attend classes at SUNY Orange County tions for graduate work on the neurobiologi- I'm not particularly good at math, but I be- electrical engineering core curriculum, so I very hands-on and project oriented which Community College in preparation for and cal mechanisms underlying insect sociality. lieve math is the truth. My advice is to do used the extra time to go deeper into the was really useful for pursuing engineering. eventual acceptance to SUNY Environmen- things where your faith lies. However, if you graduate classes and research projects. This tal Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse. I graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.S. don't know what you believe or what you led to getting into a good graduate school. My Oakwood education prepared me for my I spent about a year as a student at SUNY in Molecular Biology and was accepted into are most interested in, then do things that career path in many ways. The small classes ESF, first majoring in Conservation Biology the Biology PhD program at Boston Univer- can give you more opportunities and more Second, culturally Oakwood is the kind of offered hands on experience and one-on- and then majoring in Biotechnology while sity in the fall of 2016 to work in Dr. James time to figure out what your future path is. place where we also developed our passions one learning that I couldn’t have gotten from briefly working in a plant propagation labo- Traniello’s Sociobiology Laboratory. Today, I Zach Coto with former teachers Stephen Miller outside the classroom, routinely greeted ev- most other schools -- especially in the math ratory. I was still unsatisfied with my aca- study how the evolution of social behavior and Chad Cianfrani Speaking about her as a student, Math and erybody in the community with a friendly and science classes. Engineering is incred- Science Chair Lacey Fredericks observed, wave, and appreciated the social impact of ibly hands on and most of the time you are “Skyler demonstrated a distinct talent in her our actions. Similarly folks in STEM fields working in a small group so I was introduced work in my classroom. In addition to hav- are a bunch of passionate people in a sci- to this type of environment earlier than most Powell Fund Support the ing solid student skills and a strong work entific community trying to solve problems college students. Oakwood also really helped ethic, she has innate talent that allowed that are impactful beyond the lab. These because the school emphasizes individuality The Powell Fund was established in 2010 wireless coverage. The upgrades include Annual Fund her to process new material with ease. values of passion, community, and social and responsibility. The open campus and with an inspirational gift from Dick Pow- new server switches, wireless access points, She found her way successfully through impact are essential. I think it leads to a flexible schedule really helped me gain or- ell, class of 1968. A leadership donor new computers for classrooms and offices Donate to Oakwood online at dual enrollment in AP AB and BC Calcu- more collaborative mindset for engineers, to the Annual Fund over many years, and enhancements to the Middle School ganizational and time management skills, https://www.oakwoodfriends.org/ lus while also studying Advanced Statistics and I don’t think it is something that gets which are extremely important in keeping Dick made the decision to endow a fund 1:1 Chromebook program. Thank you, independently. Skyler’s mathematical gift, enough emphasis in the STEM classroom. your projects on track. I saw many college that would strengthen Oakwood’s finan- Dick Powell, for your foresight and com- donation/donate/ when combined with her distinct enjoy- students from other types of high schools cial position for the future while provid- mitment to Oakwood Friends School. ment of philosophy and economics, prom- I think it is important to get involved in proj- struggle to learn these skills in college. ing income for today’s needs. For the last ise her a fulfilling and interesting career.” ects outside the classroom related to your nine years, distributions from the Pow- potential academic interests as soon as pos- My best advice for Oakwood students pur- ell Fund have provided income to sup- Greg Pitner ’08 sible. It could be a solo do-it-yourself recre- suing the STEM field would be to be fear- port the sciences, the arts and humanities. ation of a crystal growing experiment you less, never give up, and have confidence in saw on YouTube, or a cool summer job you their problem solving capabilities. It’s easy This year, the Powell Fund has helped sup- hustle your way into while in high school, or to get intimidated by STEM but it’s important port our program around the four-season a competition for robotics/rocketry/ science to remember that if you actually put your greenhouse located behind the Turner Math fair you form an Oakwood team to enter. mind to it, you will achieve great things. & Science building. Income was used for a There are lots of ways to get involved. These Another piece of advice would be to sur- stipend for our sustainability program co- experiences may either reinforce your pas- round yourself with people who share and ordinator and afternoon gardening club. The program is very popular with our stu- sion for the topic or reveal that path was not encourage your intellectual curiosity as early You can also support Oakwood through our as wonderful as you hoped, both of which as you can. STEM is a closely knit field and dents and has become an important part are great perspectives to have sooner. Dur- that’s because the people in it are genuinely of the middle-school science curriculum. special Hudson Valley Gives 24 hour online ing these projects you will also meet people passionate about what they do. If STEM is fundraiser on Wednesday May 15, 2019 at that can open doors for you as mentors, really something you want to pursue, the Income from the Powell Fund has also been I studied Electrical Engineering and Ap- write recommendation letters, and grow sooner you introduce yourself to this com- used each year to enhance the school’s https://www.hvgives.org/organizations/ plied Physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic into your network for advice and support. munity, the sooner you will feel at home! technology. This year, we undertook a ma- oakwood-friends-school Institute and defended my PhD in Electri- jor upgrade to our IT infrastructure and 8 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 9 Oakwood Alums Pursue Science and Math Zach Coto ’10 Presents Annual Herzog Lecture Many alumni are working and studying in cal Engineering from Stanford University Heather Stratica ‘13 demic trajectory and so I left SUNY-ESF to relates to the evolution of the brain, with a pursuit of careers in science and math, also in the fall of 2018. For the past 6 years I return home to New York where I began focus on the dynamics of energy allocation known as the STEM field – science, technol- have been a PhD student at Stanford Uni- working part-time in a local pet shop. There, at different biological levels (from sub-cellu- ogy, engineering and math. We connected versity in Electrical Engineering. Starting in I could use my biological knowledge to as- lar to social) using ant colonies as model or- with two alums from the class of 2013, Rui March 2018, I founded a materials company sist customers with caring for exotic animals. ganisms. A fundamental question for our lab (Skyler) Ma and Heather Stratica, and Greg called Aligned Carbon, Inc. to bring semi- and sociobiology more broadly is whether Pitner, class of 2008, to hear about their conducting carbon nanotubes from the lab My interest in insect sociality remained, but increasingly complex societies require in- academic and career journeys in the field. into real-world commercial applications that I wanted to focus on the molecular mecha- dividuals who are themselves increasingly will eventually make everybody’s comput- nisms underlying social behavior (for exam- complex and/ or who have increasingly Rui (Skyler) Ma ’13 ers a lot faster and more energy efficient. ple, pheromone communication), while in- more cognitive investment. Furthermore, corporating this into studying the emergent we seek to determine to what extent con- The aspect I like most about this career is the properties of insect societies as a whole. In clusions about social evolution can be gen- creative freedom in early research and de- 2014 I enrolled at SUNY New Paltz with a eralized across species and different levels velopment, where you get the precious op- major in Molecular Biology through which of biological organization. I hope to make portunity to define what the problem is and Zach Coto, a Biology PhD candidate at Boston I developed an understanding of molecular contributions to answering these questions justify why this is the problem that needs to University, will return to Oakwood to present interactions and development. Meanwhile, I as they get to the heart of today’s popular be solved first. I also get to be wrong a lot I currently work for DEKA Research and our Annual Herzog Lecture on May 3, 2019. gained a basic knowledge of ecology and I concerns such as whether we can maintain in my work, but when a novel experiment Development as a Test Engineer. DEKA is a A graduate of the class of 2010, Zach shared maintained a focus on social insects through large, cohesive and peaceful societies, what works it feels amazing. Also, I’ll admit I en- Manchester, NH based company that focus- his journey since leaving Oakwood and gave my work on insect tool use. While at SUNY are the limits of human cognitive and social joy playing with the nanoelectronics fabrica- es on creating innovative medical solutions us insight into his upcoming lecture, “Tiny New Paltz, I was accepted as a 2015 Sum- potential and what exactly we are doing as tion and characterization tools (read: toys). and advanced technologies. I’ve been at the Brains and Huge Societies: The Evolution mer Undergraduate Research Fellow at Rock- we develop technology and artificial intel- company since I graduated from college in of Metabolism in a System of Sterility, Divi- efeller University in NYC. At Rockefeller, I ligence networks that are meant to simu- Looking back, two things stand out from May and I really love it! I get to work with sion of Labor, and Collective Intelligence.” was able to see first-hand the real-time ap- late our cognitive and social dynamics. Oakwood: academics and culture. Academi- really passionate people and develop cut- plication of the scientific method. This in- cally the Oakwood teachers Lacey, Chad, ting edge medical device technology, which After Oakwood, I began pursuing a Bach- cluded seeing the development of the first After Oakwood I attended the Univer- Bill, and Ron taught me a solid foundation has been something I’ve been passionate elor’s degree related to social science at genetically modified ants using the now sity of California at Davis where I ma- in AP math, physics, biology, and chemis- about since I was a student at Oakwood. Goucher College in Baltimore. The following popular CRISPR technique. Furthermore, I jored in math. I am currently pursuing my try. Also Nora’s AP English poetry explica- spring, I decided to shift my academic focus was familiarized with insect neurobiology, master’s degree in pure math at "Katho- tion paper assignments helped me write sci- After Oakwood I studied at Worcester Poly- from social science to biological science with immunohistochemistry and developed a lieke Universiteit Leuven" in Belgium entific journal papers as well. The AP class technic Institute in Massachusetts where I a hope to eventually focus on insect social proficiency in micro-dissection. From this and I hope to become a PhD candidate credits then allowed me to enter college al- got both my bachelors and masters degrees behavior. This led me to return to New York experience, I decided to focus my aspira- For me, pursuing math is a leap of faith. most one year ahead of the recommended in Biomedical Engineering. The school is and attend classes at SUNY Orange County tions for graduate work on the neurobiologi- I'm not particularly good at math, but I be- electrical engineering core curriculum, so I very hands-on and project oriented which Community College in preparation for and cal mechanisms underlying insect sociality. lieve math is the truth. My advice is to do used the extra time to go deeper into the was really useful for pursuing engineering. eventual acceptance to SUNY Environmen- things where your faith lies. However, if you graduate classes and research projects. This tal Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse. I graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.S. don't know what you believe or what you led to getting into a good graduate school. My Oakwood education prepared me for my I spent about a year as a student at SUNY in Molecular Biology and was accepted into are most interested in, then do things that career path in many ways. The small classes ESF, first majoring in Conservation Biology the Biology PhD program at Boston Univer- can give you more opportunities and more Second, culturally Oakwood is the kind of offered hands on experience and one-on- and then majoring in Biotechnology while sity in the fall of 2016 to work in Dr. James time to figure out what your future path is. place where we also developed our passions one learning that I couldn’t have gotten from briefly working in a plant propagation labo- Traniello’s Sociobiology Laboratory. Today, I Zach Coto with former teachers Stephen Miller outside the classroom, routinely greeted ev- most other schools -- especially in the math ratory. I was still unsatisfied with my aca- study how the evolution of social behavior and Chad Cianfrani Speaking about her as a student, Math and erybody in the community with a friendly and science classes. Engineering is incred- Science Chair Lacey Fredericks observed, wave, and appreciated the social impact of ibly hands on and most of the time you are “Skyler demonstrated a distinct talent in her our actions. Similarly folks in STEM fields working in a small group so I was introduced work in my classroom. In addition to hav- are a bunch of passionate people in a sci- to this type of environment earlier than most Powell Fund Support the ing solid student skills and a strong work entific community trying to solve problems college students. Oakwood also really helped ethic, she has innate talent that allowed that are impactful beyond the lab. These because the school emphasizes individuality The Powell Fund was established in 2010 wireless coverage. The upgrades include Annual Fund her to process new material with ease. values of passion, community, and social and responsibility. The open campus and with an inspirational gift from Dick Pow- new server switches, wireless access points, She found her way successfully through impact are essential. I think it leads to a flexible schedule really helped me gain or- ell, class of 1968. A leadership donor new computers for classrooms and offices Donate to Oakwood online at dual enrollment in AP AB and BC Calcu- more collaborative mindset for engineers, to the Annual Fund over many years, and enhancements to the Middle School ganizational and time management skills, https://www.oakwoodfriends.org/ lus while also studying Advanced Statistics and I don’t think it is something that gets which are extremely important in keeping Dick made the decision to endow a fund 1:1 Chromebook program. Thank you, independently. Skyler’s mathematical gift, enough emphasis in the STEM classroom. your projects on track. I saw many college that would strengthen Oakwood’s finan- Dick Powell, for your foresight and com- donation/donate/ when combined with her distinct enjoy- students from other types of high schools cial position for the future while provid- mitment to Oakwood Friends School. ment of philosophy and economics, prom- I think it is important to get involved in proj- struggle to learn these skills in college. ing income for today’s needs. For the last ise her a fulfilling and interesting career.” ects outside the classroom related to your nine years, distributions from the Pow- potential academic interests as soon as pos- My best advice for Oakwood students pur- ell Fund have provided income to sup- Greg Pitner ’08 sible. It could be a solo do-it-yourself recre- suing the STEM field would be to be fear- port the sciences, the arts and humanities. ation of a crystal growing experiment you less, never give up, and have confidence in saw on YouTube, or a cool summer job you their problem solving capabilities. It’s easy This year, the Powell Fund has helped sup- hustle your way into while in high school, or to get intimidated by STEM but it’s important port our program around the four-season a competition for robotics/rocketry/ science to remember that if you actually put your greenhouse located behind the Turner Math fair you form an Oakwood team to enter. mind to it, you will achieve great things. & Science building. Income was used for a There are lots of ways to get involved. These Another piece of advice would be to sur- stipend for our sustainability program co- experiences may either reinforce your pas- round yourself with people who share and ordinator and afternoon gardening club. The program is very popular with our stu- sion for the topic or reveal that path was not encourage your intellectual curiosity as early You can also support Oakwood through our as wonderful as you hoped, both of which as you can. STEM is a closely knit field and dents and has become an important part are great perspectives to have sooner. Dur- that’s because the people in it are genuinely of the middle-school science curriculum. special Hudson Valley Gives 24 hour online ing these projects you will also meet people passionate about what they do. If STEM is fundraiser on Wednesday May 15, 2019 at that can open doors for you as mentors, really something you want to pursue, the Income from the Powell Fund has also been I studied Electrical Engineering and Ap- write recommendation letters, and grow sooner you introduce yourself to this com- used each year to enhance the school’s https://www.hvgives.org/organizations/ plied Physics at Rensselaer Polytechnic into your network for advice and support. munity, the sooner you will feel at home! technology. This year, we undertook a ma- oakwood-friends-school Institute and defended my PhD in Electri- jor upgrade to our IT infrastructure and 10 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 7

Service learning placements took stu- Charlie Butts Libby Moroff Leadership Program Middle School Service Learning dents from Habitat for Humanity’s Restore to a local pet store for a supply drive. In keeping with Oakwood’s mission, every They participated in an Advocacy 101 work- They also volunteered at Bluestone Hill Returns to Childhood six weeks the Middle School is concentrat- shop where they identified their elected of- Farm in Red Hook and had the chance ing on a different Quaker value – simplicity, ficials and reached out to them about an is- to feed baby lambs, a highlight for all! Elementary School peace, integrity, community, equality and sue area of concern. During their Housing stewardship. Currently they are focusing on 101 workshop they learned about housing equality through hands on service-learning inequality through a budget activity in which at a variety of non-profits in the community. they had to find an affordable place to live. They further explored budgeting through Service learning work in the Middle School an activity exploring food security at the engages students in preparation, research, local supermarket. Students also watched and action, culminating with reflection. a film about civil rights and the children’s Students took part in a variety of work- march which was followed by a discussion shops during Oakwood’s Social Justice of how young individuals have a voice. Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Charlie Butts with Principal David Scott The Libby Moroff Leadership Program is taking on topics ranging from access to scholars have a busy spring ahead of education for students with disabilities and History teacher and Athletics Director Charlie them! From trips to Albany to advocate protecting the Hudson River to racial justice Butts returned to his childhood school, for farmworker rights, life-saving mental and sponsoring a rural school in Belize. Clinton Elementary School, for Oakwood’s health programs and critical environmental These student-led projects give participants bi-annual Workshare Day. In keeping with safeguards for the Hudson River to the opportunity to delve into an issue area the school's mission and Quaker values, working locally and on campus, these of concern with support from their peers each fall and spring Oakwood students students will be using their voices to and program coordinator, Julie Okoniewski. and faculty volunteer in non-profits ensure that equal labor rights are afforded throughout the Hudson Valley. Projects to all workers and that adequate funds are By the end of the spring term, members of range from harvesting at farms, assisting at allocated for these important programs. the group will implement their projects in Learning about budgeting for food at a local supermarket Milla Berg ’23 with friends at child care centers, trail maintenance and a variety of ways including writing op-eds Bluestone Hill Farm spending time with animals at local shelters. Juniors and seniors apply to be a part of to local papers, scheduling guest speakers the leadership program founded in the for Community Meeting, creating podcasts, Charlie Butts is a life-long resident of spring of 2017 in honor of former board and lobbying in Albany. This hands-on Poughkeepsie whose grandfather, Ralph F. president Libby Moroff ’54. Social activism program, which is run like a club and meets A Message from Malcolm Condon ’20 Butts, was Mayor of the City from 1920-21. was at the core of Libby’s career and these during lunch, encourages students to turn He grew up around the corner from Clinton students are following in her footsteps by their passion into action through creative, we go. I was raised on Quaker values putting toxins directly into our resources. Elementary on Academy Street and walked to pursuing their passion for a wide array of self-designed initiatives. We look forward to and my sister Hannah Condon ’11 and the school. Together with Oakwood seniors, issues. With four returning students from seeing what this dynamic group of students mother Susanrachel Condon ’80 were also Low-income residential districts are Charlie returned to his alma mater to assist last year and eight new members, the group accomplishes in the coming term! Oakwood students. I love the Oakwood sometimes put inside factory districts, where with a garden bench project with the help community for so many reasons: the people, pollution is condensed. As a result of the of third graders in Mrs. Sullivan’s class. The the faculty, and the spirit of every single racial wealth gap, this often forces black group painted and planted two handmade Oakwood student who flows through the and brown people into residential areas planter benches for the school’s outdoor campus; but even our community is touched where they are at higher risk for pulmonary garden area. These colorful benches, built Anh Ho ’20 by habits that contradict Quaker values. diseases and cancer, and at higher risk of by Oakwood students and summer program being exposed to natural disasters. A good participants over the past several years, are Publishes Op-Ed Let’s think about plastic consumption. We example of this was the water crisis in Flint scattered at locations throughout the City strive for simplicity, we love and appreciate Michigan. In April 2014, Flint's water source including Waryas Park, Pulaski Park and the Libby Moroff Leadership Program participant our mother earth, yet every day many of us was changed by the state government and dog park on Wilbur Avenue. Oakwood’s Anh Ho ’20 from Vietnam penned the use Styrofoam and plastic, both of which residents were exposed to high levels of lead newest initiative with the benches is Op-Ed below that was published in the we know poison our planet and are highly and other pollutants. People of Color made up partnering with local elementary schools so Poughkeepsie Journal on December 21, 2018. processed in a hazardous manner. We strive over 60% of those residents. And Hurricane that area children can enjoy them as well. for stewardship, but through our unnecessary Katrina: In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina The existence of the U.S. Environmental plastic consumption, we are damaging the caused chaos in the South, creating a massive Reflecting on his return to Clinton Elementary, Protection Agency (EPA) is strongly Anh Ho ‘20 with Manna Jo Greene, Envi- source of life for us and millions of other flood which struck the Lower Ninth Ward Charlie commented, “It’s great to be back in associated with our health. It keeps ronmental Director for Hudson River Sloop beings. Styrofoam and plastic are the two which is 93% Black. The president made my old neighborhood and have a chance to air and water clean. The EPA acts not Clearwater at a recent climate change event most common materials used in retail. the decision to breach the levee in a few work together with students from my current only to protect human health, but They are both horrible for the environment. different places to release the flood before and former schools. I remember walking it also helps us fight against global Malcolm Condon ’20 presents in Community People buy them without thinking about it. it reached New Orleans. The water flooded Styrofoam and plastic are photodegradable, these halls, working as a “safety monitor” warming, a persistent problem today. to air pollution each year, the partnership Meeting about plastic waste the Lower Ninth Ward, killing 1,577 people. and visiting the corner store after school with the EPA is very meaningful. which means that instead of eventually And when natural disasters like hurricanes for penny candy. Everything certainly As a Vietnamese boarding student in a breaking down into the organic materials hit residential factory districts, damages looks a lot smaller than I remember it!” school in Poughkeepsie, I feel grateful The EPA is globally significant, not just Please consider for a moment the following: that were processed in order to make them, to the factories can cause the release of that the EPA has cooperated with Vietnam for Americans. Cutting off the EPA budget simplicity, peace, integrity, community, they will gradually break down into smaller unsafe substances into the residential to reduce its environmental issues. It means we're risking our own health. It is equality, and stewardship. These are the and smaller particulates, but never cease areas, contaminating the living space. also has discussions and workshops time to protect the EPA, not weaken it. core values that not only shape a Quaker to be toxic. By supporting the production to help people better understand the but any kind-hearted spirit. As a community of these materials, we are speeding up We can all help. Please replace single-use that perpetuates these values, at Oakwood quality of water and air in Vietnam. For Anh Ho the process of toxins entering our water plastics with 100% degradable or compostable a country of about 1.5 million people Junior, Oakwood Friends School, Friends, it is our job to radiate radical love, sources and our food. We also directly materials. Let’s aim towards becoming a more suffering from respiratory illnesses due Poughkeepsie kindness, and social justice no matter where speed it up through pollution, literally sustainable and green institution and world. 6 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 11 Universal Declaration of Human Rights – 70th Anniversary Reflections: 50 years after Oakwood The Universal Declaration of Human Rights In December, Oakwood’s UNA – Mid- The following are excerpts from the Class of Linda Thomas ’68 was adopted by the United Nations General Hudson Valley interns served as modera- 1968 reunion booklet: “My life has been a surprisingly circuitous Assembly on December 10, 1948. Authored tors at the “FDR’s Four Freedoms Today” adventure, and some credit for the ground- by Eleanor Roosevelt, The Universal Decla- event in Hyde Park. Interns are chosen Jack Jennings ’68 ing that informed the navigation of my jour- ration recognizes the inalienable rights held by the UNA board of directors through a Hey my Oakies "sixty Eighters " Sisters & ney can be attributed to my Oakwood expe- by all humans and provides a benchmark for yearly application process which aims to Brother ..can you believe it - it's been 50 rience. Rather than offer up a tedious linear the defense of human dignity and freedom involve youth locally in discussions of in- years! WOW ..YES!! I'm coming and gonna chronology of life events, I’ll just share a few by member states of the United Nations. ternational politics and affairs. Oakwood’s have fun! I'm bringing "Nina" my wife & anecdotes that have defined me: 1968-69 Humanities Chair, Stephen Miller, is Presi- "Dakotah" my 16 year old daughter! (My was an intensely political freshman year at To celebrate this important anniversary, Oak- dent of the UNA – Mid-Hudson Valley. oldest daughter "Nadia" is in London ..Boo NYU (for which I had been well prepped by wood welcomed guest speaker Ryan Kamin- she can't come & Sam the dog can't make it Oakwood), but I subsequently left univer- ski from the United Nations Association-USA The FDR event featured talks, dialogue, and too!) .But YES!...I'm so excited!! Hey Eric, sity to enroll at H.B. Studio – intensive, im- in October. He presented "Rights at Home: A workshops focused on connecting the Uni- Paul, Larry...any of the "Five Flies" coming? Ernan Roman ’68 mersive studies in advanced acting/theatre Call to Action on Immigration and Asylum." versal Declaration on Human Rights to Hud- (to Rock it Out! ) All I can say it's been such a “I was raised by activist parents and con- technique, training mostly with Uta Hagen Ryan is Senior Program Manager for Human son Valley issues and solutions. The event long time and I miss all of my Oakie Brothers tinue to try to make a difference. My Taking for the better part of 12 years. I loved it, and Rights at UNA-USA. Previously Ryan was a was co-hosted by the Franklin D. Roosevelt & Sisters so much! Groove out and get down Action group has been participating in voter in time, I got pretty good at it. I adored the research associate with the Council on For- Presidential Library and Museum, the Elea- in the dug out! So anyway let's have some registration drives and organizing commu- craft; abhorred the business. Was afforded eign Relations’ International Institutions and nor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill, the Dutchess fun! YES! See Ya SOON! PEACE & LOVE nity meetings to stimulate awareness, dia- magnificent opportunities to work around Global Governance program and a U.S. Ful- County Commission on Human Rights, the logue and actions in support of humane im- the globe for extraordinary playwrights bright Fellow (Hong Kong). He is currently Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites - migration policies and legal reforms, rational and exciting productions across the U.S., a research consultant with Friends of the National Park Service and the United Nations Junior Daphne Ballesteros at the UN Day gun control legislation, sustainable climate London and Australia. Dreams come true. Global Fight Against AIDS, TB and Malaria. Association (UNA) - Mid-Hudson Valley. celebration at the FDR Library change policies and women’s rights issues in society and the workplace. In April 2018, In 1971, I decided I needed to leave the I received the “Good Guy” award from the theatre and the USA for a while and go Oakwood's international students are an in- Guilford freshman. Hadis is serving as Shai's Center for the Women of New York, for start- where the wind blew me -- while I had the The Daqiq Sisters tegral part of our community and bring an RA in the dorms and was a friendly Oak- ing a community action group to support means and the time. Spun a globe, closed invaluable richness to the school. The expe- wood face as Shai transitioned to college life! progressive causes and elect officials who my eyes and pointed, and my finger land- from Afghanistan rience of living and studying with students Basira is in her sophomore year at Smith support these causes. I served as a board ed on Brazil. So, I went. I had planned to from all over the world affords our commu- College with fellow alumna Sophie Poux '17 member of Free the Children for 12 years. stay in Rio for an initial two weeks; wound nity a first-hand exchange of different cul- while OFS senior, Hadi is an active mem- up staying there for two years. Yeah, there tures, religions and geopolitical issues in a ber of Oakwood's community serving as I will never forget these gifts from Oak- are a few stories that came with that, and way that can't be replicated in a textbook. a Human Rights Intern and a second year Alina Kaplan ’68 wood; introduction to pottery with Ms. I’m lucky to be alive. Overland hitchhik- For the past several years we have been for- member of the school's Libby Moroff Lead- “Coming from Israel, where most people Willis, a deep appreciation of poetry with ing 2k mi up the east coast almost to the tunate enough to have four sisters from Af- ership Program. She will graduate in June. share the same religion and culture, my Mr. Royal and the intellectual awakening of Amazon, overland all the way across to Bo- ghanistan join our community of learners. Shakiba, the newest member of the Daqiq fam- time at Oakwood, besides being fun, and those years as we immersed ourselves in livia, and south by bus, through Uruguay to The Daqiq sisters - Hadis '15, Basira '17, Hadi ily to join us at Oakwood, is a freshman and giving me lifelong friends whose friend- politics, social issues and music of the 60’s.” Buenos Aires. Incomparable adventure.” '19 and Shakiba '22 have been a vital part of is happily adjusting to life in the dorms with ship I cherish, taught me about toler- our community from the first day they arrived. her big sister close at hand as she settles in! ance, widened my horizons and opened Hadis is now a senior at Guilford College in The Daqiq sisters are just one example me to appreciate the diversity in people Hadi ’19, Hadis ’15, Sara and Shakiba ‘22 North Carolina where she recently connect- of the international student families who and cultures that are different from mine. (Basira – not shown) ed with alumna Shai Black Bird '18 who is a bring so much to our school community! After Oakwood, I moved back and forth from Tel Aviv to NY, but have been living in Israel for the last 33 years. My 30-year- Student Artist Annie Kronenberg ’19 old son just recently got married and I love Annie describes herself as a “tactile per- Annie also spent a summer at the Art Insti- working as an Art and Sand play therapist, son.” “I enjoy the actual feel of the mate- tute of Chicago for a figure drawing class which keeps me playful and creative, while rials – the charcoal. And the mediums I which pushed her out of her comfort zone dancing and swimming in our wonderful work in are connected. Drawing helped and challenged her in a positive way. Locally, Mediterranean helps keep me feeling young.” me pose people and learn how the hu- she’s attended Mill Street Loft’s (now known man body works which informed my pho- as The Art Effect) Summer Intensive in film 1-3:00pm Open Gym for families with tography work which is mostly portraits.” photography/digital photo and painting. Alumni Weekend young children May 17-19, 2019 2:00pm Reception for Class of 1969

Her influences include her aunt, Claudia When asked what advice she would give to Friday, May 17th - Head’s house Kronenberg, who was a prolific wedding a student interested in pursuing the visual 3:00pm Tea in Collins Library photographer in Nantucket, MA. Annie arts/photography at Oakwood, Annie re- 2:30pm Caroline “Dash” Davis Gleiter ’51 - Art Show & Oak Store described seeing her aunt’s studio as re- flected, “If you’re really dedicated to the arts, Social Justice Lecture Campus Tour ally interesting even though their styles I highly recommend you take drawing and Speaker: Author and Journalist - meet in front of Main Building were very different from one another. be a part of the critiques. Listen to feedback. Amitava Kumar 4:30pm Reception for Oak Tree Club 6:00pm Welcome Reception & Buffet Dinner Annie Kronenberg ’19 Ask questions and don’t take it for granted. - (Class of 1968 & prior) Outside of the classroom, Annie has spent Absorb it all. Explore. Oakwood has lots of in Dining Hall 10 Year Reunion at Bertucci-Miller Senior Annie Kronenberg has a bright fu- many summers in pre-collegiate art pro- opportunities in many different mediums. Shelley Raker Pick ’68 8:00pm Spring musical production Godspell house, Class of 2009 ture in digital photography ahead of her fu- grams across the country and abroad. She’s Learn from your mistakes. Learn by doing.” I am so grateful for my Oakwood education. A.H. Lane Auditorium 6:00pm Festive Dinner It set a strong foundation for the next 50 eled in large part by her experiences in the studied figure drawing, art history and th 8:00pm Spring musical production Godspell years, which have flown by & been grand. Saturday, May 18 Oakwood Art Department. Originally from portfolio development focusing on pho- To date Annie has been accepted to: A.H. Lane Auditorium I have lived in many countries, worked in 9:00am Registration & Breakfast Chicago, Annie moved to NY her freshman tography at Pratt Institute. The summer Moore College of Art and Design in th year of high school where she “found her of her sophomore year found her in Par- Philadelphia, Massachusetts College fashion, had a long happy marriage with 10:00am Alumni Association Annual Meeting Sunday, May 19 children & grandchildren, and now reside artistic voice.” She credits her participation son’s study abroad program in Paris. This of Art in Boston, Savannah College of & Community Meeting 9:00am Hot Breakfast in the south of France making olive oil & in Lizzie’s drawing classes with shaping her month long photography program gave Art and Design (SCAD) and Maine Col- 12:00pm Lunch under the tent & 10:30am Meeting for Worship honey. How lucky we all are to share the as an artist and giving her the vocabulary her the opportunity to delve into Photo- lege of Art (MECA) in Portland, ME. Class Photographs - Nine Partners Meeting House for critiquing art work, including her own. shop and strengthened her independence. memories of our high school years together. 12 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 5 Class Notes production was able to enact this effect in-school performances of the three annual So Much Drama… making for striking tableaus and creating a plays, it was by far the largest audience we’ve By: Melissa Matthews, Theater Director live soundscape that pulled audiences into had in the past several years. We are hopeful the Underworld along with the eponymous that by introducing Middle Schoolers and The 2018-2019 school year is proving to be character. As compelling was the “river”. The their parents to the work we are doing in a great time for theater at Oakwood Friends script called for a pantomime of characters the performing arts, we may entice support School. We have an ambitious schedule and “dipping” themselves in the river. I felt from parents and students at our other have already covered quite a bit of ground -- it was within our capabilities to actually performances and productions. The students the drama department at Oakwood is thriving! use water and create a river for the actors. work extremely hard and devote themselves This, much like the raining elevator, made deeply to Oakwood’s theatrical endeavors. for extremely strong images of Eurydice 1946 1954 Molly Lynn Watt – The Cambridge Cohousing and her Father standing soaking wet and The winter production, Rosencrantz and Betty Nunn Moon Kramer – I’m still living in Peter Mickelsen – It was a busy year at the ranch community Dan and I are co-founders of celebrated afraid having forgotten their lives entirely. Guildenstern Are Dead saw an incredible Gainesville, FL at a CCRC, Oak Hammock at – logging, roofing, excavating and building. Our it’s 20th anniversary this year. We have found energy Blank slates. The sounds of the actors audition turnout. Comedies always receive University of Florida. Husband Buddy and I are son, Marshall, continues to improve from the head and community every day as we live in our 1,083 moving through the small pool of water more attention from students, but this trying out the nineties to see how we like it. If we injury with goal of living independently with-in the sq.ft. on the third floor & commute by bike or foot and rising from it were deeply affective. winter was exceptionally robust. Twenty- do, we may stay until 100. coming year. to Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement – five students came out, all were cast, and almost like living at Oakwood! Meanwhile, the 6th and 7th-grade production nineteen were able to commit to the 1948 of Macbeth, the Musical Comedy by Ron responsibility. A Those who auditioned Beatrice Scherf Campione – Still a volunteer at 1957 Fink and John Robert Heath took on a very ranged from Oakwood theater veterans to Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife “Spin & Win,” an interactive work by Warwick artist Isabella Kramb ’21 and Elias Fredericks ’20 in Eurydice different tone despite the source material. first-time performers, freshman to seniors. Refuge – 30 years! Jonathan Talbot was featured in the inaugural We spent some time prior to working It has been a pleasure to work with such exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Political We opened the year with Eurydice by Sarah through the text to discuss Shakespeare’s a diverse group. I’m excited for you to see 1949 Art in Washington, DC. “Spin & Win” has also been Ruhl. It’s a somewhat lesser known play version so the students had some context them and for them to have this opportunity Harvey Seymour – 70 years ago I was a senior at shown in "Raised Voices: Artists Resist" in Brattleboro, due to its experimental nature, and, being a which made the jokes more effective. An to perform such a complex piece! Oakwood under faculty members such as Alfred VT, 2018; "We The People" at the Barrett Art Center drama, I knew I was taking a risk. The turnout absurdist comedy by nature, the Middle Henderson – a Quaker and a science teacher who in Poughkeepsie, NY, 2017, and "Politicked Off" at the for auditions was not as strong as I was Schoolers were easily able to take on the We look forward to seeing you in the theatre! belongs in the rarefied atmosphere of a Jimmy Milkweed Gallery in Sugarloaf, NY, 2016. hoping for, but I ended up with an extremely material. It took some convincing that Carter or a Naomi Klein. My Oakwood memories strong cast of seven and an excellent stage something so silly could be genuinely funny still guide me on what I’m doing and where I’m manager. We were able to move through the if taken with the appropriate seriousness; going – so thank you, Oakwood, very much. blocking quite quickly and, as a result, spent however, the production was a success. quite a bit of time developing characters and Music Accolades 1950 Linda Rahl Nadas – Here on Bull Road in really tailoring the blocking to the actors. Ted and I agreed that a stripped down Congratulations to the following students Artist Jarvis Rockwell has a new large-scale Rock Tavern, NY, I am still making clay pots and The cast was tight-knit and worked well as rendition would serve both the actors and on their recent musical accomplishments! exhibition, titled "Us," at the Massachusetts Museum sculptures. I am happy making things from clay. I an ensemble which was truly a necessity text best. We were able to use the set from of Contemporary Art in North Adams, MA. guess I love the material. Working with clay is a for this production. The three students Eurydice to our advantage. We employed special time. It is possible to meditate in the studio. portraying the stones had a particularly the physical levels including the balcony- Wishing all a great and wonderful 2019. difficult job, and it was evident that they spent esque second level. We used a table, chairs, quite a lot of time outside of our rehearsals and a few small swords to round out our 1955 working on their dialogue together. minimalist aesthetic. Students emerged in Robine Andrau – I, along with several of my ‘ex- 1958 their best plaid shirts, skirts, shoes, and hats laws’ who were about to turn or had turned 80, Jim Davis – Moved from Woodstock, NY to As is so often the case when a play utilizes a in an effort to evoke Scottish tartan clothes. gave ourselves a birthday bash with a live band. I Marlton, NJ after Joan, my wife of 48 yars, passed powerful special effect, the most memorable Luca Bax ’24 even donned a kilt as Macbeth! kicked up my heels and danced with…my rolling away in April. My younger daughter and family moments in our production of Eurydice centered around the water. Water is an oft- Macbeth brought parents, faculty, and walker! I’m hoping to take my family on a visit to live nearby. Also, since last December, I am in a Elias Fredericks ’20 made second chair, first used symbol in literature and is extremely students together en masse. It was obvious the Northwest this summer. Any suggestions for wheelchair fulltime due to a nerve disorder. I have violin at the New York State School Music what to see? [email protected] a 24/7 caregiver. It is a big adjustement, but I keep pervasive in Eurydice. On several occasions, that the students’ efforts were appreciated. Association (NYSSMA) All-State Orchestra Congratulations to Robine on the publication of her fascinat- busy with PT and playing duplicate bridge. The the script called for characters to emerge The audience laughed, clapped, and gave festival in Rochester. ing book: Bowing to the Emperor: We Were Captives in bridge carries over from Oakwood. from an elevator in which it rained. With a standing ovation. It is our hope that the the help of Middle School English teacher Jarvis Rockwelll with Mass MoCA curator WWII. support they received will entice them to Alexandra Foradas 1959 Emily Woolever and her husband Matthew participate in the theater program again as 1956 Susan Stein Stephens - Hope to see class of ’59 and father Charlie LaPlant, Oakwood’s they move to the Upper School. Beyond the Susie Deane-Miller shared a tune with Oakwood folks at Alumni get-to-gether in May, 2019. Life at 1952 6th graders at her Poughkeepsie home. The students Freedom Plaza is just great! Come see why. Best wishes to Roger and Joso Bullard at their were completing their treasure hunt - part of their A Raisin in the Sun – a student initiative new residence in Stamford, CT. science mapping unit - and enjoying their treasure 1960 treats. Thank you, Susie! Richard Merriss – Teaching Qi Gong in Petaluma, CA. Student producers Joseph Spence ’19 and Andrew Harkness – Should the works of Ayn Willow Bennison ’20 described their pur- Rand be read and debated at Oakwood? 1961 pose: “We have decided to do this historic 7th grader Alejandra Calderon, shown with Rob Blackman – The perspective of time play to encourage and promote African- classmate Luca Bax, made it into Junior Anne MacDougall Preuss – I have lived for 10 continues to augment my appreciation and gratitude American culture and heritage at our school. High All-County Chorus. years at Kendal at Lexington in the Shenandoah for my Oakwood years that were foundational and We really appreciate all that our communi- Valley of Virginia. I do a lot of writing and painting transformational. The Malibu, CA fires torched my ty gives us and the cast and crew are very and edit the community literary magazine. property but left my house intact. Smoke damage excited to present this expression of free- will keep us out of our place another 3 weeks, but dom and culture to the Oakwood stage.” 1953 we are all safe and sound. Everything else is just Producers Joseph Spence ’19 and Special thanks to our friends of the theater Taffy Thunick Hoffman – I am living in an ‘stuff ’. Willow Bennison ’20 who are sponsoring this production: Parent active senior facility. I find myself speaking about In addition to all the wonderful offer- and board member Emilie Gay, Don Badgley Oakwood frequently, as people often discuss their 1963 ings of Oakwood’s theater department, ’67, Joe Cohen ’55, Randy Detwiler ‘75, Thom- past and where they came from. Oakwood, I say, Martha Richdale – It has been a year and a half several students have taken the initia- as Evans ‘90, Judith Ebenstein Grose ’66, Alec “made me who I am”. since my beloved Bill passed away…18 months of tive to create their own production of “A MacLeod ‘71, Julia Patten ‘07, Michael Plugh deep grieving and emotional/spiritual growth. As Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansbury. ’89, Jessie Washington ’86, and Molly Lynn Senior Youyin “Benna” Su was accepted a result of this painful loss, I have ‘inherited’ my The play is scheduled for April 11th and Watt ’56. We appreciate your support. into the music program at NYU. 12th in Lane Auditorium. All are welcome. 4 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 13

delightful 27-year-old step-son, Michael Gough, solve a problem in a 5-minute time frame. Great 1992 Sports Center who brings so much joy to my life. My ‘third son’ hope for our future. Many thanks to Ben Daitz for hosting an Oakwood By: Charlie Butts, Athletic Director is in Air Force Security Forces, now stationed at alumni gathering at one of his Num Pang Kitchen Andrews Air Force Base. The sun shines brighter restaurant locations in NYC! And congratulations As this piece is being written, the Hudson every day. I am truly blessed. on the birth of his son Sage Kingston Daitz! Valley is alternating between frigid cold and surprising warmth. This past fall, our 1964 Matthew Jones – Finished up yearly open Martial athletes once again joined our teams in Congratulations to Pamela Tinnes Lord who Arts tournament. It was a wonderful showcase of record numbers. Almost 80% of the school published her first children's book, Furry Tales, diversity, talent and skill from participants of all ages was busy on our fields, trails, and courts. in May 2018. A copy of her book is now in the and walks of life. Following are a few highlights from the Oakwood Friends School library. In Pam's words: season. As usual, many of the words "I started writing a children's book in 2016. Friends 1993 you will read are from our coaches and who helped me with the endeavor encouraged me Congratulations to Jessica Kimelman and her I appreciate their dedication and input. to try to get it published. We were at our daughter's husband Tommy Cho on the birth of their daughter annual Buddy Walk when I heard an ad for Page Isla Paullina Cho on September 22. One big change this fall was the return Publishing. When we got home, we checked them Helen Claxton – All the best ’70ers. You’re in my of interscholastic soccer to the middle out. They cater to first time authors, promising to thoughts always. school. Bolstered with a few upper school Middle School soccer players on the field read but not to publish unless they like the story. I students, this coed team was then reborn can honestly say I never thought they would say yes. Gary Slutzky – Who knew when I left Oakwood as Thirds soccer. It was coached by Emily and moved from 4th place to 2nd in the Rashid ’19 completed her sixth season on They did and in May of this year I had my book in in the spring of 1968, that I would ever return? I’ve and Matt Woolever. The defense was an- league standings. The five scorers rotat- the cross country team and she earned hand. Got my first royalty check in August. What a been back twice. This past spring, I was invited by chored by Alex Turk ’21, Joe Cao ’21, Ale- ed amongst one senior, one junior, three recognition with the “6-Year” Award. feeling!" several alumna friends and I was glad I went to the jandra Calderon ’24, Preston Baas ’25, Aara- sophomores, and three freshmen. Layton Nafisa continued the streak of every girl 50th for the class of 1968. I reunited with a few lyn Gravagna ’24, and Lulu Schloss ’24. All Liu ’19 earned HVAL All-Star status with who started XC in seventh grade being 1965 alums who 50 years ago, seemed so much older six were new to their positions, but over his 10th place finish at the League Cham- on a League Championship team (2016). John Blackman – Retired from the County of Los than me. Now, we’re all the same age. I was glad to the course of the season, all of our de- pionship, which was hosted by Oakwood Her dedication to the sport, encourage- Angeles as an attorney in child support. reunite, including with Henry Hidell. fenders learned to think tactically. This of- Friends. Three other runners came to ment to other runners, and superb ex- ten included having the self-control to not practice so ready to train every day, that, ample will be missed. Even coaches at Tess Coppoc DeNies – Not much news lately. 1974 run forward and try to steal the ball from along with Layton, they formed the scor- other schools have grown accustomed to My husband and I are retired physical therapists Karen Knowles – I will not be able to attend the oncoming strikers, but rather to stay with ing nucleus for the team. Erik Budo Uerk- seeing her on the course year after year. for 2 years. Our daughter is living in Batavia with 45th reunion in the spring – I will be river rafting them and steer them away from the goal. witz ’22 ran as 2nd scorer most of the sea- her husband. We have a grand-dog and a grand- the Colorado River in Utah. I would sure like to see 1996 son and earned the “Newcomer with the Hosting the annual Oakwood Friends cat. Mark and I have traveled to places like Alaska, everyone – the 50th for sure! Congratulations to Eliot Harrison and wife The team was also strong at midfield with Most Impact” award. Jayden Brockington Invitational in September and the HVAL Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Iceland, etc. We Heather on the birth of their son Hunter Nakatani Soren Bertucci-Miller ’25, Haytham Tang ’21 earned the “Most Improved” award as League Championship in October high- are active in church and other groups despite the Carrie Ann Stern – Life is good. I moved to Rhode Harrison on November 18, 2018. ’22, Ivo Uebbing ’24, Luca Bax ’24, Milla he raced to be the 3rd Oakwood scorer at lighted the tremendous support the com- typical trials and tribulations of old age. Island 7 years ago and see Jennifer Wilkie Brandon, Berg ’23, Jonah Schumacher ’25, and Caleb the league championship. Elias Fredericks munity gives cross country. The athletic Cathy Wilkie and Debbie Lynn often. We all live 2004 Diggs ’24 all helping us to maintain posses- ’20 was one of several who started the sea- director, former XC coaches, the Sustain- Congratulations to Walter Effron, 2nd generation between 10 minutes and an hour of one another. We Congratulations to Frank McGinnis who starred sion. Successful midfielders need a blend son with our August preseason sessions; able Gardening crew, and friends and owner of Three Arts Bookstore on Collegeview also see Becky Rothey (Rebecca Pasiencier Rothey) as Sam in "Ghost, the Musical," at The Center for of ball control skills and field awareness he developed into a consistent 3rd or 4th spouses covered many tasks of conduct- Avenue in Poughkeepsie. His bookstore was whenever she comes to New England during our Performing Arts at Rhinebeck in October. The Up in order to get and keep possession of the scorer, and earned the Coaches’ Award. ing the meets and spotting certain places featured in the Southern Dutchess News on the summers. It’s been awesome to get together. In One production is based on the 1990 Oscar ball, and to move it forward to our strikers. on the course. They judged the finish or- occasion of Small Business Saturday. The store was winning film "Ghost." Our group performed this task admirably. For the girls, Adele Fredericks ’21 medaled der, collected scoring tags, directed traf- opened by Walter's parents, Jesse and Lillian Effron, 1976 Up front, our strikers included Max Kruk at all six invitational meets this season, fic, spotted turns on the course, cheered in 1946, featuring books, music and artist supplies. William Bogle, Jr. – Carol and I are loving living in 2007 ’23, Ian Matkin ’23, Tristan Nielson ’22, and won the Faith Christian meet. She runners from all schools, and rang the The store is directly across the street from Vassar the South Carolina low country. It affords me great Congratulations to Jon Pesner and Desiree Conway and Arjun Yang ’23. Strikers need quick finished 6th at the League Championship cowbells for further encouragement. No College. opportunity for photography. I updated my website who were married on the Oakwood campus on bursts of speed, the aggression to chal- to earn All-Star status. Then, she attended wonder Oakwood receives so many com- at www.BoglePhoto.com. Please go there to check September 1, 2018. lenge the other team's defenders, and sol- the New England Division 4 (small pri- pliments for hosting the best XC meets! David Sitomer – Renewed my warranties!! Eye, out my work. id contact on the ball when shooting. Our vate schools) XC Championship at Mari- colon & hip surgeries. crew all had numerous goals and assists anapolis School in Connecticut. About Finally, if you’re ever in the area, feel free to 1986 throughout the season. In the net, Arjun, half the course was a flowing stream from attend any of our athletic contests. Sched- 1967 Padoue Marra and his wife Marie stopped by Caleb, and Dylan Diallo ’23 shared duties recent heavy rains which made running ules are posted on the school’s website Philip Richmond – Just back from a 10-day campus in October and visited with his former as keeper, and each blocked many shots a bit difficult, but now Adele figures she which gets updated promptly if there are visit to Prague and Budapest. Very interesting teacher Charlie Butts. They live in North Carolina. and saved many goals. In addition to hav- can handle any course conditions. Nafisa any last minute changes. See you there! and important histories. Assuming that my paper ing quick reflexes, keepers also do a lot is accepted, I will finish my graduate work this of thinking and planning. This includes December. However, I may elect to defer the cap & deciding when to stay back and when gown tradition until next spring as there is probably to charge a striker, directing the defense, one more course that I may take. One’s learning calling out open opposing players, and should not cease because a certificate is achieved. Congratulations on your new additions: finding open teammates on punts and goal OFS is always in my thoughts. kicks. Everyone certainly learned a lot! Josie Trefz on the birth of her second son, Griff 1969 Wyatt, on December 18, 2018! Overall, our team saw tremendous Chuck Schwartz – Things are looking up. Looking growth over the course of the season. forward to May – 50th reunion. My daughter’s Zerui Zhu on the birth of her daughter Catalina! Many of our players were completely boyfriend told my wife and me that he plans on 1990 new to playing soccer, and many more getting married to our daughter. They live in Dylan Cristy – is married to Michelle Belville. Emma (Melchior-Schultz) Henning and were new to their positions. As the sea- Brooklyn and work in Manhattan. My sister has They live in DC and both work at NASA. husband Brian Henning on the birth of their son progressed, everyone improved their been living in the upper west side for 30 years and my daughter Elliot Grace Henning! stamina, ball control skills, and tactical urologist, who killed my cancer, works in Manhattan. 1991 thinking. This growth will certainly help Been spending more time in NYC than ever. Congratulations to Georgia Tetlow, M.D., for our soccer program in the years ahead. being selected by her peer physicians as a 2018 Adam Benzinger recently launched Laughing Gut 1970 Mainline Today Top Doctor. Georgia is the founder Kombucha out of the newly renovated Poughkeepsie In other fall action, our cross country Theresa Riley Baron – Here I am judging the FLL of the Philadelphia Integrative Medicine practice. Underwear Factory. Best of luck on this exciting teams were quite busy. The youthful boys (LEGO) competition – third one this year. It is She returned to Oakwood in 2014 to speak at winter business endeavor! team developed throughout the season Cross Country runners Jayden Brockington '21 and Hadis Daqiq '19 amazing how the young kids can come together and reunion. 14 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 3

Thank you Li Guo for facilitating a virtual podcast anthology by Venus Radio Theater. conversation with current international students Congratulations Peter! Parent Dinner Supports 2019 Annual Fund from China during winter reunion in January. Via Cosimo's, Amadou Diallo & Mary Geis, Skype, Li fielded questions with 15 upper school 2011 Linda & Timothy Doherty, Rich Feldman, students about making the most of their time at Jill Poskanzer’s short story "Lost" was awarded the of Michael ’21 and Franco Giangrasso who Maish Freedman, Giacomo's, Doug Gilmour Oakwood and planning for college and careers in Annual Birdwhistle Prize in Fiction from Noble / stepped up to serve as auctioneers and to & Sadia Bihi-Gilmour, John & Wendy Gilvey the future. Li earned his BA from Boston University Gas Qrtly. Amy Solis, parent of Siena ’24, clerk of the - Hudson Beach Glass, Gold's Gym, Nathalie and his Master's from the University of Chicago. 2019 Parent Dinner. Student artwork was on Gravagna, Hudson Valley Healing Center, 2013 display and student musicians opened the Hudson Valley Renegades, Hudson Valley 2008 Rui (Ray) Gao graduated from Monash University Music Director Ted Messerschmidt travelled evening with their performances: Juniors Skin Care, Italian Center, Timothy Judge, Zack Federbush’s piece “Haunting” will be in Melbourne, Australia where he received his to Anchorage, AK, in December to participate in Willow Bennison, Stefanie Quintanilla, Elias Martina Deignan & Douglas Kirchner, Heidi showcased in Local Project’s “Love/Hate” Winter Master of Finance and Banking degree. a musical performance at the Hiland Mountain Fredericks and senior Youyin (Benna) Su. We Kronenberg, Marion SalonSpa, Lisa Matkin Group Exhibition in Queens/Long Island City! Correctional Center. Ted did his grad and post- are especially grateful to two local businesses - Sacred Healing Earth Arts, Richard Otte Congratulations Zack! grad work looking at the positive roles music can who sponsored the dinner this year: Bottini & Maria Melilli, Elizabeth Meyer, Mohonk play within our correctional system and society as Fuel & Rondack Construction. Thank you! Mountain House, Morgan & Cybele Nielsen a whole. - Sparkle, Michelle Niemiec - Eye Appeal Through the generosity of all our auction Optical, Paula's Public House, Robert J. Congratulations to Middle School Director Ricci Amy Solis, Clerk of the 2019 Parent Dinner item donors and dinner attendees, we Pfeifer, Pamela Phillips-Malcom, Bonnie Scott and Saddan Alma-Bueno on the birth of their raised over $13,000 for the Annual Fund. Raitt ’67, Mary Redmond & Eli Schloss, Amy baby daughter Emmy Madeline on October 24, 2018. Thank you: Adams Fairacre Farms, Michelle & Louis Solis, Patricia & Carl Stewart, Holly Thank you to Tim and Laurel Sweeney, Alumkal & Jeffrey Yang, Josie & Michael Sturges ’68, Alysa & Daniel Sullivan, Lucia parents of Sean ’09, and owners of Stone Angley - Go A2B Transportation, Elizabeth & Scott Swartz, Laurel & Timothy Sweeney 2016 Ridge Wine & Spirits, for sponsoring our Arnold, Atlantic Theater Company, Brian - Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits, Tea Talk, Last fall Ben Whipple spent 10 weeks in the Ghorka 14th annual wine dinner & auction to & Reina Baas - Renu Medispa, Bardavon Malcolm Turk and Village TeaRoom. region of Nepal, an area devastated by an earthquake support the Annual Fund. The event was 1869 Opera House, Boscobel House and in 2015. As a volunteer for Raleigh International, he held on January 26th at Locust Grove – Gardens, Bread Alone, Yvette Brockington, worked with a local and international crew on clean Samuel Morse Historic Site, catered by Camp Cody, Cancun's Family Mexican New Faces water infrastucture, which included digging ditches Cosimo’s. The festive evening was shared Restaurant, Center for Performing Arts at by parents, faculty, board members and 2009 for pipes and building tap stations. He also helped to Rhinebeck, Peter Christiansen & Debbie friends. Thank you to Josie Angley, parent Congratulations to former student clerk Jonathan teach schoolchildren in the area about importance Guy-Christiansen, Amy & Bob Cook, (JP) Powers ’09 and Jennifer Kennett ’08 who of handwashing, teeth brushing, and other aspects Congratulations to Berg & Moss Architects who were married on September 29, 2018. Fellow alumna of personal hygiene. He is currently traveling and designed the new Studios Building at the Randolph Kelsey Kleidman ’09 of Ke-Li Photography was studying social innovation/entrepreneurship in School in Wappingers Falls. Chris Berg is the their wedding photographer. Jen and JP planted an Uganda, India, and Brazil with the International parent of current student Milla ’23 and Jonathan oak tree at their ceremony to commemorate having Honors Program, part of the School for Moss’ son Parker was a Middle Schooler. The met and started dating at Oakwood in 2007. International Training. American Institute of Architects - Westchester & Hudson Valley Design Awards Committee has 2017 selected the building for a Design Award to be Parfait Bizimana met with Cyril Uebbing ’20 presented at a Celebration of Architecture ceremony over Thanksgiving break in Buffalo, NY. in Greenwich, CT.

Former history teacher, David Kehlenbeck was Oakwood welcomes new faculty members married to Ginny Wortham on February 2, 2019 in Richmond, VA. Congratulations! (l-r) Molly O'Donnell (Spanish), Student performers Willow Bennison ’20, Stefanie Quintanilla ’20 Sara Scotto (Math) and Jackie Bediako and Youyin “Benna” Su ’19 perform at the parent dinner (Academic Support Center)!

Mariah Lewis Purcell – Things rarely seem to go as planned. After graduating from the University of The Admissions Team and Student Ambassador Program Montana last month with my M.Ed., I was thrilled to accept a position teaching preschool in Missoula. they visited Rockefeller Center, took in the I’m enjoying experiencing the whole spectrum of Faculty & Friends Broadway show "Phantom of the Opera" education; from [student] teaching AP English and and ate a lovely dinner together before English 12, to middle school social studies and ELA, Congratulations to Jean and Fred Doneit who taking the train back home to Poughkeepsie. to working on a collaborative elementary school celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Linz, research project... and now teaching preschool! Germany this summer. Senior Joe Chen represented Oakwood's Our Ambassadors take pride in the work they While the goal is still to eventually work my way into team "Quivering Quakers" at the Alzheimer's do representing Oakwood Friends School to a secondary English classroom, in the meantime, Donna & Brian Fry – I treasure my four years as Association's 'Sub Zero Hero' icy plunge on newcomers. Thank you, Ambassadors, for I’m going to enjoy my circle lessons/activities, snack Admissions Director ’88-’92 and the rich experience February 9, 2019! Joe bravely jumped into a frozen your service to the school! time, arts and crafts projects, and discussing Moana living in a culturally diverse community so focused on lake to support Alzheimer's research and local and Frozen with little humans. teaching and living out social justice values. Donna programs at this annual event run by Oakwood also loved doing health education at Oakwood and parent Lauren Greif Voorhees (Matthew ’17). being part of the nursing office while obtaining Oakwood parent, CIA Chef and Professor Scott her RN license. Donna is now retired from public Swartz (Sam ’22) set up a hot chocolate bar to warm When new families come to campus for a house or on a tour, it’s often a quick

health nursing and I am semi-retired but working spectators and participants! visit, they are often greeted by our wonderful leap to feeling comfortable at the school. pretty regularly as a school bus driver. Oak Leaves Student Ambassadors. Many families report still impresses me with remarkable stories showing that they especially appreciate going on The Admissions Team appreciates the the school accomplishing its mission as much or campus tours with ambassadors who important work of our Student Ambassadors more than ever. speak honestly and enthusiastically about and prepares them for their role. They our programs and community. And, of meet as a group for training and discussion Congratulations to Assistant Business Manager course, our students are uniquely qualified throughout the year and sometimes get Denise Gralton and Vincent Eagan who were to talk about life at Oakwood. When a together just to have fun. Nick Ugarte, Grace Director of Admissions Nick Ugarte with Peter Zimmerman’s pilot DESTROY ALL married on August 3, 2018. prospective student makes a connection Obee, Akilah Spencer and our Ambassadors Admissions Associates Grace Obee (l) and HUMANS is being produced for an upcoming with one of our Ambassadors at an open enjoyed a day in New York City where Akilah Spencer (r) 2 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2018-192016-17 15

our community. We unplug and look inward. education and the merits of our Oakwood Letter from the Head We reflect. We think. As meeting concluded community. I was inspired by the engage- we shook hands, and not surprisingly the ment, the passion and the energy of our Remembering Bert Smiley ’62 IN MEMORY By: Chad Cianfrani, Head of School middle school students bolted out the doors. current seventh graders. They have a lot of vanced Mathematics. In 1973, he met his Oakwood learning ahead of them, as do I. future wife Nina Feldman who was a se- Early this Feb- English and writing were next up. Gathered nior at Vassar College. They married a year Alice Landis Tonry ’39 ruary I walked in a circle we compared the merits of novel later and went to Princeton University for July 5, 2016 into our Meeting versus movie. A statistical approach plotted graduate study. Bert earned a PhD in eco- Room for morn- who, when, what, and how we talked during Beth Porter ’87 nomics with a focus on industrial organiza- Lucinda White Lohr ’40 ing Collection class. Graphical representation of conversa- tion. For ten years he worked for the U.S. November 5, 2018 filled with an- tion? As a statistician and engineer, I was Speaks at Davos Department of Justice Antitrust Division as ticipation, excite- both intrigued and pleasantly surprised by the Director of Research focusing on public ment and a little this addition. Spoiler…’ Princess Bride’ the policy analysis. In 1990, Bert and Nina re- Janet Stone ’46 anxiety. With movie is better than the novel according to turned to Mohonk where Bert became the December 22, 2018 the seventh- Oakwood’s 7th grade (and most of society). president and CEO and Nina became the grade class as my Director of Marketing. Bert continued in John Gilbert ’49 guide, I focused On to United States History, Civics and that role until his retirement in June 2018. June 28,2016 on the experi- Politics: Having studied the US constitu- ence at hand… tion from formation to implementation As a fourth-generation leader of the resort, my day as a earlier this term, the 7th grade class began Bert was passionate about Mohonk’s mis- Tedye Lenore Thompson ’49 middle school- with two questions: ‘What is a State of the sion of historic preservation. In 2011, 874 October 13, 2018 er. The last time I was in this position the Union Address?’ Why do we have one?” We Oakwood Friends School lost a distin- acres of Mohonk Mountain House land was Carter and Reagan administrations were in then proceeded to watch the first 20 min- guished alumnus and wonderful friend transferred to the Open Space Institute to Johanne Haberstro Trotter ’49 transition and the Trapper Keeper was an utes of the recent State of the Union Ad- when Albert Keith Smiley III passed away ensure the land’s preservation for future September 14, 2018 organizational must. As our Middle School dress and then were tasked with identifying on October 16, 2018. Known affection- generations. In 2017, the Smiley family was Director texted a photograph of the daily major themes, major goals, and topics dis- ately as Bert, he was described with these named “Legendary Family Historic Hoteliers schedule to my iPhone, I quickly realized cussed by the president. Our homework: words at a reception held at the Smiley of the Year” by the Historic Hotels World- Mary Atherton Varchaver ’49 many aspects of the middle school experi- finish watching the SOTU address, discuss April 5, 2018 Oakwood Board Member Beth Porter ’87 family's historic Mohonk Mountain House: wide at their annual Awards of Excellence. ence have changed over the last forty years. with family at home and further identify ar- “With quiet confidence, a brilliant mind, Bert believed that the strength of the busi- eas of success, areas of concern and how was a speaker at The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting held January 22-25, 2019 at and a dry wit, Bert worked tirelessly over ness lay in its community of staff. He con- Rosalee Haviland Boissy ’50 Walking the brick pathway between Main we as 7th graders can become involved. decades to preserve the Mountain House sidered them his extended Mohonk family. October 13, 2016 Building and the Dining Hall, our first stop Fourth class done… and I am exhausted. Davos in Switzerland. Beth took part in the 2nd Annual TransHuman Code Meeting of and his family’s legacy. His wisdom and in- was the photography studio and darkroom. sights, his ability to hold simultaneously a the Minds Roundtable focusing on “Humans Susan Hart Cayanne ’52 Having taken advantage of unseasonably With no rest for the weary, we shifted gears vision of the future and to craft the means warm weather the day before, the students from the classrooms to the courts. Next stop, as the Fulcrum to the Internet of Everything". October 2018 She was joined in this week-long event by of getting there were admired and appre- had already captured six rolls of black and Kildonan School with the 7th graders and the ciated by all. Bert lived with integrity – a white film around campus. Throughout rest of our middle school basketball team. the world’s premier authorities on the ap- plication of AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, kind person who appreciated others, and Richard White ’52 our hour-long class, canisters were awash After forty-five minutes of travel through the was, in return, loved, respected, and trust- January 5, 2019 in fixers and stop-baths. Timers governed rolling horse fields of Amenia, we arrived. IoT, and Robotics to transhuman education, employment, communication, transporta- ed by those around him. He has touched our every move as we measured, poured, Every Oakwood player, from our shortest many lives and will be deeply missed.” tapped, and rocked the film. A nervous 6th graders to our tallest 8th graders saw tion, communities, security, government, Richard G. Knapp ’58 food, finance, entertainment and health. January 2019 energy filled the studio space as we hung ample playing time. And although the bas- Bert was greatly admired by his Oakwood negatives to dry while performing a quick ketball gods did not favor us with a win, The World Economic Forum Annual Meet- classmates back in his school days and in quality-control inspection. Cutting, enlarg- we did drain an improbable skyhook three his adult life. Tom Ditto reminisced about Albert K. Smiley III ’62 ing and final development would have to point shot at the buzzer. Multiple parents ing at Davos is a yearly gathering that brings together leaders of global society. The heads his high school friend: “I convinced Bert October 16, 2018 wait for another day. Class one complete. made the journey to watch their children to jump into calculus with me because we and the Oakwood girl’s JV basketball team and members of more than 100 govern- Bert and Nina at Mohonk ments, top executives of the 1,000 foremost needed enough students to hold the class. Richard Holtz ’63 Leaving the photo lab, we veered left to- arrived in time to cheer us on prior to their I completely underestimated what was go- Bert was devoted to Oakwood Friends wards Collins Library and took a shortcut match. The coaches concluded an inspir- global companies, leaders of international February 10, 2019 organizations and relevant non-govern- ing on under his bonnet. Bert was methodi- School and to his class of 1962. Former head across the quad into Crowley Building and ing wrap-up talk with Dunkin Donuts be- cal, diligent and studious. Soon “I get it” of school Peter Baily spoke about know- science class. Discussions around sedimen- fore we boarded the bus back to Oakwood. mental organizations, the most prominent John Helfrick ’65 cultural, societal and thought leaders, and started erupting from his desk and in short ing Bert: “He cared very personally for his tary rock and Jurassic era fossils came alive Exhausted we travelled back to Oakwood’s October 23, 2017 the disruptive voices of the Forum’s Young order Bert eclipsed me mathematically. alma mater and for the succession of heads with the addition of a hands-on project in- campus. And although tired, this day re- It was his tutoring that eventually helped he knew and supported beginning with volving plaster molds, clay, sea shells and minded me of the true value of an Oakwood Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Tech- nology Pioneers come together at the be- drag me across the finish line in that class.” his student days. Bert also made time for Tara Tighe ’84 bone fragments. A query on ‘what can we Bert worked for Irence Csordas ’48 for his a friendship with me, which I hold to this learn from fossilized footprint patterns’ lead ginning of each year to define priorities and January 7, 2019 shape global, industry and regional agendas. work study. She remembers him fondly. day as a blessing and a gift. I will always to a spirited discussion. A few eyebrow "Bert was such a wonderful boy. One year, feel Bert’s spirit here at Mohonk, both in this raising jokes from both students and me Participation is by invitation only and re- when I was working at Oakwood, he was historic home and in the woods and cliffs revealed something that my wife has prob- assigned to me for his work-study job. Al- beyond, and of course on the Oakwood ably known for years - I possess a sense of served for members of the Forum’s commu- nities. The ongoing close collaboration with ways serious, prompt and detailed, Bert campus that was his high school home.” humor that has not matured much beyond would meet the Coca Cola truck promptly Oak Leaves my ten-year-old self. Class two complete. those communities in cooperation with a Network of Global Future Councils ensures and always keep the fridge stocked and Winter 2018-19 the solution-oriented substance of the An- ready in the student lounge.” Classmate “In the work that I do every day with Silent Reflection: Both our Upper School Judy White Komer speaks for many: “Bert our students and within our school, I ELAINE MILES and Middle School students have Meeting nual Meeting. Numerous initiatives of global importance have been launched in Davos. led an amazing life and was so well respect- draw inspiration from alumni with vi- Director of Development & Alumni Affairs for Worship on Wednesdays. Late morning ed even during his years at Oakwood. He sion, alumni of character, and those sun illuminated the back wall, benches and will be missed by all of us who knew him.” able to reflect deeply, act decisively JULIE OKONIEWSKI floor. Some of our meetings are structured Beth is the co-founder and CEO of Riff Associate Director of Development & Learning Inc. At Riff she applies the philoso- and who, through collaboration and by guided queries, some are punctuated by Bert grew up at Mohonk and returned action help create a strong enduring Alumni Affairs powerful and emotional messages shared by phy that people learn best from one another and that collaborative learning fosters both there for summer jobs while a student at community. Bert’s light serves as a WENDY GIANGRASSO students, and some center in complete si- Oakwood. After graduation, he earned a shining example on all these fronts.” lence for the entire thirty minutes. This meet- Chad and the Middle School boys personal and organizational growth. She Assistant Director of Development & degree in mathematics from Syracuse Uni- Alumni Affairs ing was silent throughout. I was reminded of taking part in the team building also teaches IT implementation strategies at Boston University and MIT Media Lab. versity, then went to NYU as a research Chad Cianfrani, Head of School the special time and place this space affords “Marshmallow Challenge” associate at the Courant Institute for Ad- Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Winter 2012018-196-17 Permit No. 259 Newburgh, NY

Address Service Requested OakNEWSLETTER FROM OAKWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL • CELEBRATINGLeaves OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY “A Human Writes Human Rights: Estare Alston ’90 A Novelist’s Report” By Amitava Kumar “Living in Two Worlds”

promote social justice. Kumar will present: “A Hu- man Writes Human Rights: A Novelist’s Report.”

Amitava Kumar was born in Ara, India, and grew up in the nearby town of Patna, famous for its corruption, crushing poverty and deli- cious mangoes. He is the author of several books of nonfiction and two novels. His prize- winning book A Foreigner Carrying in the Crook of His Arm a Tiny Bomb (2010) was described by The New York Times as a “perceptive and soulful … meditation on the global war on ter- ror and its cultural and human repercussions.” His latest book, Immigrant, Montana: A Nov- el (2018) was included in the list of notable Visit us at www.oakwoodfriends.org books of the year by The New York Times. Kumar is the Helen D. Lockwood Professor of English at Vassar College and has been honored with residencies at Yaddo and The Norman Mail- Estare Alston, class of 1990, mesmerized our 16 Winter 2012018-196-17 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY er Center. He also has been awarded a Guggen- school community with her powerful talk heim Fellowship as well as a Ford Fellowship in about “Living in Two Worlds” presented dur- Literature from United States Artists. He serves on ing winter reunion on Friday, January 4th. Es- the editorial board of several publications and is tare spoke with candor about her own very Winter Fun the script-writer and narrator of two documenta- difficult childhood and early teenage years in ry films: “Pure Chutney” (1997) and “Dirty Laun- Brooklyn, the unexpected sequence of events dry” (2005). Professor Kumar teaches classes that brought her to Oakwood Friends School that mainly deal with reportage; the essay-form, in Poughkeepsie, and her struggle to find a both in prose and film; cities; literatures describ- place for herself in this new and unfamiliar Writer and journalist Amitava Kumar will ing the global movement of goods and people; environment. She was truly living in two present the Caroline “Dash” Davis Glei- war; and memory-work. He earned his BA and worlds – a sometimes lonely and confusing ter Lecture on Social Justice on Fri- MA at Delhi University; an MA at Syracuse Uni- experience. Estare succeeded on all fronts. day May 17th to open Alumni Weekend. versity, and PhD at University of Minnesota. After graduating from Oakwood, Estare Now in its 15th year, this lecture series was es- Oakwood Friends School is honored to wel- earned a Bachelor’s in History from Colgate tablished by classmates in memory of Dash Da- come Amitava Kumar as our 2019 Caro- University and later earned a Masters’ De- vis Gleiter ’51 in recognition of her work in civil line "Dash" Davis Gleiter Lecture on So- gree in Education and an Administrative Li- rights and her lifetime of volunteer activities to cial Justice speaker. All are welcome. cense in School Building Leadership. She is currently a 9th grade U.S. History Teacher, and President of Talk of the Town’s Toast- masters Public Speaking Club. Her goal now is to use her voice to change people’s lives by helping to change people’s perceptions.

It was clear that students felt a special rapport with Estare and her positive message. Many waited for a turn to speak with her privately to share something about their own life stories. The meeting concluded with a standing ovation for Estare after her breath-taking rendition of Whitney Houston’s song, Greatest Love of All.

Thank you Estare for a memorable and inspi- rational afternoon!

Winter Fun Circa 1949 Estare Alston ’90 with faculty members Bill and Nancy Doolittle and Charlie Butts