Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Winter 2015-16 Permit No. 259 Newburgh, NY

Address Service Requested OakNEWSLETTER FROM OAKWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL • CELEBRATINGLeaves OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Oakwood Mourns Libby Moroff ’54, 2016 Spring School Calendar Board President April 13 10 Year Honor Roll Luncheon Oakwood Friends School lost a treasured career as an activist included a stint as Execu- April 14 Breakfast with Head of School friend and passionate advocate for the school tive Director of the New York State Democratic April 18-20 Lakota Culture Event when Libby Moroff passed away suddenly on Committee in the 1980’s, and Political Director Wednesday morning, February 17th, follow- for Ruth Messinger in the Manhattan Borough April 29 Herzog Lecture ing emergency cardiac surgery. The entire Oak- President’s Office following that. Happily for May 12-14 Spring Production, wood community joins Libby’s husband Saul, Oakwood and her family, after retirement Libby See Rock City and Other Destinations her daughters Margaret and Diane, her grand- had more leisure time to pursue a broad range May 13 Dash Davis Gleiter Lecture children Noah and Sadie, her sister Ruth and of interests, including service to her alma ma- countless loving friends in mourning her loss. ter and precious time with her grandchildren. May 13-15 Alumni Weekend June 8 Middle School Moving Up Libby grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and was Along with Saul, Libby was famous for her gra- first introduced to Oakwood by her childhood cious hospitality, opening her home for an alumni The Levinson sisters: Ruth Preven ’55 and June 9 Senior Dinner friend, Taffy Thunick Hoffman, class of ’53. Oak- gathering every year - the highlight of the winter June 10 Commencement 10:30 wood was a pivotal experience in her develop- season. One year, Libby extended her reach to Libby Moroff ’54 in Malibu ment, best described in her own words: “I learned the west coast and co-hosted a gathering in Mal- ties and commitment to Oakwood’s core values: Visit us at www.oakwoodfriends.org the basic worth of every person, myself included. ibu at the home of her sister Ruth Preven, class academic and extra-curricular excellence, di- I found at Oakwood an air of intellectual excite- of 1955. Libby also brought her many talents to versity and respect for others. We are delighted ment missing from my life to that point. I left the Development and Enrollment committees, to be working with Chad to fulfill these goals.” with an increased degree of self-confidence due, where she was an eloquent spokesperson for the I am certain, to the tradition of affectionate ac- value of an Oakwood education. She initiated On Friday morning, February 19th, Chad spoke to 16 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY ceptance of all kinds of personalities. I learned many effective outreach efforts, one affection- students at collection about alumna Libby Moroff: the importance of involvement in the world’s ately known as “The Libby Project.” With quiet “Libby, in many ways, was the silent strength behind problems and I took away a firm feeling of respon- humor and a gentle touch, Libby was relentless what we do here every single day. So, I want to take Winter Reunion Alumni Basketball Game sibility to friends, country, people in general. “ in encouraging others to support the School. She a few minutes to collectively and quietly reflect on lived her message through her own generosity what Oakwood means individually to each of us After Oakwood, Libby earned a B.A. in Biology at and modeled a wonderful spirit of philanthropy. and to think about a woman we may or may not Barnard College, followed by a Master’s Degree have known, but a woman who was, and is, instru- in Economics from Columbia University. By then, Libby was presented with Oakwood’s Distin- mental in our everyday Oakwood experiences.” the consummate New Yorker, Libby was active guished Alumni Award in 2011 and was named in Democratic politics in Larchmont where she Board President in 2013. During her tenure, she Board Treasurer, Ben Frisch, spoke for many and her husband Saul, an honorary member of oversaw the Search Committee process and the when he said, “Libby has been an inspiring the class of ’54, raised their daughters. She de- appointment of Chad Cianfrani, new head of leader for the Oakwood Board of Managers. voted her adult life to furthering the principles school. Libby spoke with pride about the out- I am profoundly grateful for the time I had to of social justice and equality for all. Her long come: “We are entirely confident in Chad’s abili- work with Libby on committees. Her gentle persistence and optimistic spirit infused our work together. She is in my thoughts and heart and I am holding her family in the Light.”

The Oakwood Friends School community holds Libby and the entire Moroff family in the Light to- day and always.

“In the fifteen years I've known Libby, she cared about Oakwood in many ways: as an alumni volunteer, as a donor, as a Board member, and as a dear friend to the school. Most recently, as Board President, Libby was my partner in lead- ership, collaborator, mentor, and guide. With a glint in her eye, a deeply kind heart, and a sharp mind, Libby was a joy to work with and a generous friend. As we hold the Moroff family in the light during this time of loss, I feel that Libby's spirit is enfolding us, softening our sad- ness and encouraging us onward on behalf of the Oakwood that we all love.” Peter Baily, Head of School, 2000 - 2015 Libby & Saul Moroff at grandson Noah's high school graduation, June 2015 Sterling Chapman ’10 and Derek Baugh ’16 at the Winter Reunion Alumni Basketball game. Photo: Oakwood alumnus, Max Meere-Weigel ’14 2 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 15 of their leagues, each competing in their and abundant compassion made for a rarified championship games. In a historic run, our Remembering presence: a true one-of-a-kind - the genuine Letter from Head of School Chad Cianfrani girls’ varsity finished a perfect 18-0 and won article. He inspired us to love with abandon, This winter has been a time for deep think- the league title. After a first round win in the to live fully, to enjoy what we are doing, and ing and student action. On December 10th New England tournament, we will see just Leith Rogovin ’87 to help every person that crosses our paths. a group of Oakwood students helped to or- how far they can go! Athletic Director Char- By: Zak Carey ’88 ganize an event at the Eleanor Roosevelt lie Butts, 35 year Oakwood veteran, lists this Leith grew up in New York City and, House. The date marked the 50th anniver- team as one of the best he has ever coached. Leith Sun Demon Rogovin was born on April when he was a teenager, spent his sum- sary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption 13, 1969, in Manhattan's Beth Israel Hospital, mers in Woodstock. The rest is history. of two international covenants on human Engaged learning inspires us to apply ma- exactly a year after his parents met at a 'Be-In' Woodstock became his home and heart. rights. During a moderated panel discussion terial outside the classroom walls. “How in Central Park. It was a very cold winter and community members heard legal perspec- can the analysis of chemical reaction rates, spring that year, but on the Easter Sunday Leith Sun Demon Rogovin, teacher, brother, tives on migrant farmers’ rights, refugee im- preparation for a calculus test, or the study he was born the temperature rose into the son, and friend, passed peacefully into the migration policy, and first-hand experiences of introductory music theory have an im- 60s and the sun shone brightly. God surely next realm in the early morning hours on from a Syrian refugee currently attending col- pact beyond just me?” This winter, Ted warmed the world when Leith was born. For Saturday, January 9, 2016, after a deter- lege in the Hudson Valley. Our students asked Messerschmidt, our music instructor, chal- the first few years Leith lived in Hell's Kitchen mined two year fight against brain can- probing and insightful questions. In keeping lenged his students with just these types of with his mother, Pam Gross and father, Ira found Leith working at a Head Start program, cer. He was surrounded by friends and with the theme of deep thinking, Oakwood questions. In Ted’s new class, Community Rogovin. At that time there were many movie helping children from disadvantaged back- loved ones throughout his short stay in Dear Friends, also introduced an evening community phi- Service through the Arts, students engage theaters on 42nd street, and Pam regularly grounds get early school experiences; it was hospice care and is survived by his sister Deep thinking, high scoring, student action losophy series this winter. Developed by hu- in weekly performances at local food pan- took Leith to double features. He was only clear that helping children was in his future. Seana Rogovin, Oakwood class of 2012, and some dirt: winter on the Oakwood cam- manities chair, Stephen Miller, topics such as tries, assisted living homes and day-care two or three, but he never once cried or inter- Mother Pam Hott, and Grandmother Ethel pus has seen little in the way of snow, but “What defines a moral life?” inspired hours centers. Other students reach beyond their rupted a movie; he was mesmerized by mov- After high school, Leith entered a film program Rogovin. Memorial services and celebra- much in the way of activity. Our students, of thought-provoking and sometimes intense walls through peer tutoring programs. Part- ies and film from that very early age, a passion at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts, again tions will be planned for this spring. faculty and community have celebrated each conversation. These evening discussions al- nering with local colleges the tutoring work that lasted and guided him throughout his life. making friends, sharing his joy of music and other through times of success and sup- lowed for inquiry and dialog among students, focused on first generation high school and life, and engaging people in conversation and IN MEMORY ported each other through times of sorrow. parents, faculty and community members. college graduate success. When our students When he was born, he had two full sets of his blanket of love and care. It was during this New educational offerings have emerged engage in this manner, they connect to our grandparents, Pam’s parents, Hilda and Ber- time when Leith began to again immerse him- Dorothy Badgley Adams ’36 and students have engaged in meaning- Moving from the classroom to the hard- wider community and their world expands. nie Gross and Ira's parents, Ethel and Mur- self into the Woodstock community. He and November 30, 2015 ful service learning in the Hudson Valley. wood of Connor Gymnasium, our boys and ray Rogovin. The grandparents competed for his father rented a house together during the Janice Newman Rosenthal ’42 The sun shining down on campus powers girls are having a truly special, high scoring Environmental stewardship often starts at the weekend time with him and he was deeply summer months, and before long Leith was a September 30, 2011 not only a solar array, but fuels seedlings in season. Reflective of Oakwood’s student grassroots level, in this case (literally) with loved. Leith also had great-grandparents, on friendly face who would be seen everywhere, our greenhouse and content in our class- body, the teams consist of students from dirt. You will not find a person more excited his father’s side, Max and Esther. As soon as smiling, talking, and playing very loud music on William (Bill) Mantinband ’44 rooms. Far from being a dormant season, across town, across the country and across by this matter than our Middle School science Leith could talk and hold a phone to his ear, he his car stereo. He also found his way to Wood- December 30, 2014 this winter has inspired growth, reflection the globe. Both the boys and girls varsity teacher, Miriam Straus. Her focus is not on called his great grandmother each day when stock Day School, working at the summer Arts Robert M. Lee ’45 he came home from school to check in with and Sports Center camp, making short mov- and connection throughout our community. teams finished the regular season at the top Continued on page 3 January 28, 2016 her. Her nickname for him was “Schmooie”. ies with kids, and spreading his message to all who were open to hearing it. Over time, Leith Eva Bunzel Bulman ’51 When Leith was four years old, the family continued to work at the camp, and eventually September 29, 2015 moved to Woodstock, where he attended the started working at the school. He wore many Libby Moroff ’54 School of the New Moon. His heart became hats at Woodstock Day School. He was Advisor February 17, 2016 rooted in Woodstock at that time, but before to the Senior Class, Community Service Coor- long the family moved back to New York City, dinator, College Counselor, Basketball Coach, Sandor Csobaji ‘55 where Leith made more friends and discov- and, most importantly, the most trusted confi- February 3, 2016 ered the world of music. His father Ira shared dante, ally, and supporter of every child at the Allan Weber ’56 his passion for Bob Dylan, blues, and jazz with school. Always a fan of the underdog, Leith Leith, and those sounds and rhythms spoke took kids under his wing and taught them April 30, 2014 to him. In time, Leith's musical horizons ex- how to be strong, brave, confident, and loving Steven Vogel ’57 panded to include hip hop, funk, and most im- people. He always believed in treating even November 24, 2015 portantly, Reggae. The 1979 Peter Tosh show the youngest students with the respect often Richard Rosichan ’59 in Central Park sent him into a world of Reggae reserved for adults. When speaking with Leith, that fed him with the connection to music and it was obvious that he knew you mattered. February 17, 2016 artists and allowed him to explore the deep Barbara Mahone Brown ’62 roots and spirituality the music and culture One of the many beautiful qualities Leith pos- October 5, 2015 offered. Leith discovered the vibrant music sessed was that if you met him once, you were Steven Feldman ’66 scene in the Bronx at The Tire Shop, where his friend forever and he would never lose DJs gathered and the beats and rhythms of sight of you. He held close relationships with October 5, 2015 the Reggae music drifted through the ware- friends dating back to early childhood and Sonya Cohen Cramer ’83 houses and into the city streets of the night. cherished in his heart every person he ever October 9, 2015 Leith immersed himself in this music that met. Leith was a guiding light in the lives of spoke so clearly to his sense of truth and jus- children. He was a mentor, counselor, teacher, Leith Rogovin ’87 tice and love, and the power of music to heal. coach, and friend to every child he met. His January 9, 2016 wisdom and strength, humor and love sim- Leith attended public schools in New York ply oozed from every pore of his body. Leith City, where he cultivated meaningful lifelong changed the world and his love and strength Oak Leaves relationships with people of all ages and back- have influenced lives, young and old. Through Winter 2015-16 grounds. Later in his high school career, Leith his more than 20 years of work at Woodstock attended Oakwood School in Poughkeepsie, Day School, Leith affected change. He started ELAINE MILES NY. Leith brought his exuberance for life and a community service program, worked to Director of Development & Alumni Affairs friendship with him, along with a gritty street create an inclusive, loving, and safe environ- JULIE OKONIEWSKI sense, and a head of curly, long hair. It was ment for students, families, and teachers, and Associate Director of Development & at Oakwood where he reacquainted himself spread the message of love and tenderness Alumni Affairs with Woodstock, joining friends from school at every turn. Leith was masterful at uplifting Charles A. Cianfrani, Jr. was installed as head of school on December 5, 2015. Shown here on the steps of A.H. Lane Auditorium: (from bottom left) Myra to visit on weekends. Oakwood also inspired and unifying people, a complex skill and des- WENDY GIANGRASSO Koutzen ’70, Chad and Sue Cianfrani with sons Andy and Henry, Peter Baily; Deb Wood ’56, Henry Brecher ’51, Jessica Kimelman ’93, Don Spencer, Fred Leith with a vision of community service perately needed social medicine that he fine- Assistant Director of Development & Rodriguez; Ellie and Martin Charwat, John Scardina, James O'Barr, Roger Bullard ’52, Fred Doneit and Ralph Skeels ’60; top left: Michael Quinland. and teaching. His senior year at Oakwood tuned to a science. His brilliant wit, charm, Alumni Affairs 14 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 3 havioral Health in Payallup, WA. Just passed the fashion brand that empowers women across the ThirdPath Institute, a group based out of Philadel- milestone 50th birthday. Life is good. Hope all my US and as far as East Africa. To date we have helped phia supporting work-family integration, as an in- Continued from page 2 fellow Oakies are faring well. Would love to see send 70 women to university in Uganda and we tern and integrated life advocate trainee. OPA folks passing through Olympia, WA. Contact me! have 12 more girls in the 9 month program right just any dirt, but rather a rich organic mix few Sundays ago, five students journeyed to By: Alysa Sullivan, clerk, parent ’17 [email protected] Cheers! now. In large part Oakwood is responsible for lead- Jessica Rose Cuneo is living in Rockville, MD and that is tilled into the ground of our new four- NYC for an afternoon with alumni and for- ing me to Sseko in that it instilled in me the value recently started as an assistant accountant at BWW season green house. As students dig in with mer board president Libby Moroff. On that As we approach spring term at Oak- 1985 of helping communities in need, and for that I will Law Group. this hands-on curriculum, they gain a tactile sunny winter day, Libby was surrounded by wood, we are already busy thinking about Dave Phillips Hochfeld – My daughter Ash- always be grateful for the time I spent at Oakwood. appreciation for the foundation of their food. classmates spanning seven decades. With next year and how to keep Oakwood Par- ley Marie finishes grad school this may.. she got Congratulations to Sarah Powers who just graduated Rooted beneath the wide smiles and infec- Libby as the catalyst, the years blurred into ent’s Association growing and thriving. herself a full scholarship to USF in Tampa and Congratulations to Emily Bogle on her engage- from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelors in Economics! tious enthusiasm there is some calculated sci- one common Oakwood experience filled graduates with a Masters in Education and hopes ment to Tom Sciotto. ence. Multiple lab tested soil samples, part- with laughter, song and story. Her influence As mentioned in the Winter Newsletter we to work for the University...She is engaged to an 2011 nerships with professional farms, and years of on the community (and on me personally) in- have a couple of initiatives coming up in amazing young law student who asked all proper Clara Wilkinson – graduated from the University faculty experience position our greenhouse forms and inspires our efforts. Libby’s com- the spring. We are looking forward to part- for her hand. My wife and I plan to move to Tampa of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland with a BSL (Hons) in to be more than an outdoor educational passion, commitment and care for Oakwood nering with Middle School science teacher, if the kids settle there..luv to all. Sustainable Development with a concentration in classroom. As the first seedlings emerge shine a Light that will continue to illuminate Miriam Straus on a 27.5 mile pancake break- Biology and Ecology. She left for Zambia in February this spring, it will provide a deep connection our campus for generations to come. fast (all the ingredients being sourced from 1988 2016 to serve with the Peace Corps in their ‘Linking to the food we plant, grow and consume. no further than a 27.5 mile radius) as well as Jennifer Elizabeth Brunton – Nothing really…. Income, Food and the Environment Project.” Sincerely, working with dean of students, Sara Sand- (boring is good). As the daylight hours increase and winter Chad Cianfrani strom to create a finals care package sale. Kip Lonczak graduated in December 2015 from slowly transitions to spring, our community Head of School Arthur Vincie – I be- University of Albany with a major in Communica- also pauses to reflect and celebrate a life. A We also have had a number of enthusiastic came a writer/director/ tions & Rhetoric. He is now an Associate at The volunteers set to work on Teacher Apprecia- producer. My last feature 2008 Ross School in East Hampton, NY. tion Week in the spring. If you volunteered, film, "Found In Time" Laura (Sunita) Graham – After spending a year please be on the look out for an email from (sci-fi) is on Amazon. It teaching (via Worldteach volunteer program) Eng- Zach Missen-Jones is traveling through Asia for 3 Dedication of Peter’s Porch & Griffing’s Garden Khadi Sidabe, parent ’17, the TAW Committee went to 25 festivals and lish at a university in Ecuador, I have taken a job months collecting fabric for his clothing line, Cre- Clerk. She has some great plans in the works. picked up 6 awards, in- in North Carolina teaching 4th grade. So far, it has ative Theory. The goal of the clothing line is to in- cluding Best Feature at been a wonderful experience! Wishing everyone corporate different cultural fabric, themes, design, As to next year, we have two members of Art of Brooklyn Film Fes- from the Oakwood community a fantastic 2016! and materials to create a new take on urban fash- the Steering Committee whose students tival. I'm currently working on "3 Trembling Cities," ion. Creative Theory strives to obtain fabrics and will be graduating in June. Rachel Norfleet a doc/fiction webseries that explores the inner Natalie Varrallo – After completing her degree in materials from different places around the world and Sheryl Smikle have been integral parts lives of NYC immigrants. I went to Oakwood 84- Botany and Sustainable Agriculture from the Ever- and attempts to buy them as close to the creators of getting this organization off the ground. 86 (would have graduated in 88). Here's the URL green State College in Washington, Natalie went on of the products as often as possible. We are grateful to them for their time and for the webseries: www.seedandspark.com/studio/ to receive her certificate in permaculture design. commitment and will miss them next year. three-trembling-cities She is currently serving as the Culinary Arts Direc- 2015 tor at the Heartwood Institute in Garberville, CA Catherine (Kate) Wilkinson – is attending The Having to say goodbye to wonderful, active 1991 which offers a variety of programs on sustainable Fashion Institute of Technology as a fashion design parents will always be the nature of OPA. Fam- In March, Dirk Koopmans is starting a new job living skills in the areas of regenerative farming, major and she is minoring in Sustainable Fashion ilies will graduate out and the make-up of the as a Research Scientist at Max Planck Institute for culinary arts, natural building, eco-art and commu- and Mandarin. committees will change. This of course is a Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. It's a nity resiliency. good thing, as any Parent Association should four-year position focused on measuring carbon During winter break Eli Berkowitz went to Israel reflect the values of the current population. dioxide exchange in marine systems. Thanks to Congratulations to Nathalie Li who is an air traffic on a Birthright trip with a group of students touring And so, I ask you all to please consider getting Oakwood, Bill Doolittle, and many of you reading controller for the US Army. Her next assignment the country via bicycle. He gained a perspective of more involved with OPA, either to Clerk or this, for helping me get my foot in the door on big is South Korea! the country that, upon closer inspection, allowed serve on a committee. I can promise you that opportunities early on. him to appreciate the complexities of the politics as Ribbon-cutting with Beau Duval ’16, Peter Baily, Libby Moroff, the time commitment is targeted and flexible 2009 well as the beauty of the culture and region. Pamela Devlin, Jocelyn Griffing and Chad Cianfrani and the returns invaluable. While we are a 2003 Erin Paterson is working on getting her first book young organization we feel very strongly that Congratulations to Anna Rose Holmer on her published while working as an office manager at a Friends & Faculty News On Saturday, September 26th, board mem- by science teacher Miriam Straus. The pro- parent involvement in the school commu- directorial debut of "The Fits" which premiered law firm in Rhinebeck, NY. Congratulations to Ann-Ellen Pigue Akeley (fac- bers, faculty, parents and students gathered gram allows faculty to incorporate the out- nity makes for a richer experience all around. in Venice in September. Called "one of the most ulty, 1985-2008) who has written two books since for the dedication of Peter’s Porch and Griff- door classroom into their curriculum with promising debuts" by Kaleem Aftab, Indiewire. Dan Schwarz is working as a Medicinal Chem- her retirement in 2008 to her hometown of Nash- ing’s Garden, located on the north side of a four season garden, a commercial com- The last OPA general meeting will be held ist at Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI). His ville, Tennessee. "Roots in the Water" is a thirty- the Main Building. The project was initi- posting system to handle all campus food on April 7. It is at that meeting we will be 2004 job is to synthesize organic molecules which are poem collection which focuses on the small rural ated last spring to honor Peter Baily for his waste, and many opportunities for educa- selecting committee Clerks for next year. Elizabeth Hanka – moved from the Bronx to hypothesized to have some activity toward a drug county in northwest Tennessee where her mother 15 years of leadership as head of school and tion and awareness building. Through part- Brooklyn. Graduated from Sarah Lawrence Col- target of interest . Data provided by biologists is was born and raised. "Donna the Dragonfly Dog" is to reflect his love and care of the Oakwood nerships with local non-profits, the students We understand that everyone is busy and may lege with a BA in Liberal Arts, and working for then interpreted to improve the activity and other a children's book narrated by the dog in question, Friends School campus. With the gener- are deepening their understanding of issues not be able to attend meetings, but that’s no Dave Chang’s Momofuku. parameters of future molecules. The company who finds a home in an unlikely place. Ann-Ellen ous support of current and former board related to food insecurity and social justice, reason not to get involved. If you are inter- partners with pharmaceutical companies, the NIH, can be reached at [email protected] members, a reunion challenge by the class and the Quaker testimony of stewardship. ested in supporting an event at the school, 2005 academia, or other entities in drug discovery to of 1950 and other special friends, the proj- clerking a committee, have a great project provide them with the infrastructure and expertise Judy Joffee (resident nurse 1983-1988) and ect was completed for the start of school. or idea, or just want to learn more, please to make their projects happen. daughter, Willow, and family are well. Judy is a When the school received an exception- Bricks Campaign email us at [email protected]. retired nurse midwife, and currently works in De- al gift from Jocelyn Griffing and Pamela We look forward to hearing from you soon! Peter Zimmermann and his writing partner, Ja- partment of Corrections. Willow is a social worker Griffing Devlin in memory of their father To add to the significance of our new out- son Thomas Mayfield, launched“Doormen. The in the lower east side of NYC. Thomas Griffing, class of 1951, Oakwood door gathering space, Oakwood Friends Award-Winning Webseries” through a kickstarter engaged the services of a landscape de- School offered the opportunity to alumni, funded campaign with PJ Comedy Party. Congratulations to Stephen Miller for receiving signer to create Griffing’s Garden to en- parents and friends of the school to re- the Best Formal Paper on Pre-College Ethics Award hance the area around the new porch. Lush serve a brick for engraving as part of “Pe- 2010 by the Association for Practical & Professional Eth- plants include Meadow Rue, Bottlebrush ter’s Porch.” The campaign which ended Heather Hightower and her mom visited cam- Manon Bailly is pursuing her Master of Social ics. His paper “Your Feelings Are Wrong” will be Buckeye, Inkberry and a Magnolia tree. on January 31st with 180 bricks reserved, pus this past Fall. Heather is enjoying her work as Work clinical concentration at Fordham University. presented at the APPE conference. At the ceremony, Beau Duval ’16 spoke raised $30,000 for the school. Many bricks a nurse at Sloan Kettering. about the careful selection of appropriate were used to honor a teacher, student or Support the 2016 Annual Fund Ivy Rose Cardillo is currently living in Portland, Congratulations to Rachel & Nathan Wright and plants for Griffing’s Garden. He also spoke classmate, or to express simple gratitude for 2007 OR taking part in a mentorship to become a labor big sister Abigail on the birth of Nathan Jr. in Oc- about his participation in Oakwood’s Sus- the Oakwood experience. Come to campus www.oakwoodfriends.org Caroline Brevetti – I recently became a fellow for doula. She is also teaching yoga and working with tober 2015. tainable Agriculture Group, coordinated on Alumni Weekend to see the bricks! Sseko Designs, an ethical and socially conscious 4 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 13

Congratulations to Jonathan Talbot who re- Oakwood in the “Reunion Booklet”. Tina Mills What an honor and a privilege to participate close- Sports Center ceived the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Schenk 1185 Lillibridge Drive Leland, NC 28451 ly in their lives. Each new discovery or achieve- By: Charlie Butts, Athletic Director Orange County Arts Council on November 12, [email protected]. “Slowing down a ment is magical. 2015. Last year's honoree was also an Oakwood bit with age, but still finding fulfillment in numer- This season was a historic one for the girls’ alum - Linda Nadas ’54. ous ways and holding forever close the values 1975 varsity soccer team as they won the Hudson learned, in some part, at Oakwood and through Lori Haney – and her husband Gary came from Valley Athletic League (HVAL) champion- 1958 the Quaker traditions. “ their home in La Jolla, California and visited cam- ship. According to Oakwood Friends archi- Jonathan Flaccus – My photographs of Cuba & pus in the fall. vist, junior Matt Voorhees, this was the first Burma were shown recently at the Vermont Center 1967 time that the Oakwood girls had won a soc- for Photography. Lydia Marshall – “And in these days of such cer championship. For the second straight shameful commentary about Muslim Americans, year, the team was coached by Megan Sanger 1959 I am proud that Oakwood Friends continues its and she was ably assisted by Nick Ugarte. Margaret Lee Summers Wilson – “There is tradition of inviting, welcoming and supporting room for us all in the desert!” said Miss Crowley. students from a range of backgrounds.” Formative words at Oakwood. Barry B. Smith – Looking forward to seeing my 1961 classmates at the next reunion - our 50th! James D. Eng – Hi All - Looking forward to return- Lori Haney and Spencer Madsen ’19 on ing for Alumni Weekend, May 13-15, 2016. Nancy Leopitzi-Wawrla – Retirement means “Peter’s Porch” travel “during school”! It’s so exciting to see high Girls Varsity Soccer in action 1962 school and college friends during normal working 1976 Madge Tracy Savage and M. Margit Winckler hours. I miss “my kids”, but enjoy being with my Sean Smith – I do have a "real job" (as editor/writ- Speaking of the girls’ performance the day out the season especially after Coach Me- (Winky) together again for Columbus Day week- grandkids and former students - some in Austria, er at Boston College), but I also continue to play after the championship game, Coach Me- gan switched them to a diamond formation. end, 2015. This is the second time seeing each oth- who are now 60!! I was fortunate to have spent music of the Irish, Scottish and English traditional gan said, “I keep getting congratulations In this set up, junior Bianca Luna-Luper- er after being roommates for 2 years, junior and se- time with Norm and Peggy Keiser, while enjoy- variety -- something, by the way, I started doing in from fellow faculty members on our victo- cio was the stopper and fellow juniors Al- nior years. An incredible four days of reminiscing! ing time with classmate Bonnie Raitt. Norm was my Oakwood years. You can find out more, and ry, however, the girls are the ones that did ice Flanagan and Brandace Ryles were thrilled to be with her, and she with him. We look listen to sound samples, here: http://seansmith- Coaches Nick Ugarte and Megan Sanger all of the work. I put them on the field, but wing defenders. They were joined by se- forward to peace and love in 2016. Health & hugs music.webs.com they are the ones responsible for hustling nior Khadi Allagouma at sweeper to to you all. Things did not start out well for the team the entire game and putting forth a great form a solid barrier in front of keeper Shai. as they dropped their first two decisions, effort on defense and offense. They played 1969 including an 8-4 league lost at Darrow. For- extremely well yesterday and should be Several players were recognized with Charles (Chuck) Schwartz – Doing well in Mon- tunately, things quickly turned around and proud of the work they put in all season.” awards for their accomplishments at the roe, CT. May there be peace all over the world. the team was not beaten in their next four end of the season. Freshman Victoria Al- God bless America. league games. One of these was a 4-4 tie The team was able to combine a potent len was named the teams most improved with Storm King who won all of their other offense with a stingy defense. On the of- player. The Coaches’ Award went to Khadi. 1970 HVAL contests in the regular season. For fensive end, Sumayah’s quickness was a She was a quiet leader who was on the field Theresa Riley Baron – When I think of happy the championship tournament, Storm King nightmare for opposing defenses and she for almost every minute of every game. 1963 times, I think of Oakwood. THE EXPERIENCES was the clear #1 seed and Oakwood was in was the leading goal scorer with 14. Right Sage was selected as the team MVP. She Martha Richdale – We are headed to the Florida there have molded me into the person I am today! 1977 a battle with Darrow for the #2 spot. Here’s behind were Brianna with 9 and Nai’lah was a true inspiration for her teammates house we bought last year in early February. We Hi to my class mates and enjoy every second you Hugh Kallen – Continuing our calling as hus- where things started to bounce our way. with 7. Juniors Zo DiSanto and Enid with her constant hustle and aggressive had planned on an October departure, but Bill was have with family and friends. band/wife team pastors of Bluffton Church on the Swatson were next with 5 and 4 goals re- style. Five players were selected to the diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer coast of Lake Michigan and co-owning and running In our last regular season game, Oakwood spectively. Defensively, the keeper during HVAL all-star team. Enid and Nai’lah were and started chemo at Lahey Clinic. Chemo failed Daniel Herzog – I had to miss the 45th reunion our Kallen Web Design national small business was trailing 2-1 at Faith Christian with less the championship run was sophomore named to the second team, and the senior so he is now on immunotherapy which he’ll do at because I had a postcard show in New York, which web development company. Had our first grand- than three minutes to go. Senior co-captain Shai Black Bird. At the beginning of the triumvirate of Sage, Khadi, and Sumayah the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Unfortunately, is a money maker for me. I do a couple of shows baby in 2015! Sage Altamirano then tied the score with season, she was a little timid in goal and were all first teamers. Finally, Sage and he is now terminal but wants to be enjoying the a year in the New York and New Jersey areas and a great assist from sophomore Brianna split time with Zo and Sage. She kept im- Sumayah both earned a spot on the pres- Florida sun and warmth while he can. Thanks to have excluded those that were poor money mak- 1980 Coble. Brianna then added two more quick proving and was soon diving and making tigious Western New England all-star team. all of you for your prayers and support. Stay well ers. I also have a thriving mail order business in Susanrachel Condon – spoke in Community goals giving us a great, come from behind, many acrobatic saves. Another big factor in and enjoy every minute of every day! philatelic covers and postcards, plus I buy actively Meeting 2/19/16 on her work as a midwife and 4-2 win. We then heard that Marvelwood the championship run was the defense in We are all proud about what through the mail and get about 1 call a week from women's health activist. Students learned about upset Darrow 5-4 and we thus clinched the front of Shai. Their play improved through- this team was able to achieve. 1964 my 2 ads in collector publications. I don’t have how education and skilled practitioners can help to #2 spot in the tournament with a league Linda Saltford – Congratulations on your won- any contact from classmates at Oakwood and wish close the gap in care created by economic and so- record of 4-2-1. As one of the top seeds, derful and successful announcement. I grew up they would contact me - like Joe and Karl Sieger, cial inequalities across the globe. She showed data Oakwood received a first round playoff bye. next door to Oakwood, now Oakwood Friends, Alec Macleod and the like. 183 Tuxedo Parkway, from Amnesty International the World Health Orga- and graduated in 1964. I am grateful to my parents Newark, NJ 07106. cell (908) 468-9413 or home nization on how the US is still lagging behind other In the league semi-finals, we hosted the for the opportunity to have been a student. Many (973) 399-7717. countries in maternal and newborn care. Students same Darrow team who had beaten us wonderful and meaningful times. from Oakwood's Human Rights Interns club hosted decisively earlier in the season. Trailing Gary Slutzky – Seriously, who would be interest- Susanrachel for lunch and additional Q&A. 2-1 at halftime, goals by senior Sumayah 1966 ed in news from me? HAX to those who remember. Harrell and junior co-captain Nai’lah Ta- Stephen Morris – Hope to see mates at reunion. ariq gave us another comeback victory. 1973 We then received more good news when Christine (Tina) Mills Schenk – 50th Reunion Nick Polak – I have more or less retired and #1 seed Storm King was knocked off by date approaching. Probably will not be there in moved to Vero Beach, Florida, after 30 years in Marvelwood. Instead of having to travel person, but in spirit. See summary of my life since the music biz in south Florida. Bought a lovely fur- to Storm King for the final, we now got nished home in a 55+ community. Still work part- to host Marvelwood who we had already time as a short-order cook and Uber driver - while beaten twice in the season. In front of a keeping up with my gardening and landscaping. large and supportive crowd, the outcome So glad that Facebook has reunited nearly my en- Susanrachel with Oakwood's Human Rights of the championship game was never in tire (surviving) class (graduated ’72, although I'm Interns Sophie Poux ’17, Alice Flanagan ’17 doubt. Oakwood ran off to a quick 3-0 really a ’73 kid). Love to all, Nick in Florida and Khadijatou Allagouma ’16 lead on two goals by Brianna and one by Sumayah. At the final whistle, the score Mary Lowrey Rose – We continue to enjoy liv- 1984 was 3-1 and Oakwood had made history! ing in ‘Smalltown” CT near both of our grown chil- Alice (Alaka) Lindsley – Now Program Manag- dren. We delight in our two small granddaughters. er for Child and Family Services at Multicare Be- Girls Varsity Soccer wins HVAL Championship 12 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 5 Class Notes Meet Melissa Matthews: New Theater Director Hi! I’m Melissa Matthews. Having served pre- Despite the intense nature of the play, the viously as the Main Office Coordinator, I’m students are engaged in the work. Every happy to have made the transition to the role time we rehearse the play, we find some- of Drama Director putting my undergradu- thing new, something they didn’t totally ate degree in theater and dance to work here understand, or something they understood at Oakwood Friends School. I have been in theory, but only just in that moment actively involved in the theater, either on or grasped the greater meaning of the words. 1930 1948 in Asheville, NC! Book is available on Amazon. off stage, for 23 years and counting, so when Elizabeth Wade – Elaine Miles & Matthew Voor- Tookey Scherf Campione – I’m staying off the Questions? contact me at randrau@comcast.net this opportunity arose, it was an easy fit. The blocking of the show really comes from hees ‘17 visited Elizabeth at her home in Pleasant streets and out of trouble. There are interns at the their discovery of the words, and their mean- Valley in January in honor of her 104th birthday. National Wildlife Refuge who would repute that. My grand plan for the theater department has ing, and how the students, in and out of She enjoyed looking through photos from the Ar- Can’t believe I’ve been there twenty seven years. two phases. Phase one is to produce work of character, are learning about themselves. chives Room of school life in the late 1920’s. which the students can be proud. Phase two is Much of the initial stage work was inspired 1950 to bring students into the theater fold. A wise by the students’ own actions and impulses. Patrick Crowley – Ann and I continue living in man once told me that if the work is good, it An actor sat very suddenly, as himself, not our townhouse in Sacramento. Retirement gives sells itself. I hope that if the performances are his character, because of the impact of the the opportunity to enjoy our free time. In addi- good enough, the students will be willing to line he had just heard and understood, so tion to serving on the Board of Managers, I lead try something new and come out for shows. we kept that blocking and now his char- a weekly class in writing personal histories for the acter sits very abruptly in that moment. Renaissance Society at Sacramento State. I took This February, I’m taking a swing at No Exit Melissa Matthews great satisfaction in participating in raising funds by Jean Paul Sartre. No Exit is an existential- I’m passionate about theater, and, to me, for Peter’s Porch for the classes of ’49, ’50 & ’51. ist drama that explores themes of freedom that necessitates a passion for the social This idea of finding within yourself a way to and responsibility through the fates of three sciences. Much of my approach to direct- relate to your character is primarily Uta Ha- 1952 Richard Wood - Enjoyed our class reunion for the people who have died and gone to hell. Over ing comes from a background in psychol- gen’s technique, and I find her technique in Rita Muckenhoupt James – So many changes, class of ’55 last spring. We still live in Gettysburg, the course of the play, they come to real- ogy which comes into play very often when particular works well for teen actors. Her 1939 yet Oakwood stays the same! PA and have “set our anchor” since 2013. ize that though no one has been sent to do I work on a show because acting, really, is a work first focuses on the self. When I remem- Shirley B. Bergmann – I have moved from Fish- bodily harm to them, they do still have tor- study of people. If you walk into the dance ber my experience of being a teenager, I re- kill to Pennsylvania to live near my daughter. My Katrina Voorhis Mabon – Still traveling. Just re- 1956 turers. Each is the torturer for the other, and studio while I’m blocking a scene, you are member how focused I was on myself and the son passed away in 2013, and Kate is the last of my turned from a trip to Italy with my granddaugh- Julie Fogelson Braverman has moved to Silver the punishment is mental and emotional. very likely to hear me say something along way others saw me. I was already primed to children. I remember Oakwood fondly, and wish ter. We met in Venice and took a Crystal Cruise to Spring, MD, to be closer to her son Peter and his The soul moves on, so why punish the body? the lines of, “Remember! You’re still a per- work with Hagen’s technique. I think of it as you the best during the coming year. Monte Carlo. Lots of good fun. family. Unfortunately, Julie has developed Lewy son. Your character is a person. Do that a kind of therapy for teens. She asks that you Body Dementia which is advancing rapidly. Symp- bit of business the way a person would!” know yourself first, then apply this knowledge 1940 1953 toms include severe short term memory loss and on a character. By doing so, you’ve created a Congratulations to Gordon Beckhart on his 93rd Taffy Thunick Hoffman – I have taken a big step profound confusion. Correspondence may be sent It’s my experience that young actors become person who reacts as a person would rather birthday on February 14th. this year by moving into an independent living se- to Julie at her son's address: Peter Braverman, 114 so caught up in remembering their lines and than a one-dimensional string of words. nior center. I am busy with activities and most of North Brook Lane, Bethesda, MD. 20814; braver- their blocking and overcoming the anxi- 1942 all the company of wonderful people. [email protected] ety of performing on a stage in front of all When you create a real person, the perfor- Janet Locke Genest – I have many wonderful their peers, that they forget, first and fore- mance is better. When the performance memories of my two years at Oakwood, graduat- 1954 Molly Lynn Watt – Continue to glow from my most, that they’re playing people - people is better, the students are proud of their ing in 1942. The education I received there won Congratulations to Sara Jane and Martin Victor happy days at Oakwood with granddaughter Alice who are maybe different from them but work. When students are proud of their me an easy acceptance into Swarthmore. on the birth of their first great-grandchild Leona Flanagan, with schoolmates Jonathan Talbot, Susie people all the same. I obviously don’t want work, they talk about being proud, be- in August. Martin also published a book, Doctor Deane and Debbie Bacon. Counting the days until the students to try to relate too closely with ing part of a winning team, and more stu- Stu Stover (with Irene Csordas ’48) visited in Blue, a memoir of his 30 year career as an active my 60th reunion! the idea of going to hell for the actions dents come out for future shows. Sounds campus in December. duty Air Force physician. they committed in this life. I do, however, like my two-phase grand plan, right? I’m want them to look at some of the qualities hopeful that it all works out that way. Moss Sherman ’17, Becky Akinyemi ’19 and of their characters and unpack them un- Claudia Sicherman ’18 til they find something they recognize.

Student Musicians: Frank Feng and Jacky Jin Seniors Jingchen (Frank) Feng and tar and vocals, I especially love singing alone Hangchong (Jacky) Jin have been very ac- because I feel like when I do both it’s easier Molly Lynn Watt ’56 with granddaughter tive this year performing at multiple gather- to get distracted. I plan to continue to pursue Alice Flanagan ’17. ings on campus including the installation of music in college as either a minor or hobby.” Chad Cianfrani as new Head of School and 1943 1957 Winter Reunion. For these two events the Jacky – “Music is a process. You have to start Happy Birthday to Gloria Garlick Bogle who Elizabeth Horr Shattuck – I am sad to report Diane De Mask Lyons – Sorry to learn of Steven duo performed “You Raise Me Up” by Graham as a beginner, put in effort and even suffer turned 90 on February 19th! that my husband of 55 years, Peter Hamilton Shat- Vogel’s passing. Brought back fond memories of and Loveland, with Frank on vocals and Jacky a little to achieve your goals and get a sense tuck, died September 27, 2015 from complications our time at Oakwood. on piano. Speaking about their love of mu- of accomplishment. The most important 1946 after cancer surgery. sic, the boys shared the following thoughts. thing is to stick with it. Don’t give up, even Elizabeth (Betty) Nunn Kramer – Left Oak- John A. "Mac" McDonald – I am saddened to though it's hard. I started playing piano wood in ’45, graduated in ’46 after one year at 1955 hear of Steven Vogel's passing. We were friends Frank – “My first music teacher was my moth- when I was 6 years old. Though there were Guilford College as a special student. Retired Robine Andrau – I’ve been busy promoting my and classmates. When he stayed over on campus er, who also loves to sing. We started singing times in middle school when I had a lot of English teacher. Now living in Gainesville, FL in a recently published book “Bowing to the Emperor: he often used my spare bunk. I knew even then together when I was 8 years old in China. I work and I wanted to quit, I’m so glad I stuck community connected to the University of Florida We were Captives in WWII” the story of my family’s that he would be a contributor and not a spectator started to learn guitar when I came to the US with it. I want to pursue music in the future with second husband Charles Kramer. Loving life (and my) experience as prisoners of the Japanesse in whatever field he chose. We are not immortal, when I was 15 and joined a chorus in China as a hobby, not a career because I want to at almost 88! in Java and Japan during WWII. Even got inter- but if we make this world a better, safer, happier where I got to perform at a restaurant for a keep it something special to me that I do viewed on local NPR when visiting my sister Maya place there is reason for us to rest in peace. Christmas celebration. Though I love both gui- because I want to, not because I have to.” Frank Feng ’16 and Jacky Jin ’16 6 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 11

to experience the physical world of plants and animals firsthand instead of just talk- Ron Kamen to present Herzog Lecture: Powell Fund Supports Remembering Steven Vogel ’57 ing about it. I came away thinking about the world in an entirely different way.” He “People, Technology and the Forces of Nature” New Technology Biomechanics Pioneer was a prolific author of books and articles his undergraduate degree at Tufts University and received the Irving and Jean Stone Prize This year, we are delighted to welcome Ron The Powell Fund was established in 2010 and his M.S. and Ph.D. in biology at Harvard for Science Writing for Public Understand- Kamen to present the Herzog Lecture on with an inspirational gift from Dick Pow- University. He joined the Duke faculty in ing. His popular writing appeared in maga- Friday, April 29th, at 10:30 am, in the Meet- ell, class of 1968. A leadership donor to the 1966 and officially retired in 2006, but con- zines such as Natural History and Discover. ing Room. Ron has more than 25 years of Annual Fund over many years, Dick made tinued to write and teach classes until 2015. expertise and leadership in developing pub- the decision to endow a fund that would “After the Herzog Lecture, Steven came lic-private partnerships in clean energy and strengthen Oakwood’s financial position for Vogel is widely regarded as one of the and sat in on my Robotics class. What re- sustainability projects, marketing, outreach, the future while providing income for to- founders of the field of comparative bio- mains one of my fondest teaching memo- and policy. His technical experience includes day’s needs. For the last two years, distribu- mechanics. He studied biological fluid ries was seeing Steve pull up a tiny chair energy efficiency, wind, water, biomass, and tions from the Powell Fund infused signifi- mechanics, or the effects of winds and cur- to the table in Turner 305 and jump right solar power. During his four years of service cant technology directly into the classroom rents on the squishy, stretchy world of liv- into the day’s data gathering and sensor as President of the NY Solar Energy Industries and curriculum. The income helped to sup- ing things. Working at the intersection of design activity. The students did not know Association, Ron led the campaign that culmi- port the sciences, the arts and humanities. biology, mathematics and physics, he inves- him for his body of work, just as an Oak- nated in the $1 Billion NY Sun program and tigated everything from the ventilation of wood alum who possessed an infectious the creation of the NY Solar Thermal Road- This year, the Powell Fund income will be prairie dog burrows, to the flows of seawa- energy, giddy curiosity and intense desire map. He holds an MS in Systems Science used to support presentation and conference ter through marine sponges and air through to communicate and work with students – Watson School of Engineering, State Uni- space in Turner Science & Math Building, moth antennae, to how trees and seaweed on discovering the marvels of nature.” versity of NY at Binghamton and a BS in Ac- music editing software and hardware for our survive in high winds and crashing waves. Chad Cianfrani, Head of School Now in its 17th year, the Herzog Lecture counting & Management - School of Manage- music and technology programs and class- The flags at Duke University were lowered was established by Daniel Herzog ’70 in ment, State University of NY at Binghamton. room technology for instructional purposes. on November 24, 2015, to mark the passing Vogel was known for designing elegant ex- “We were friends and classmates. As a memory of his father, Dr. Hershel Herzog, of biologist Steven Vogel, Oakwood class of periments on a shoestring budget, building day student, he often used my spare bunk a distinguished chemist and pharmaceuti- Ron has built and managed successful In addition, a scanner and computer hardware 1957. A distinguished alumnus and wonderful devices such as flow tanks and wind tun- when he stayed over on campus. I knew cal executive who was instrumental in de- clean power marketing, sales, and public have been purchased for the Alson & Irene friend to Oakwood, Steven visited campus in nels from scrap wood and spare appliance even then that he would be a contribu- veloping several popular antibiotic and education campaigns; is a recognized co- Van Wagner Archives Room located in Collins April 2013 as Herzog Lecturer. When students parts he pieced together in the Duke Zool- tor and not a spectator in whatever field anti-inflammatory drugs. In keeping with alition builder with the energy industry, Library. Student archivist Matthew Voorhees listened to his talk about “The Physical Fitness ogy department’s machine shop. Steven he chose. We are not immortal, but if we a science and technology theme, the series government leaders, and environmental ’17 is supporting the work of the Alumni Of- of Leaves,” few were aware that they were lis- grew up in Beacon, New York, and worked make this world a better, safer happier has brought speakers from many fields to organizations; has given inspirational pre- fice with a multi-year project, researching, tening to a pioneer in the field of biomechan- after school in his parent’s drugstore from place there is reason for us to rest in peace.” speak to our school community, bringing sentations at hundreds of industry and documenting and preserving Oakwood’s ics, but all were mesmerized by Steven’s pas- ages 14 to 25. A former Duke student in Vo- John “Mac” McDonald ’57 science inquiry to life and encouraging our public events; and facilitated the develop- rich print, film and photographic history. sionate and creative teaching. Steven earned gel’s freshman seminar said, “He wanted us students to consider career paths in science. ment of Oakwood’s solar array project. Thank you, Dick Powell, for your foresight and Sonya sang on two records of material from the commitment to Oakwood Friends School. songbooks of her grandmother Ruth Crawford Sonya Cohen Cramer ’83 Seeger—American Folksongs for Christmas Solar Array Provides Power (1989), and Animal Folksongs for Children Acclaimed Singer & Graphic Designer (1992), both on Rounder Records. Sonya sang & Educational Opportunities Oakwood Friends School lost another distin- with her mother Penny, brother Rufus, Un- By: Chad Cianfrani, Head of School guished alumna and exceptional member the evening’s per- cle Mike Seeger, Aunt Peggy Seeger, and her of the class of 1983 with the death of Sonya formance to her, cousins Neill MacColl, Calum MacColl, Kitty It is a good time to be a photon visiting the people call Oakwood home, drawing on re- Cohen Cramer in October 2015. Sonya’s hus- saying she repre- MacColl, and Kim Seeger. Animal Folksongs Oakwood campus! sources to keep us warm, fed, connected and band Reid Cramer tells us that Sonya’s two sented the hope is wonderful family music. Sonya designed illuminated (both spiritually and electrically). years at Oakwood were extremely impor- for the future. Lat- the CD, her first of many projects packaging Since relocating to our Poughkeepsie home tant to her. Below is an excerpt from Reid’s er that same his- music, and loved singing and having a project in 1920, the preservation of open space and Thanks to the focused effort and long-range description of Sonya’s wonderful life. toric night, “Dylan with her mom Penny and extended family. She stewardship of the environment have been vision of the Board of Managers we are excit- went electric.” sang with her family throughout her life. On important aspects of our school mission. Sur- ed to see the Oakwood solar array take shape. Sonya Cohen Cramer, 50, passed away on the Grammy-winning Pete Seeger at 89 (2008), rounded by over fifty acres of green space Sized to offset 100 percent of our annual elec- October 9, 2015 at her home in Takoma Park, Penny and John found an old farmhouse to Sonya sings the translated Japanese poem that and fresh air, one can sometimes forget the trical consumption, this array is designed portant fact in that the grasses and ground Maryland. An acclaimed singer who uniquely fix up not far from Beacon, New York where Pete set to music, “When I was Most Beauti- campus is home to twenty-two buildings, to generate just under 700,000 kW/year. cover continuously prevent erosion and carried on her family’s musical heritage, as Penny had lived with Pete and Toshi Seeger. ful.” The two performed this song together four student dorms, a dining hall, library, provide habitat for small flora and fauna. well as a graphic designer, she brought the two The Cohens raised their children in a home- in March 2007 at the Library of Congress. gym, theater, music and photo labs, ceram- Despite its size at first glance, the physical together in her long-time collaborator with steading environment of music and proj- ics studios, dance studios, and multiple fam- footprints disturbed by posts and structures As part of a multi-year focus on sustainabil- Smithsonian Folkways Records. Sonya’s dy- ects of gardening, canning, baking, knitting, Throughout her entire career, she delighted ily residences. At any given time over 200 is less than a tenth of an acre. This is an im- ity and stewardship in action, this project namic artistic life encompassed music, singing, and sewing. After spending her high school in making things. Along with various arts and does more than provide clean, renewable en- design, collage, bookmaking, poetry, and arts years in London and at Oakwood, a Quak- crafts, she designed and constructed limited ergy. The Oakwood array provides a focal and crafts. She had talent, standards, and cre- er boarding school in Poughkeepsie, New edition art books that often took the form point for countless educational opportunities ativity—and she was a mother extraordinaire. York, Sonya attended Wesleyan University in of wedding invitations and family announce- within our Middle School, Upper School and Middletown, Connecticut where she gradu- ments. One of her last projects was an edition local community. A secured and gated en- Born in New York City in July 1965, Sonya Co- ated with Honors in Art and Architecture. of handmade scarves made by felting recycled trance to the array will serve as a backdrop hen grew up in Putnam Valley, New York in a cashmere sweaters found in thrift stores and for outdoor classroom space and neighbor- family with deep musical and artistic roots. She met her future husband Reid Cramer at sewn together in a style inspired by the quilts hood outreach programs. Plans are in the She was the daughter of John Cohen, mem- Wesleyan, and together they moved to New of Gee’s Bend. Sold at the 2014 Takoma Craft works to provide a web-based interface in ber of folk revival music group, The New Lost York City where she worked in film and tele- Show, she called the project, “What I Felt.” which the entire community can log in and City Ramblers, and Penelope Seeger, a potter vision with Children’s Television Workshop monitor electrical generation in real-time. whose elder siblings were folk musicians Mike, and the Ginger Group. She also designed ex- A world-class collaborator, Sonya led a vibrant Peggy, and Pete Seeger. She was the grand- hibitions for The Municipal Art Society of New life filled with art making, music, and fam- Oakwood Friends School has a great daughter of seminal musicologist Charles York, and first began to work professionally as ily. Her creative spirit and search for beauty deal for which to be thankful. Guided Seeger and the avant-garde composer Ruth a graphic designer. Sonya continued her visual led many people to wonderful places— by a light from within and now pow- Crawford Seeger. When she was only a few days and book arts education with courses at Cooper most especially her husband and children. ered by a light from above, our commu- old, her parents took her to the 1965 Newport Union, New School, and School for Visual Arts. Aerial view of site before construction nity looks forward to an exciting 2016. Folk Festival where her Uncle Pete dedicated Reid Cramer, November 21, 2015 10 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 7 Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 Opens Alumni Weekend 2016 John Scardina Speaks at Community Meeting Irene & Alson “My Winding Road to Purpose – from a commune in Oregon to Fighting for Latino Rights” Van Wagner

environment) that comprise the Aspen Global Oakwood Friends School board member and former faculty member (1978-1986), John Archives Room Leadership Network with the goal of stimulat- By: Matthew Voorhees ’17, student archivist ing a new generation of local leaders to play a Scardina, presented at Community Meeting Alumni Weekend on Friday January 29th and shared his expe- greater role in the social and political devel- May 13-15, 2016 opment of their countries. As a Vice President riences working on water projects in Bolivia at the Aspen Institute she is part of the ex- Friday, May 13th with the Oakwood community. John travels with Quaker Bolivia Link (QBL), an interna- ecutive management team working on strat- 2:30pm Caroline “Dash” Davis Gleiter ’51 egy and representing the Institute publicly. tional, non-sectarian development organiza- Social Justice Lecture tion guided by Quaker principles and dedicat- Speaker: Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 Abigail joined the Aspen Institute from the ed to reducing poverty among the indigenous Topic: “My Winding Road to Purpose peoples of Bolivia. Since 1995, they have been German Marshall Fund (GMF) where she – from a commune in Oregon to was Director, External Relations and a Senior working alongside the indigenous Andean fighting for Latino Rights” people to fund, construct, and monitor com- Manager responsible for partnership devel- 5:30pm Welcome Reception & Buffet Dinner opment, congressional relations, and public munity-based projects to secure food sources, 8:00pm Student production: promote better health, and generate income. outreach as well as strategy. From 2000-2002, A.H. Lane Auditorium Ms. Golden-Vazquez worked with USAID in Honduras as Communications Specialist Saturday, May 14th Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 during the post-Hurricane Mitch reconstruc- John is pictured with Oakwood student clerk, Parfait Bizimana ’16, who is wearing the 9:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast traditional garb of a Mallkus, or traditional Andean village leader. Villages will present this red tion effort. Prior to that she was Vice Presi- 10:00am Alumni Association Annual Meeting Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 will open Alumni dent, Public Affairs Group for Ruder-Finn, poncho as a gift to express their appreciation for their QBL water supply or greenhouses. Matthew Voorhees '17, student archivist, & Community Meeting Weekend 2016 with the presentation of the a top-five New York public relations firm. using new equipment 12:00pm Lunch under the tent & Carolyn Dash Davis Gleiter Lecture on So- She was a term-member at the Council on Class Photographs When I first visited Oakwood Friends cial Justice on Friday, May 13th, 2:30 pm in Foreign Relations until 2008, is an Interna- 2:00pm Reception for Class of 1966 School I was fascinated with one thing- the Meeting Room. This lecture series was tional Career Advancement Program (ICAP) 4:00 pm Gathering in memory of Middle School Students Explore Math the history. I thought it was so interest- initiated by the class of 1951 in memory of Fellow, is a founding member of the ICAP ing that the school had been around their classmate, Dash Davis Gleiter, an at- Association and is a 2013 National Hispana Emmet Hayes ’51 4:30pm Reception for Oak Tree Club Through Innovative Fractal Project since George Washington was alive. I was torney whose life work and passion were Leadership Institute Executive Fellow. Abigail hooked. As a history fanatic there was no devoted to civil rights and social action. holds a B.A. in Political Science and Span- - (Class of 1965 & prior) Tea in Collins Library other choice but for me to go to Oakwood ish from Amherst College and an M.A. in and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. As Executive Director of the Latinos and So- International Relations and Latin American 6:00pm Festive Dinner in Dining Hall ciety Program at The Aspen Institute, Abigail Studies from the Johns Hopkins University 8:00pm Student production: A.H. Lane Auditorium In my freshman year I would pass a door in Golden-Vazquez runs a policy program whose School of Advanced International Studies. Collins Library with the sign “archives” and goal is to improve understanding of the grow- Sunday, May 15th I always wanted to know what was in there. ing Latino community and increase awareness Abigail is the daughter of Eric Golden 9:00am Hot Breakfast While talking to Elaine Miles one day, the of its critical importance to the future of the ’57 and the niece of Arnold Golden ’52, topic of the archives room came up and I United States. For 8 years prior she managed Jed Golden ’54 and John Golden ’63. We 10:30am Meeting for Worship - Nine Partners Meeting House asked her if I could take a look. The room the Institute’s geographical (Africa, Central are honored to welcome Abigail back to was dusty and crowded with objects. So my America, India, Middle East, and China) and campus to speak to our school commu- first order of business was to clean, then topical leadership initiatives (education and nity on the occasion of her 30th reunion. clean, and lastly clean. It consumed the first year of my access to the archives room, but by sophomore year I was focused on un- earthing the treasures that lie on the shelves.

Najah Muhammad ’10 Returns I became known as Matthew Voorhees, the student archivist. I began numbering the For Winter Reunion 2016 bookcases and started an index of each item. I found magnificent photographs, I read Oakwood Friends School’s annual Winter Najah had a leadership role at Oakwood as the faculty minutes from the early twenti- Reunion was held on Friday, January 8th for student clerk, and now she is the co-presi- Elias Fredericks 8th, Isabella Kramb 7th, Cyril Uebbing 8th, Trudy Poux 6th, Philip Stephens 7th, eth century and learned how they all felt recent graduates from the classes 2011 to dent of Oakwood’s Alumni Association. After Freddy Carroll 8th, Yahya Lorick 7th, Arlo Stone 8th, Bailey Allen 6th, Hannah Gendron 6th, about moving to Poughkeepsie. I couldn’t 2015. Each year, it’s a great day for young graduation, she attended Emerson College in Eamon Lynch 6th, Jane Uebbing 6th, Zack Craft 8th and Adele Fredericks 8th wait to go to the archives room during alumni to return to campus to reconnect Boston and graduated in 2014 with a degree my free time at school because each day with former teachers and friends while shar- in Theater Education. Currently she is work- I would find something new and exciting. ing their own experiences in college and ing in three different schools with a company Supported by a grant from the Community on experience understanding the complex beyond. In recent years, the day has ended called The Leadership Program. Through this Foundations of the Hudson Valley, middle concept. This sort of thinking is important Now as a junior, I started off the year with a with an exhuberant alumni – student bas- work, she helps New York City students be- school students participated in their first as a complement to Euclidean Geometry, goal of digitizing some of the photographs ketball game, organized by Ted Lonczak ’08. come better leaders through after school pro- "fractal build" using omnifix cubes. With no which students spend an entire year study- and records. So far, I have scanned hundreds grams and the arts. She is also working as a preparation and only 45 minutes to build, ing in the Upper School, because while of photographs and have been working on Najah Muhammad ’10 returned as guest freelance theatre artist and entertainer. While the students were instructed by Lacey Fred- humans build according to Euclidean Ge- retyping documents so that they are easier speaker for the event. She presented “Get- at Oakwood, Najah started an advice column ericks, math and science department chair, ometry, nature builds according to fractal to read. I have said this when researching ting What You Want and Wanting What You called “Najah Knows” which ran in the Pough- and one of her independent study seniors geometry. Examples from nature include my own family history and it applies here Need” at a lively community meeting fo- keepsie Journal and continued as a televi- in how to build in a fractal fashion. The trees, our circulatory system, river beds, as well: There is always more to find. I look cused on important issues: perseverance, sion segment and radio podcast in college. students learned about fractals -- anything mountains, ferns and clouds. This activ- forward to finding more treasures, digitiz- resilience and working towards goals. With that exhibits self-similarity or has parts ity encouraged students to begin to think ing more photos and records, and most of her dynamic style, she had everyone up that resemble the whole, such as broccoli. in a fractal fashion, bringing them one step all I look forward to sharing what I find on Student clerk Parfait Bizimana ’16 closer to understanding our natural world. Alumni Weekend, May 13 to 15, 2016. and moving and laughing and energized with guest speaker and former clerk by her own high spirits and optimism. Using the ominfix cubes, the students built a Najah Muhammad ’10 and Bill Doolittle large fractal structure in order to get hands 8 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 9

culminate his visit with a camp out and tra- Oakwood celebrates Lakota Culture ditional sunrise greeting. Oakwood’s two Parent Dinner Supports Annual Fund Lakota students, cousins Shai Blackbird ’18 and Natalie Bordeaux ’19, are working Thank you to Tim and Laurel Sweeney, par- year: Cleveland Plumbing & Heating, Ron- 3rd Annual Arts Presentation closely with Tiokasin and Oakwood faculty ents of Sean ’09, and owners of Stone Ridge dack Construction and Dutchess ProPrint. on planning and implementing the events. Wine & Spirits, for sponsoring our 11th annual Through the generosity of all our auction Oakwood Friends School will be host- wine dinner & auction to support the Annual item donors, we raised over $13,000 for the ing a three day program with master mu- We are honored to be working with Tioka- Fund. The event was held on January 30th at Annual Fund. Thank you: Adams Fairacre sician and activist, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Locust Grove – Samuel Morse Historic Site, Farms Poughkeepsie, Minoo Amirhosseini, from the Cheyenne River Lakota (Sioux) sin who performs worldwide and has been featured at the Cathedral of Saint John the catered by Cosimo’s. It was a festive evening Artist’s Palate, Atlantic Theater Company, Nation of South Dakota and the bands of shared by 85 parents, faculty, board members Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Bill Beran & Itazipco/Mnicoujou and Oglala. Tiokasin is Divine, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and guests. Once again, Carol and Bill Bogle Joan Fiorelli, Bill Bogle, Boscobel Restora- the host of First Voices Indigenous Radio ’76 served as auctioneers. Student artwork tion, Bottini Fuel, BurgerFi, Karen Butt, Mia on WBAI NY - Pacifica Radio and has been and at the United Nations as well as at nu- merous universities and concert venues. was on display along with a presentation of Choi & David White, Camp Cody, Camp Wa- described as “a spiritual agitator, natural historic Oakwood photos selected by Mat- ziyatah, Center for Performing Arts at Rhine- rights organizer, indigenous thinking pro- thew Voorhees ’17, student archivist. Musi- beck, De’s Jewelers, Meghan & Jack Duval, cess educator and a community activator.” This exceptional event is the 3rd Annual Arts Chad & Sue Cianfrani with Laurel Presentation launched by Jonathan Talbot cians Nora Sackett ’16 and Connie Huang Rich Feldman, Virginia Gellar, Hudson Beach ’17 performed for guests on piano with Char- Glass, Hudson Valley Renegades, Tim Judge, & Tim Sweeney Tiokasin will join the Oakwood community ’57 who presented “Collage: Medium & Meta- phor.” Last year, Molly Lynn Watt ’56 present- lie Zhou ’16 on saxophone. Thank you all! Laura Kellar, Heidi Kronenberg, McCann on campus from Monday April 18 – Wednes- & Spirits, Miriam Straus, Trump National ed “On the Wings of Song – a Journey into Golf, McGillicuddy’s, Libby Moroff, Mountain day April 20 and take part in the school’s Golf Club, Anne-Marie Uebbing, Village Tea the Civil Rights Era.” We are grateful to Mar- We are especially grateful to three local & Sackett, Omega Institute, On Location Stu- bi-annual Earthshare Day of service learn- Lakota performer, storyteller and activist businesses who sponsored the dinner this dios, Rabbit & Turtle Pub, Stone Ridge Wine Room, George Walker, Women’s Work. ing. Together with our students he will Tiokasin Ghosthorse sha and Jonathan Talbot for their on-going erect and paint an 18 foot tipi on campus support of this lecture series. Oakwood has with traditional Lakota symbols, share the lic performance of the ancient red cedar also applied to a grant from Art Mid-Hudson Lakota Cosmology of the Tipi, hold a pub- Lakota flute followed by a campfire, and to offset some of the cost of this program. Vanessa Budetti and Jeremy Atkins “What Makes Day of Social Justice Metanoia Join Academic Support Center (ASC) A Good Life?” tral School District, and he has worked for Stephen Miller presents the Upward Bound program at Marist Col- lege as an Academic Intervention Special- Philosophy mini-series ist. Jeremy has over ten years of training and teaching martial arts and self-defense programs. His focus is on special educa- Stephen Miller, Humanities Department Chair, tion and discovering methods for students launched a series of evening Philosophy mini to grasp difficult content. Jeremy earned classes for parents, students and faculty this his B.A. and M.S. in Secondary Education at fall. Entitled “What Makes a Good Life?” the SUNY New Paltz and lives in Poughkeepsie. course covers such topics as happiness, phi- losophy of education, and emotions. Sessions Speaking about her role in the ASC Vanessa to date addressed questions such as: Is moral- Elizabeth “Lizzie” Phelps Meyer, Oakwood commented, “In thinking about the ASC, I ity in a state of decline? Are humans funda- Friends School’s art teacher presented a am sure that the small group instruction has mentally violent? Is a good life the same thing solo exhibit at Real Art Ways in Hartford, CT a direct and immediate effect on the in-class as a moral life? How much do I owe other peo- this fall. Entitled “Metanoia”, which means performance of many of our students. We ple? The course will continue in the spring. a transformative change of heart, especially re-teach, discuss ideas and concepts, and ap- a spiritual conversion, the show consisted of proach problems in alternative ways. This Speaking about teaching philosophy Ste- one thousand and eighty hand-thrown ce- is a special program because many private phen stated, “There is a difference between Day of Social Justice discussion ramic bowls, each containing a fragile min- and boarding schools do not have supports a philosophy course and a philosophical iature landscape, hundreds of hand-painted in place to help students with learning dif- education. A philosophical education seeks Oakwood Friends School hosted a Day of So- cabulary the school aims to build and nurture leaves woven through a paper and clay forest, ferences succeed. Jeremy and I get to know to open questions up rather than closing cial Justice for students and faculty on Janu- a strong sense of understanding and support twelve puppets, and a trilogy of videos set in our students very well, and they know where them down with definitive answers. Investi- ary 26th as part of a yearlong focus on educa- within the Oakwood community and beyond. a fictional art gallery that explore the trans- they can come for help. We try to meet them gating the meaning and significance of fac- tion and experience of mind, body and spirit. formative power of color. The show began where they are and help them build skills tual information in the actual lives of students Through a series of large group exercises and To help prepare for the day, students met with an opening reception on October 15, toward independence and self-advocacy.” leads to deeper discussions of fundamen- small discussion-based workshops the school the previous week in advisory groups to dis- 2015 and continued through January 16, 2016. tal values, of what really matters and what community explored how certain social con- cuss, “What is Social Justice?” They worked This fall, the Oakwood Friends School com- The Academic Support Center is open to any we should aim for.” Stephen's Oakwood structs play out in our daily lives and how with the definition of social justice as act- On the closing day of the show, Lizzie of- munity welcomed Vanessa Budetti, new student who has a mild, documented learn- courses include Existentialism, Ethics, Glo- they may impact our experiences in the class- ing with equality, fairness and dignity to all fered to the public the bowls she made for Director of the Academic Support Center, ing difference or who struggles with attention balization, International Relations, Postcolo- room, on the campus and around the world. human beings. They explored the distri- the installation piece "1,000 Offering Bowls and Jeremy Atkins, new ASC instructor. challenges. Academic Support teachers devel- nial Studies, Asian Philosophy and Religion, bution of wealth, opportunities and privi- for Shedrub Ling". She made this work in op a personalized instructional program and Nonviolence: Theory and Practice, Philoso- The day was composed of eight different stu- leges within a society. They reflected on response to the Nepal earthquakes of last Vanessa has been teaching and supporting meet with students three times a week during phy of Religion and Philosophy of Science. dent and faculty led discussion/activity groups social justice as both a process and a goal. April by making a daily "accumulation" prac- students for 17 years at every level from pre- the academic day. Our Learning Skills teach- encompassing themes of privilege, our tice of throwing bowls on the potter's wheel. school to college. She is an enthusiastic ad- ers work in 1:1 or 1:2 settings with students Stephen also worked with a group of students criminal justice system, human rights, cross- The Day of Social Justice builds on a se- In the installation each bowl contains a vocate for students with learning differences. who have a diagnosis of a specific learning who recently participated in the first annual cultural communications, socio-economic ries of workshops offered at the school for fragile landscape constructed of vermilion She earned her B.S. in Sociology and English difference and who will benefit from targeted NYC Ethics Bowl. Oakwood competed against class and stereotypes. The community was faculty and parents over the last several powder, sand, and clay sculptures. Guests at Ithaca College, and her M.Ed. in Special Ed- remediation to achieve optimum success in Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Horace Mann and challenged to explore their own perceptions months focusing on topics such as ally ship, had the opportunity both to receive a bowl ucation at Mount Saint Mary College. She lives our college preparatory curriculum. In Fo- Vanguard. The Ethics Bowl demanded a lot and thoughts on identity, equality and inclu- student support and mental health. Speak- from the installation and to give an offer- in Newburgh with her family and loves gar- cused Instruction, teachers work with stu- of students as they offered arguments on a sion. As some of these activities presented ers, authors and facilitators, have engaged ing toward the rebuilding of Ky-Nying Shed- dening, running, and socializing with friends. dents in small multi-age group settings to series of moral dilemmas ranging from utili- students and faculty with complex and often our community, from places such as the rub Ling and Nagi Gompa, a monastery and provide support primarily in the areas of plan- tarianism, Kantianism, Aristotelian Virtue Eth- charged social topics, the goal was to foster American Foundation for Suicide Preven- nunnery located in the Kathmandu valley Jeremy has taught in the special educa- ning, organization and work completion. ics, Feminist Ethic of Care and basic logic. constructive and healthy dialog between stu- tion, UMass Amherst and Smith College. of Nepal, which require rebuilding due to tion department at nearby Arlington Cen- dents and faculty. By developing a shared vo- damages sustained from the earthquakes. 8 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 9

culminate his visit with a camp out and tra- Oakwood celebrates Lakota Culture ditional sunrise greeting. Oakwood’s two Parent Dinner Supports Annual Fund Lakota students, cousins Shai Blackbird ’18 and Natalie Bordeaux ’19, are working Thank you to Tim and Laurel Sweeney, par- year: Cleveland Plumbing & Heating, Ron- 3rd Annual Arts Presentation closely with Tiokasin and Oakwood faculty ents of Sean ’09, and owners of Stone Ridge dack Construction and Dutchess ProPrint. on planning and implementing the events. Wine & Spirits, for sponsoring our 11th annual Through the generosity of all our auction Oakwood Friends School will be host- wine dinner & auction to support the Annual item donors, we raised over $13,000 for the ing a three day program with master mu- We are honored to be working with Tioka- Fund. The event was held on January 30th at Annual Fund. Thank you: Adams Fairacre sician and activist, Tiokasin Ghosthorse, Locust Grove – Samuel Morse Historic Site, Farms Poughkeepsie, Minoo Amirhosseini, from the Cheyenne River Lakota (Sioux) sin who performs worldwide and has been featured at the Cathedral of Saint John the catered by Cosimo’s. It was a festive evening Artist’s Palate, Atlantic Theater Company, Nation of South Dakota and the bands of shared by 85 parents, faculty, board members Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Bill Beran & Itazipco/Mnicoujou and Oglala. Tiokasin is Divine, Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and guests. Once again, Carol and Bill Bogle Joan Fiorelli, Bill Bogle, Boscobel Restora- the host of First Voices Indigenous Radio ’76 served as auctioneers. Student artwork tion, Bottini Fuel, BurgerFi, Karen Butt, Mia on WBAI NY - Pacifica Radio and has been and at the United Nations as well as at nu- merous universities and concert venues. was on display along with a presentation of Choi & David White, Camp Cody, Camp Wa- described as “a spiritual agitator, natural historic Oakwood photos selected by Mat- ziyatah, Center for Performing Arts at Rhine- rights organizer, indigenous thinking pro- thew Voorhees ’17, student archivist. Musi- beck, De’s Jewelers, Meghan & Jack Duval, cess educator and a community activator.” This exceptional event is the 3rd Annual Arts Chad & Sue Cianfrani with Laurel Presentation launched by Jonathan Talbot cians Nora Sackett ’16 and Connie Huang Rich Feldman, Virginia Gellar, Hudson Beach ’17 performed for guests on piano with Char- Glass, Hudson Valley Renegades, Tim Judge, & Tim Sweeney Tiokasin will join the Oakwood community ’57 who presented “Collage: Medium & Meta- phor.” Last year, Molly Lynn Watt ’56 present- lie Zhou ’16 on saxophone. Thank you all! Laura Kellar, Heidi Kronenberg, McCann on campus from Monday April 18 – Wednes- & Spirits, Miriam Straus, Trump National ed “On the Wings of Song – a Journey into Golf, McGillicuddy’s, Libby Moroff, Mountain day April 20 and take part in the school’s Golf Club, Anne-Marie Uebbing, Village Tea the Civil Rights Era.” We are grateful to Mar- We are especially grateful to three local & Sackett, Omega Institute, On Location Stu- bi-annual Earthshare Day of service learn- Lakota performer, storyteller and activist businesses who sponsored the dinner this dios, Rabbit & Turtle Pub, Stone Ridge Wine Room, George Walker, Women’s Work. ing. Together with our students he will Tiokasin Ghosthorse sha and Jonathan Talbot for their on-going erect and paint an 18 foot tipi on campus support of this lecture series. Oakwood has with traditional Lakota symbols, share the lic performance of the ancient red cedar also applied to a grant from Art Mid-Hudson Lakota Cosmology of the Tipi, hold a pub- Lakota flute followed by a campfire, and to offset some of the cost of this program. Vanessa Budetti and Jeremy Atkins “What Makes Day of Social Justice Metanoia Join Academic Support Center (ASC) A Good Life?” tral School District, and he has worked for Stephen Miller presents the Upward Bound program at Marist Col- lege as an Academic Intervention Special- Philosophy mini-series ist. Jeremy has over ten years of training and teaching martial arts and self-defense programs. His focus is on special educa- Stephen Miller, Humanities Department Chair, tion and discovering methods for students launched a series of evening Philosophy mini to grasp difficult content. Jeremy earned classes for parents, students and faculty this his B.A. and M.S. in Secondary Education at fall. Entitled “What Makes a Good Life?” the SUNY New Paltz and lives in Poughkeepsie. course covers such topics as happiness, phi- losophy of education, and emotions. Sessions Speaking about her role in the ASC Vanessa to date addressed questions such as: Is moral- Elizabeth “Lizzie” Phelps Meyer, Oakwood commented, “In thinking about the ASC, I ity in a state of decline? Are humans funda- Friends School’s art teacher presented a am sure that the small group instruction has mentally violent? Is a good life the same thing solo exhibit at Real Art Ways in Hartford, CT a direct and immediate effect on the in-class as a moral life? How much do I owe other peo- this fall. Entitled “Metanoia”, which means performance of many of our students. We ple? The course will continue in the spring. a transformative change of heart, especially re-teach, discuss ideas and concepts, and ap- a spiritual conversion, the show consisted of proach problems in alternative ways. This Speaking about teaching philosophy Ste- one thousand and eighty hand-thrown ce- is a special program because many private phen stated, “There is a difference between Day of Social Justice discussion ramic bowls, each containing a fragile min- and boarding schools do not have supports a philosophy course and a philosophical iature landscape, hundreds of hand-painted in place to help students with learning dif- education. A philosophical education seeks Oakwood Friends School hosted a Day of So- cabulary the school aims to build and nurture leaves woven through a paper and clay forest, ferences succeed. Jeremy and I get to know to open questions up rather than closing cial Justice for students and faculty on Janu- a strong sense of understanding and support twelve puppets, and a trilogy of videos set in our students very well, and they know where them down with definitive answers. Investi- ary 26th as part of a yearlong focus on educa- within the Oakwood community and beyond. a fictional art gallery that explore the trans- they can come for help. We try to meet them gating the meaning and significance of fac- tion and experience of mind, body and spirit. formative power of color. The show began where they are and help them build skills tual information in the actual lives of students Through a series of large group exercises and To help prepare for the day, students met with an opening reception on October 15, toward independence and self-advocacy.” leads to deeper discussions of fundamen- small discussion-based workshops the school the previous week in advisory groups to dis- 2015 and continued through January 16, 2016. tal values, of what really matters and what community explored how certain social con- cuss, “What is Social Justice?” They worked This fall, the Oakwood Friends School com- The Academic Support Center is open to any we should aim for.” Stephen's Oakwood structs play out in our daily lives and how with the definition of social justice as act- On the closing day of the show, Lizzie of- munity welcomed Vanessa Budetti, new student who has a mild, documented learn- courses include Existentialism, Ethics, Glo- they may impact our experiences in the class- ing with equality, fairness and dignity to all fered to the public the bowls she made for Director of the Academic Support Center, ing difference or who struggles with attention balization, International Relations, Postcolo- room, on the campus and around the world. human beings. They explored the distri- the installation piece "1,000 Offering Bowls and Jeremy Atkins, new ASC instructor. challenges. Academic Support teachers devel- nial Studies, Asian Philosophy and Religion, bution of wealth, opportunities and privi- for Shedrub Ling". She made this work in op a personalized instructional program and Nonviolence: Theory and Practice, Philoso- The day was composed of eight different stu- leges within a society. They reflected on response to the Nepal earthquakes of last Vanessa has been teaching and supporting meet with students three times a week during phy of Religion and Philosophy of Science. dent and faculty led discussion/activity groups social justice as both a process and a goal. April by making a daily "accumulation" prac- students for 17 years at every level from pre- the academic day. Our Learning Skills teach- encompassing themes of privilege, our tice of throwing bowls on the potter's wheel. school to college. She is an enthusiastic ad- ers work in 1:1 or 1:2 settings with students Stephen also worked with a group of students criminal justice system, human rights, cross- The Day of Social Justice builds on a se- In the installation each bowl contains a vocate for students with learning differences. who have a diagnosis of a specific learning who recently participated in the first annual cultural communications, socio-economic ries of workshops offered at the school for fragile landscape constructed of vermilion She earned her B.S. in Sociology and English difference and who will benefit from targeted NYC Ethics Bowl. Oakwood competed against class and stereotypes. The community was faculty and parents over the last several powder, sand, and clay sculptures. Guests at Ithaca College, and her M.Ed. in Special Ed- remediation to achieve optimum success in Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Horace Mann and challenged to explore their own perceptions months focusing on topics such as ally ship, had the opportunity both to receive a bowl ucation at Mount Saint Mary College. She lives our college preparatory curriculum. In Fo- Vanguard. The Ethics Bowl demanded a lot and thoughts on identity, equality and inclu- student support and mental health. Speak- from the installation and to give an offer- in Newburgh with her family and loves gar- cused Instruction, teachers work with stu- of students as they offered arguments on a sion. As some of these activities presented ers, authors and facilitators, have engaged ing toward the rebuilding of Ky-Nying Shed- dening, running, and socializing with friends. dents in small multi-age group settings to series of moral dilemmas ranging from utili- students and faculty with complex and often our community, from places such as the rub Ling and Nagi Gompa, a monastery and provide support primarily in the areas of plan- tarianism, Kantianism, Aristotelian Virtue Eth- charged social topics, the goal was to foster American Foundation for Suicide Preven- nunnery located in the Kathmandu valley Jeremy has taught in the special educa- ning, organization and work completion. ics, Feminist Ethic of Care and basic logic. constructive and healthy dialog between stu- tion, UMass Amherst and Smith College. of Nepal, which require rebuilding due to tion department at nearby Arlington Cen- dents and faculty. By developing a shared vo- damages sustained from the earthquakes. 10 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 7 Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 Opens Alumni Weekend 2016 John Scardina Speaks at Community Meeting Irene & Alson “My Winding Road to Purpose – from a commune in Oregon to Fighting for Latino Rights” Van Wagner

environment) that comprise the Aspen Global Oakwood Friends School board member and former faculty member (1978-1986), John Archives Room Leadership Network with the goal of stimulat- By: Matthew Voorhees ’17, student archivist ing a new generation of local leaders to play a Scardina, presented at Community Meeting Alumni Weekend on Friday January 29th and shared his expe- greater role in the social and political devel- May 13-15, 2016 opment of their countries. As a Vice President riences working on water projects in Bolivia at the Aspen Institute she is part of the ex- Friday, May 13th with the Oakwood community. John travels with Quaker Bolivia Link (QBL), an interna- ecutive management team working on strat- 2:30pm Caroline “Dash” Davis Gleiter ’51 egy and representing the Institute publicly. tional, non-sectarian development organiza- Social Justice Lecture tion guided by Quaker principles and dedicat- Speaker: Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 Abigail joined the Aspen Institute from the ed to reducing poverty among the indigenous Topic: “My Winding Road to Purpose peoples of Bolivia. Since 1995, they have been German Marshall Fund (GMF) where she – from a commune in Oregon to was Director, External Relations and a Senior working alongside the indigenous Andean fighting for Latino Rights” people to fund, construct, and monitor com- Manager responsible for partnership devel- 5:30pm Welcome Reception & Buffet Dinner opment, congressional relations, and public munity-based projects to secure food sources, 8:00pm Student production: promote better health, and generate income. outreach as well as strategy. From 2000-2002, A.H. Lane Auditorium Ms. Golden-Vazquez worked with USAID in Honduras as Communications Specialist Saturday, May 14th Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 during the post-Hurricane Mitch reconstruc- John is pictured with Oakwood student clerk, Parfait Bizimana ’16, who is wearing the 9:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast traditional garb of a Mallkus, or traditional Andean village leader. Villages will present this red tion effort. Prior to that she was Vice Presi- 10:00am Alumni Association Annual Meeting Abigail Golden-Vazquez ’86 will open Alumni dent, Public Affairs Group for Ruder-Finn, poncho as a gift to express their appreciation for their QBL water supply or greenhouses. Matthew Voorhees '17, student archivist, & Community Meeting Weekend 2016 with the presentation of the a top-five New York public relations firm. using new equipment 12:00pm Lunch under the tent & Carolyn Dash Davis Gleiter Lecture on So- She was a term-member at the Council on Class Photographs When I first visited Oakwood Friends cial Justice on Friday, May 13th, 2:30 pm in Foreign Relations until 2008, is an Interna- 2:00pm Reception for Class of 1966 School I was fascinated with one thing- the Meeting Room. This lecture series was tional Career Advancement Program (ICAP) 4:00 pm Gathering in memory of Middle School Students Explore Math the history. I thought it was so interest- initiated by the class of 1951 in memory of Fellow, is a founding member of the ICAP ing that the school had been around their classmate, Dash Davis Gleiter, an at- Association and is a 2013 National Hispana Emmet Hayes ’51 4:30pm Reception for Oak Tree Club Through Innovative Fractal Project since George Washington was alive. I was torney whose life work and passion were Leadership Institute Executive Fellow. Abigail hooked. As a history fanatic there was no devoted to civil rights and social action. holds a B.A. in Political Science and Span- - (Class of 1965 & prior) Tea in Collins Library other choice but for me to go to Oakwood ish from Amherst College and an M.A. in and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. As Executive Director of the Latinos and So- International Relations and Latin American 6:00pm Festive Dinner in Dining Hall ciety Program at The Aspen Institute, Abigail Studies from the Johns Hopkins University 8:00pm Student production: A.H. Lane Auditorium In my freshman year I would pass a door in Golden-Vazquez runs a policy program whose School of Advanced International Studies. Collins Library with the sign “archives” and goal is to improve understanding of the grow- Sunday, May 15th I always wanted to know what was in there. ing Latino community and increase awareness Abigail is the daughter of Eric Golden 9:00am Hot Breakfast While talking to Elaine Miles one day, the of its critical importance to the future of the ’57 and the niece of Arnold Golden ’52, topic of the archives room came up and I United States. For 8 years prior she managed Jed Golden ’54 and John Golden ’63. We 10:30am Meeting for Worship - Nine Partners Meeting House asked her if I could take a look. The room the Institute’s geographical (Africa, Central are honored to welcome Abigail back to was dusty and crowded with objects. So my America, India, Middle East, and China) and campus to speak to our school commu- first order of business was to clean, then topical leadership initiatives (education and nity on the occasion of her 30th reunion. clean, and lastly clean. It consumed the first year of my access to the archives room, but by sophomore year I was focused on un- earthing the treasures that lie on the shelves.

Najah Muhammad ’10 Returns I became known as Matthew Voorhees, the student archivist. I began numbering the For Winter Reunion 2016 bookcases and started an index of each item. I found magnificent photographs, I read Oakwood Friends School’s annual Winter Najah had a leadership role at Oakwood as the faculty minutes from the early twenti- Reunion was held on Friday, January 8th for student clerk, and now she is the co-presi- Elias Fredericks 8th, Isabella Kramb 7th, Cyril Uebbing 8th, Trudy Poux 6th, Philip Stephens 7th, eth century and learned how they all felt recent graduates from the classes 2011 to dent of Oakwood’s Alumni Association. After Freddy Carroll 8th, Yahya Lorick 7th, Arlo Stone 8th, Bailey Allen 6th, Hannah Gendron 6th, about moving to Poughkeepsie. I couldn’t 2015. Each year, it’s a great day for young graduation, she attended Emerson College in Eamon Lynch 6th, Jane Uebbing 6th, Zack Craft 8th and Adele Fredericks 8th wait to go to the archives room during alumni to return to campus to reconnect Boston and graduated in 2014 with a degree my free time at school because each day with former teachers and friends while shar- in Theater Education. Currently she is work- I would find something new and exciting. ing their own experiences in college and ing in three different schools with a company Supported by a grant from the Community on experience understanding the complex beyond. In recent years, the day has ended called The Leadership Program. Through this Foundations of the Hudson Valley, middle concept. This sort of thinking is important Now as a junior, I started off the year with a with an exhuberant alumni – student bas- work, she helps New York City students be- school students participated in their first as a complement to Euclidean Geometry, goal of digitizing some of the photographs ketball game, organized by Ted Lonczak ’08. come better leaders through after school pro- "fractal build" using omnifix cubes. With no which students spend an entire year study- and records. So far, I have scanned hundreds grams and the arts. She is also working as a preparation and only 45 minutes to build, ing in the Upper School, because while of photographs and have been working on Najah Muhammad ’10 returned as guest freelance theatre artist and entertainer. While the students were instructed by Lacey Fred- humans build according to Euclidean Ge- retyping documents so that they are easier speaker for the event. She presented “Get- at Oakwood, Najah started an advice column ericks, math and science department chair, ometry, nature builds according to fractal to read. I have said this when researching ting What You Want and Wanting What You called “Najah Knows” which ran in the Pough- and one of her independent study seniors geometry. Examples from nature include my own family history and it applies here Need” at a lively community meeting fo- keepsie Journal and continued as a televi- in how to build in a fractal fashion. The trees, our circulatory system, river beds, as well: There is always more to find. I look cused on important issues: perseverance, sion segment and radio podcast in college. students learned about fractals -- anything mountains, ferns and clouds. This activ- forward to finding more treasures, digitiz- resilience and working towards goals. With that exhibits self-similarity or has parts ity encouraged students to begin to think ing more photos and records, and most of her dynamic style, she had everyone up that resemble the whole, such as broccoli. in a fractal fashion, bringing them one step all I look forward to sharing what I find on Student clerk Parfait Bizimana ’16 closer to understanding our natural world. Alumni Weekend, May 13 to 15, 2016. and moving and laughing and energized with guest speaker and former clerk by her own high spirits and optimism. Using the ominfix cubes, the students built a Najah Muhammad ’10 and Bill Doolittle large fractal structure in order to get hands 6 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 11

to experience the physical world of plants and animals firsthand instead of just talk- Ron Kamen to present Herzog Lecture: Powell Fund Supports Remembering Steven Vogel ’57 ing about it. I came away thinking about the world in an entirely different way.” He “People, Technology and the Forces of Nature” New Technology Biomechanics Pioneer was a prolific author of books and articles his undergraduate degree at Tufts University and received the Irving and Jean Stone Prize This year, we are delighted to welcome Ron The Powell Fund was established in 2010 and his M.S. and Ph.D. in biology at Harvard for Science Writing for Public Understand- Kamen to present the Herzog Lecture on with an inspirational gift from Dick Pow- University. He joined the Duke faculty in ing. His popular writing appeared in maga- Friday, April 29th, at 10:30 am, in the Meet- ell, class of 1968. A leadership donor to the 1966 and officially retired in 2006, but con- zines such as Natural History and Discover. ing Room. Ron has more than 25 years of Annual Fund over many years, Dick made tinued to write and teach classes until 2015. expertise and leadership in developing pub- the decision to endow a fund that would “After the Herzog Lecture, Steven came lic-private partnerships in clean energy and strengthen Oakwood’s financial position for Vogel is widely regarded as one of the and sat in on my Robotics class. What re- sustainability projects, marketing, outreach, the future while providing income for to- founders of the field of comparative bio- mains one of my fondest teaching memo- and policy. His technical experience includes day’s needs. For the last two years, distribu- mechanics. He studied biological fluid ries was seeing Steve pull up a tiny chair energy efficiency, wind, water, biomass, and tions from the Powell Fund infused signifi- mechanics, or the effects of winds and cur- to the table in Turner 305 and jump right solar power. During his four years of service cant technology directly into the classroom rents on the squishy, stretchy world of liv- into the day’s data gathering and sensor as President of the NY Solar Energy Industries and curriculum. The income helped to sup- ing things. Working at the intersection of design activity. The students did not know Association, Ron led the campaign that culmi- port the sciences, the arts and humanities. biology, mathematics and physics, he inves- him for his body of work, just as an Oak- nated in the $1 Billion NY Sun program and tigated everything from the ventilation of wood alum who possessed an infectious the creation of the NY Solar Thermal Road- This year, the Powell Fund income will be prairie dog burrows, to the flows of seawa- energy, giddy curiosity and intense desire map. He holds an MS in Systems Science used to support presentation and conference ter through marine sponges and air through to communicate and work with students – Watson School of Engineering, State Uni- space in Turner Science & Math Building, moth antennae, to how trees and seaweed on discovering the marvels of nature.” versity of NY at Binghamton and a BS in Ac- music editing software and hardware for our survive in high winds and crashing waves. Chad Cianfrani, Head of School Now in its 17th year, the Herzog Lecture counting & Management - School of Manage- music and technology programs and class- The flags at Duke University were lowered was established by Daniel Herzog ’70 in ment, State University of NY at Binghamton. room technology for instructional purposes. on November 24, 2015, to mark the passing Vogel was known for designing elegant ex- “We were friends and classmates. As a memory of his father, Dr. Hershel Herzog, of biologist Steven Vogel, Oakwood class of periments on a shoestring budget, building day student, he often used my spare bunk a distinguished chemist and pharmaceuti- Ron has built and managed successful In addition, a scanner and computer hardware 1957. A distinguished alumnus and wonderful devices such as flow tanks and wind tun- when he stayed over on campus. I knew cal executive who was instrumental in de- clean power marketing, sales, and public have been purchased for the Alson & Irene friend to Oakwood, Steven visited campus in nels from scrap wood and spare appliance even then that he would be a contribu- veloping several popular antibiotic and education campaigns; is a recognized co- Van Wagner Archives Room located in Collins April 2013 as Herzog Lecturer. When students parts he pieced together in the Duke Zool- tor and not a spectator in whatever field anti-inflammatory drugs. In keeping with alition builder with the energy industry, Library. Student archivist Matthew Voorhees listened to his talk about “The Physical Fitness ogy department’s machine shop. Steven he chose. We are not immortal, but if we a science and technology theme, the series government leaders, and environmental ’17 is supporting the work of the Alumni Of- of Leaves,” few were aware that they were lis- grew up in Beacon, New York, and worked make this world a better, safer happier has brought speakers from many fields to organizations; has given inspirational pre- fice with a multi-year project, researching, tening to a pioneer in the field of biomechan- after school in his parent’s drugstore from place there is reason for us to rest in peace.” speak to our school community, bringing sentations at hundreds of industry and documenting and preserving Oakwood’s ics, but all were mesmerized by Steven’s pas- ages 14 to 25. A former Duke student in Vo- John “Mac” McDonald ’57 science inquiry to life and encouraging our public events; and facilitated the develop- rich print, film and photographic history. sionate and creative teaching. Steven earned gel’s freshman seminar said, “He wanted us students to consider career paths in science. ment of Oakwood’s solar array project. Thank you, Dick Powell, for your foresight and Sonya sang on two records of material from the commitment to Oakwood Friends School. songbooks of her grandmother Ruth Crawford Sonya Cohen Cramer ’83 Seeger—American Folksongs for Christmas Solar Array Provides Power (1989), and Animal Folksongs for Children Acclaimed Singer & Graphic Designer (1992), both on Rounder Records. Sonya sang & Educational Opportunities Oakwood Friends School lost another distin- with her mother Penny, brother Rufus, Un- By: Chad Cianfrani, Head of School guished alumna and exceptional member the evening’s per- cle Mike Seeger, Aunt Peggy Seeger, and her of the class of 1983 with the death of Sonya formance to her, cousins Neill MacColl, Calum MacColl, Kitty It is a good time to be a photon visiting the people call Oakwood home, drawing on re- Cohen Cramer in October 2015. Sonya’s hus- saying she repre- MacColl, and Kim Seeger. Animal Folksongs Oakwood campus! sources to keep us warm, fed, connected and band Reid Cramer tells us that Sonya’s two sented the hope is wonderful family music. Sonya designed illuminated (both spiritually and electrically). years at Oakwood were extremely impor- for the future. Lat- the CD, her first of many projects packaging Since relocating to our Poughkeepsie home tant to her. Below is an excerpt from Reid’s er that same his- music, and loved singing and having a project in 1920, the preservation of open space and Thanks to the focused effort and long-range description of Sonya’s wonderful life. toric night, “Dylan with her mom Penny and extended family. She stewardship of the environment have been vision of the Board of Managers we are excit- went electric.” sang with her family throughout her life. On important aspects of our school mission. Sur- ed to see the Oakwood solar array take shape. Sonya Cohen Cramer, 50, passed away on the Grammy-winning Pete Seeger at 89 (2008), rounded by over fifty acres of green space Sized to offset 100 percent of our annual elec- October 9, 2015 at her home in Takoma Park, Penny and John found an old farmhouse to Sonya sings the translated Japanese poem that and fresh air, one can sometimes forget the trical consumption, this array is designed portant fact in that the grasses and ground Maryland. An acclaimed singer who uniquely fix up not far from Beacon, New York where Pete set to music, “When I was Most Beauti- campus is home to twenty-two buildings, to generate just under 700,000 kW/year. cover continuously prevent erosion and carried on her family’s musical heritage, as Penny had lived with Pete and Toshi Seeger. ful.” The two performed this song together four student dorms, a dining hall, library, provide habitat for small flora and fauna. well as a graphic designer, she brought the two The Cohens raised their children in a home- in March 2007 at the Library of Congress. gym, theater, music and photo labs, ceram- Despite its size at first glance, the physical together in her long-time collaborator with steading environment of music and proj- ics studios, dance studios, and multiple fam- footprints disturbed by posts and structures As part of a multi-year focus on sustainabil- Smithsonian Folkways Records. Sonya’s dy- ects of gardening, canning, baking, knitting, Throughout her entire career, she delighted ily residences. At any given time over 200 is less than a tenth of an acre. This is an im- ity and stewardship in action, this project namic artistic life encompassed music, singing, and sewing. After spending her high school in making things. Along with various arts and does more than provide clean, renewable en- design, collage, bookmaking, poetry, and arts years in London and at Oakwood, a Quak- crafts, she designed and constructed limited ergy. The Oakwood array provides a focal and crafts. She had talent, standards, and cre- er boarding school in Poughkeepsie, New edition art books that often took the form point for countless educational opportunities ativity—and she was a mother extraordinaire. York, Sonya attended Wesleyan University in of wedding invitations and family announce- within our Middle School, Upper School and Middletown, Connecticut where she gradu- ments. One of her last projects was an edition local community. A secured and gated en- Born in New York City in July 1965, Sonya Co- ated with Honors in Art and Architecture. of handmade scarves made by felting recycled trance to the array will serve as a backdrop hen grew up in Putnam Valley, New York in a cashmere sweaters found in thrift stores and for outdoor classroom space and neighbor- family with deep musical and artistic roots. She met her future husband Reid Cramer at sewn together in a style inspired by the quilts hood outreach programs. Plans are in the She was the daughter of John Cohen, mem- Wesleyan, and together they moved to New of Gee’s Bend. Sold at the 2014 Takoma Craft works to provide a web-based interface in ber of folk revival music group, The New Lost York City where she worked in film and tele- Show, she called the project, “What I Felt.” which the entire community can log in and City Ramblers, and Penelope Seeger, a potter vision with Children’s Television Workshop monitor electrical generation in real-time. whose elder siblings were folk musicians Mike, and the Ginger Group. She also designed ex- A world-class collaborator, Sonya led a vibrant Peggy, and Pete Seeger. She was the grand- hibitions for The Municipal Art Society of New life filled with art making, music, and fam- Oakwood Friends School has a great daughter of seminal musicologist Charles York, and first began to work professionally as ily. Her creative spirit and search for beauty deal for which to be thankful. Guided Seeger and the avant-garde composer Ruth a graphic designer. Sonya continued her visual led many people to wonderful places— by a light from within and now pow- Crawford Seeger. When she was only a few days and book arts education with courses at Cooper most especially her husband and children. ered by a light from above, our commu- old, her parents took her to the 1965 Newport Union, New School, and School for Visual Arts. Aerial view of site before construction nity looks forward to an exciting 2016. Folk Festival where her Uncle Pete dedicated Reid Cramer, November 21, 2015 12 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 5 Class Notes Meet Melissa Matthews: New Theater Director Hi! I’m Melissa Matthews. Having served pre- Despite the intense nature of the play, the viously as the Main Office Coordinator, I’m students are engaged in the work. Every happy to have made the transition to the role time we rehearse the play, we find some- of Drama Director putting my undergradu- thing new, something they didn’t totally ate degree in theater and dance to work here understand, or something they understood at Oakwood Friends School. I have been in theory, but only just in that moment actively involved in the theater, either on or grasped the greater meaning of the words. 1930 1948 in Asheville, NC! Book is available on Amazon. off stage, for 23 years and counting, so when Elizabeth Wade – Elaine Miles & Matthew Voor- Tookey Scherf Campione – I’m staying off the Questions? contact me at [email protected] this opportunity arose, it was an easy fit. The blocking of the show really comes from hees ‘17 visited Elizabeth at her home in Pleasant streets and out of trouble. There are interns at the their discovery of the words, and their mean- Valley in January in honor of her 104th birthday. National Wildlife Refuge who would repute that. My grand plan for the theater department has ing, and how the students, in and out of She enjoyed looking through photos from the Ar- Can’t believe I’ve been there twenty seven years. two phases. Phase one is to produce work of character, are learning about themselves. chives Room of school life in the late 1920’s. which the students can be proud. Phase two is Much of the initial stage work was inspired 1950 to bring students into the theater fold. A wise by the students’ own actions and impulses. Patrick Crowley – Ann and I continue living in man once told me that if the work is good, it An actor sat very suddenly, as himself, not our townhouse in Sacramento. Retirement gives sells itself. I hope that if the performances are his character, because of the impact of the the opportunity to enjoy our free time. In addi- good enough, the students will be willing to line he had just heard and understood, so tion to serving on the Board of Managers, I lead try something new and come out for shows. we kept that blocking and now his char- a weekly class in writing personal histories for the acter sits very abruptly in that moment. Renaissance Society at Sacramento State. I took This February, I’m taking a swing at No Exit Melissa Matthews great satisfaction in participating in raising funds by Jean Paul Sartre. No Exit is an existential- I’m passionate about theater, and, to me, for Peter’s Porch for the classes of ’49, ’50 & ’51. ist drama that explores themes of freedom that necessitates a passion for the social This idea of finding within yourself a way to and responsibility through the fates of three sciences. Much of my approach to direct- relate to your character is primarily Uta Ha- 1952 Richard Wood - Enjoyed our class reunion for the people who have died and gone to hell. Over ing comes from a background in psychol- gen’s technique, and I find her technique in Rita Muckenhoupt James – So many changes, class of ’55 last spring. We still live in Gettysburg, the course of the play, they come to real- ogy which comes into play very often when particular works well for teen actors. Her 1939 yet Oakwood stays the same! PA and have “set our anchor” since 2013. ize that though no one has been sent to do I work on a show because acting, really, is a work first focuses on the self. When I remem- Shirley B. Bergmann – I have moved from Fish- bodily harm to them, they do still have tor- study of people. If you walk into the dance ber my experience of being a teenager, I re- kill to Pennsylvania to live near my daughter. My Katrina Voorhis Mabon – Still traveling. Just re- 1956 turers. Each is the torturer for the other, and studio while I’m blocking a scene, you are member how focused I was on myself and the son passed away in 2013, and Kate is the last of my turned from a trip to Italy with my granddaugh- Julie Fogelson Braverman has moved to Silver the punishment is mental and emotional. very likely to hear me say something along way others saw me. I was already primed to children. I remember Oakwood fondly, and wish ter. We met in Venice and took a Crystal Cruise to Spring, MD, to be closer to her son Peter and his The soul moves on, so why punish the body? the lines of, “Remember! You’re still a per- work with Hagen’s technique. I think of it as you the best during the coming year. Monte Carlo. Lots of good fun. family. Unfortunately, Julie has developed Lewy son. Your character is a person. Do that a kind of therapy for teens. She asks that you Body Dementia which is advancing rapidly. Symp- bit of business the way a person would!” know yourself first, then apply this knowledge 1940 1953 toms include severe short term memory loss and on a character. By doing so, you’ve created a Congratulations to Gordon Beckhart on his 93rd Taffy Thunick Hoffman – I have taken a big step profound confusion. Correspondence may be sent It’s my experience that young actors become person who reacts as a person would rather birthday on February 14th. this year by moving into an independent living se- to Julie at her son's address: Peter Braverman, 114 so caught up in remembering their lines and than a one-dimensional string of words. nior center. I am busy with activities and most of North Brook Lane, Bethesda, MD. 20814; braver- their blocking and overcoming the anxi- 1942 all the company of wonderful people. [email protected] ety of performing on a stage in front of all When you create a real person, the perfor- Janet Locke Genest – I have many wonderful their peers, that they forget, first and fore- mance is better. When the performance memories of my two years at Oakwood, graduat- 1954 Molly Lynn Watt – Continue to glow from my most, that they’re playing people - people is better, the students are proud of their ing in 1942. The education I received there won Congratulations to Sara Jane and Martin Victor happy days at Oakwood with granddaughter Alice who are maybe different from them but work. When students are proud of their me an easy acceptance into Swarthmore. on the birth of their first great-grandchild Leona Flanagan, with schoolmates Jonathan Talbot, Susie people all the same. I obviously don’t want work, they talk about being proud, be- in August. Martin also published a book, Doctor Deane and Debbie Bacon. Counting the days until the students to try to relate too closely with ing part of a winning team, and more stu- Stu Stover (with Irene Csordas ’48) visited in Blue, a memoir of his 30 year career as an active my 60th reunion! the idea of going to hell for the actions dents come out for future shows. Sounds campus in December. duty Air Force physician. they committed in this life. I do, however, like my two-phase grand plan, right? I’m want them to look at some of the qualities hopeful that it all works out that way. Moss Sherman ’17, Becky Akinyemi ’19 and of their characters and unpack them un- Claudia Sicherman ’18 til they find something they recognize.

Student Musicians: Frank Feng and Jacky Jin Seniors Jingchen (Frank) Feng and tar and vocals, I especially love singing alone Hangchong (Jacky) Jin have been very ac- because I feel like when I do both it’s easier Molly Lynn Watt ’56 with granddaughter tive this year performing at multiple gather- to get distracted. I plan to continue to pursue Alice Flanagan ’17. ings on campus including the installation of music in college as either a minor or hobby.” Chad Cianfrani as new Head of School and 1943 1957 Winter Reunion. For these two events the Jacky – “Music is a process. You have to start Happy Birthday to Gloria Garlick Bogle who Elizabeth Horr Shattuck – I am sad to report Diane De Mask Lyons – Sorry to learn of Steven duo performed “You Raise Me Up” by Graham as a beginner, put in effort and even suffer turned 90 on February 19th! that my husband of 55 years, Peter Hamilton Shat- Vogel’s passing. Brought back fond memories of and Loveland, with Frank on vocals and Jacky a little to achieve your goals and get a sense tuck, died September 27, 2015 from complications our time at Oakwood. on piano. Speaking about their love of mu- of accomplishment. The most important 1946 after cancer surgery. sic, the boys shared the following thoughts. thing is to stick with it. Don’t give up, even Elizabeth (Betty) Nunn Kramer – Left Oak- John A. "Mac" McDonald – I am saddened to though it's hard. I started playing piano wood in ’45, graduated in ’46 after one year at 1955 hear of Steven Vogel's passing. We were friends Frank – “My first music teacher was my moth- when I was 6 years old. Though there were Guilford College as a special student. Retired Robine Andrau – I’ve been busy promoting my and classmates. When he stayed over on campus er, who also loves to sing. We started singing times in middle school when I had a lot of English teacher. Now living in Gainesville, FL in a recently published book “Bowing to the Emperor: he often used my spare bunk. I knew even then together when I was 8 years old in China. I work and I wanted to quit, I’m so glad I stuck community connected to the University of Florida We were Captives in WWII” the story of my family’s that he would be a contributor and not a spectator started to learn guitar when I came to the US with it. I want to pursue music in the future with second husband Charles Kramer. Loving life (and my) experience as prisoners of the Japanesse in whatever field he chose. We are not immortal, when I was 15 and joined a chorus in China as a hobby, not a career because I want to at almost 88! in Java and Japan during WWII. Even got inter- but if we make this world a better, safer, happier where I got to perform at a restaurant for a keep it something special to me that I do viewed on local NPR when visiting my sister Maya place there is reason for us to rest in peace. Christmas celebration. Though I love both gui- because I want to, not because I have to.” Frank Feng ’16 and Jacky Jin ’16 4 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 13

Congratulations to Jonathan Talbot who re- Oakwood in the “Reunion Booklet”. Tina Mills What an honor and a privilege to participate close- Sports Center ceived the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Schenk 1185 Lillibridge Drive Leland, NC 28451 ly in their lives. Each new discovery or achieve- By: Charlie Butts, Athletic Director Orange County Arts Council on November 12, [email protected]. “Slowing down a ment is magical. 2015. Last year's honoree was also an Oakwood bit with age, but still finding fulfillment in numer- This season was a historic one for the girls’ alum - Linda Nadas ’54. ous ways and holding forever close the values 1975 varsity soccer team as they won the Hudson learned, in some part, at Oakwood and through Lori Haney – and her husband Gary came from Valley Athletic League (HVAL) champion- 1958 the Quaker traditions. “ their home in La Jolla, California and visited cam- ship. According to Oakwood Friends archi- Jonathan Flaccus – My photographs of Cuba & pus in the fall. vist, junior Matt Voorhees, this was the first Burma were shown recently at the Vermont Center 1967 time that the Oakwood girls had won a soc- for Photography. Lydia Marshall – “And in these days of such cer championship. For the second straight shameful commentary about Muslim Americans, year, the team was coached by Megan Sanger 1959 I am proud that Oakwood Friends continues its and she was ably assisted by Nick Ugarte. Margaret Lee Summers Wilson – “There is tradition of inviting, welcoming and supporting room for us all in the desert!” said Miss Crowley. students from a range of backgrounds.” Formative words at Oakwood. Barry B. Smith – Looking forward to seeing my 1961 classmates at the next reunion - our 50th! James D. Eng – Hi All - Looking forward to return- Lori Haney and Spencer Madsen ’19 on ing for Alumni Weekend, May 13-15, 2016. Nancy Leopitzi-Wawrla – Retirement means “Peter’s Porch” travel “during school”! It’s so exciting to see high Girls Varsity Soccer in action 1962 school and college friends during normal working 1976 Madge Tracy Savage and M. Margit Winckler hours. I miss “my kids”, but enjoy being with my Sean Smith – I do have a "real job" (as editor/writ- Speaking of the girls’ performance the day out the season especially after Coach Me- (Winky) together again for Columbus Day week- grandkids and former students - some in Austria, er at Boston College), but I also continue to play after the championship game, Coach Me- gan switched them to a diamond formation. end, 2015. This is the second time seeing each oth- who are now 60!! I was fortunate to have spent music of the Irish, Scottish and English traditional gan said, “I keep getting congratulations In this set up, junior Bianca Luna-Luper- er after being roommates for 2 years, junior and se- time with Norm and Peggy Keiser, while enjoy- variety -- something, by the way, I started doing in from fellow faculty members on our victo- cio was the stopper and fellow juniors Al- nior years. An incredible four days of reminiscing! ing time with classmate Bonnie Raitt. Norm was my Oakwood years. You can find out more, and ry, however, the girls are the ones that did ice Flanagan and Brandace Ryles were thrilled to be with her, and she with him. We look listen to sound samples, here: http://seansmith- Coaches Nick Ugarte and Megan Sanger all of the work. I put them on the field, but wing defenders. They were joined by se- forward to peace and love in 2016. Health & hugs music.webs.com they are the ones responsible for hustling nior Khadi Allagouma at sweeper to to you all. Things did not start out well for the team the entire game and putting forth a great form a solid barrier in front of keeper Shai. as they dropped their first two decisions, effort on defense and offense. They played 1969 including an 8-4 league lost at Darrow. For- extremely well yesterday and should be Several players were recognized with Charles (Chuck) Schwartz – Doing well in Mon- tunately, things quickly turned around and proud of the work they put in all season.” awards for their accomplishments at the roe, CT. May there be peace all over the world. the team was not beaten in their next four end of the season. Freshman Victoria Al- God bless America. league games. One of these was a 4-4 tie The team was able to combine a potent len was named the teams most improved with Storm King who won all of their other offense with a stingy defense. On the of- player. The Coaches’ Award went to Khadi. 1970 HVAL contests in the regular season. For fensive end, Sumayah’s quickness was a She was a quiet leader who was on the field Theresa Riley Baron – When I think of happy the championship tournament, Storm King nightmare for opposing defenses and she for almost every minute of every game. 1963 times, I think of Oakwood. THE EXPERIENCES was the clear #1 seed and Oakwood was in was the leading goal scorer with 14. Right Sage was selected as the team MVP. She Martha Richdale – We are headed to the Florida there have molded me into the person I am today! 1977 a battle with Darrow for the #2 spot. Here’s behind were Brianna with 9 and Nai’lah was a true inspiration for her teammates house we bought last year in early February. We Hi to my class mates and enjoy every second you Hugh Kallen – Continuing our calling as hus- where things started to bounce our way. with 7. Juniors Zo DiSanto and Enid with her constant hustle and aggressive had planned on an October departure, but Bill was have with family and friends. band/wife team pastors of Bluffton Church on the Swatson were next with 5 and 4 goals re- style. Five players were selected to the diagnosed with stage IV metastatic lung cancer coast of Lake Michigan and co-owning and running In our last regular season game, Oakwood spectively. Defensively, the keeper during HVAL all-star team. Enid and Nai’lah were and started chemo at Lahey Clinic. Chemo failed Daniel Herzog – I had to miss the 45th reunion our Kallen Web Design national small business was trailing 2-1 at Faith Christian with less the championship run was sophomore named to the second team, and the senior so he is now on immunotherapy which he’ll do at because I had a postcard show in New York, which web development company. Had our first grand- than three minutes to go. Senior co-captain Shai Black Bird. At the beginning of the triumvirate of Sage, Khadi, and Sumayah the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Unfortunately, is a money maker for me. I do a couple of shows baby in 2015! Sage Altamirano then tied the score with season, she was a little timid in goal and were all first teamers. Finally, Sage and he is now terminal but wants to be enjoying the a year in the New York and New Jersey areas and a great assist from sophomore Brianna split time with Zo and Sage. She kept im- Sumayah both earned a spot on the pres- Florida sun and warmth while he can. Thanks to have excluded those that were poor money mak- 1980 Coble. Brianna then added two more quick proving and was soon diving and making tigious Western New England all-star team. all of you for your prayers and support. Stay well ers. I also have a thriving mail order business in Susanrachel Condon – spoke in Community goals giving us a great, come from behind, many acrobatic saves. Another big factor in and enjoy every minute of every day! philatelic covers and postcards, plus I buy actively Meeting 2/19/16 on her work as a midwife and 4-2 win. We then heard that Marvelwood the championship run was the defense in We are all proud about what through the mail and get about 1 call a week from women's health activist. Students learned about upset Darrow 5-4 and we thus clinched the front of Shai. Their play improved through- this team was able to achieve. 1964 my 2 ads in collector publications. I don’t have how education and skilled practitioners can help to #2 spot in the tournament with a league Linda Saltford – Congratulations on your won- any contact from classmates at Oakwood and wish close the gap in care created by economic and so- record of 4-2-1. As one of the top seeds, derful and successful announcement. I grew up they would contact me - like Joe and Karl Sieger, cial inequalities across the globe. She showed data Oakwood received a first round playoff bye. next door to Oakwood, now Oakwood Friends, Alec Macleod and the like. 183 Tuxedo Parkway, from Amnesty International the World Health Orga- and graduated in 1964. I am grateful to my parents Newark, NJ 07106. cell (908) 468-9413 or home nization on how the US is still lagging behind other In the league semi-finals, we hosted the for the opportunity to have been a student. Many (973) 399-7717. countries in maternal and newborn care. Students same Darrow team who had beaten us wonderful and meaningful times. from Oakwood's Human Rights Interns club hosted decisively earlier in the season. Trailing Gary Slutzky – Seriously, who would be interest- Susanrachel for lunch and additional Q&A. 2-1 at halftime, goals by senior Sumayah 1966 ed in news from me? HAX to those who remember. Harrell and junior co-captain Nai’lah Ta- Stephen Morris – Hope to see mates at reunion. ariq gave us another comeback victory. 1973 We then received more good news when Christine (Tina) Mills Schenk – 50th Reunion Nick Polak – I have more or less retired and #1 seed Storm King was knocked off by date approaching. Probably will not be there in moved to Vero Beach, Florida, after 30 years in Marvelwood. Instead of having to travel person, but in spirit. See summary of my life since the music biz in south Florida. Bought a lovely fur- to Storm King for the final, we now got nished home in a 55+ community. Still work part- to host Marvelwood who we had already time as a short-order cook and Uber driver - while beaten twice in the season. In front of a keeping up with my gardening and landscaping. large and supportive crowd, the outcome So glad that Facebook has reunited nearly my en- Susanrachel with Oakwood's Human Rights of the championship game was never in tire (surviving) class (graduated ’72, although I'm Interns Sophie Poux ’17, Alice Flanagan ’17 doubt. Oakwood ran off to a quick 3-0 really a ’73 kid). Love to all, Nick in Florida and Khadijatou Allagouma ’16 lead on two goals by Brianna and one by Sumayah. At the final whistle, the score Mary Lowrey Rose – We continue to enjoy liv- 1984 was 3-1 and Oakwood had made history! ing in ‘Smalltown” CT near both of our grown chil- Alice (Alaka) Lindsley – Now Program Manag- dren. We delight in our two small granddaughters. er for Child and Family Services at Multicare Be- Girls Varsity Soccer wins HVAL Championship 14 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 3 havioral Health in Payallup, WA. Just passed the fashion brand that empowers women across the ThirdPath Institute, a group based out of Philadel- milestone 50th birthday. Life is good. Hope all my US and as far as East Africa. To date we have helped phia supporting work-family integration, as an in- Continued from page 2 fellow Oakies are faring well. Would love to see send 70 women to university in Uganda and we tern and integrated life advocate trainee. OPA folks passing through Olympia, WA. Contact me! have 12 more girls in the 9 month program right just any dirt, but rather a rich organic mix few Sundays ago, five students journeyed to By: Alysa Sullivan, clerk, parent ’17 [email protected] Cheers! now. In large part Oakwood is responsible for lead- Jessica Rose Cuneo is living in Rockville, MD and that is tilled into the ground of our new four- NYC for an afternoon with alumni and for- ing me to Sseko in that it instilled in me the value recently started as an assistant accountant at BWW season green house. As students dig in with mer board president Libby Moroff. On that As we approach spring term at Oak- 1985 of helping communities in need, and for that I will Law Group. this hands-on curriculum, they gain a tactile sunny winter day, Libby was surrounded by wood, we are already busy thinking about Dave Phillips Hochfeld – My daughter Ash- always be grateful for the time I spent at Oakwood. appreciation for the foundation of their food. classmates spanning seven decades. With next year and how to keep Oakwood Par- ley Marie finishes grad school this may.. she got Congratulations to Sarah Powers who just graduated Rooted beneath the wide smiles and infec- Libby as the catalyst, the years blurred into ent’s Association growing and thriving. herself a full scholarship to USF in Tampa and Congratulations to Emily Bogle on her engage- from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelors in Economics! tious enthusiasm there is some calculated sci- one common Oakwood experience filled graduates with a Masters in Education and hopes ment to Tom Sciotto. ence. Multiple lab tested soil samples, part- with laughter, song and story. Her influence As mentioned in the Winter Newsletter we to work for the University...She is engaged to an 2011 nerships with professional farms, and years of on the community (and on me personally) in- have a couple of initiatives coming up in amazing young law student who asked all proper Clara Wilkinson – graduated from the University faculty experience position our greenhouse forms and inspires our efforts. Libby’s com- the spring. We are looking forward to part- for her hand. My wife and I plan to move to Tampa of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland with a BSL (Hons) in to be more than an outdoor educational passion, commitment and care for Oakwood nering with Middle School science teacher, if the kids settle there..luv to all. Sustainable Development with a concentration in classroom. As the first seedlings emerge shine a Light that will continue to illuminate Miriam Straus on a 27.5 mile pancake break- Biology and Ecology. She left for Zambia in February this spring, it will provide a deep connection our campus for generations to come. fast (all the ingredients being sourced from 1988 2016 to serve with the Peace Corps in their ‘Linking to the food we plant, grow and consume. no further than a 27.5 mile radius) as well as Jennifer Elizabeth Brunton – Nothing really…. Income, Food and the Environment Project.” Sincerely, working with dean of students, Sara Sand- (boring is good). As the daylight hours increase and winter Chad Cianfrani strom to create a finals care package sale. Kip Lonczak graduated in December 2015 from slowly transitions to spring, our community Head of School Arthur Vincie – I be- University of Albany with a major in Communica- also pauses to reflect and celebrate a life. A We also have had a number of enthusiastic came a writer/director/ tions & Rhetoric. He is now an Associate at The volunteers set to work on Teacher Apprecia- producer. My last feature 2008 Ross School in East Hampton, NY. tion Week in the spring. If you volunteered, film, "Found In Time" Laura (Sunita) Graham – After spending a year please be on the look out for an email from (sci-fi) is on Amazon. It teaching (via Worldteach volunteer program) Eng- Zach Missen-Jones is traveling through Asia for 3 Dedication of Peter’s Porch & Griffing’s Garden Khadi Sidabe, parent ’17, the TAW Committee went to 25 festivals and lish at a university in Ecuador, I have taken a job months collecting fabric for his clothing line, Cre- Clerk. She has some great plans in the works. picked up 6 awards, in- in North Carolina teaching 4th grade. So far, it has ative Theory. The goal of the clothing line is to in- cluding Best Feature at been a wonderful experience! Wishing everyone corporate different cultural fabric, themes, design, As to next year, we have two members of Art of Brooklyn Film Fes- from the Oakwood community a fantastic 2016! and materials to create a new take on urban fash- the Steering Committee whose students tival. I'm currently working on "3 Trembling Cities," ion. Creative Theory strives to obtain fabrics and will be graduating in June. Rachel Norfleet a doc/fiction webseries that explores the inner Natalie Varrallo – After completing her degree in materials from different places around the world and Sheryl Smikle have been integral parts lives of NYC immigrants. I went to Oakwood 84- Botany and Sustainable Agriculture from the Ever- and attempts to buy them as close to the creators of getting this organization off the ground. 86 (would have graduated in 88). Here's the URL green State College in Washington, Natalie went on of the products as often as possible. We are grateful to them for their time and for the webseries: www.seedandspark.com/studio/ to receive her certificate in permaculture design. commitment and will miss them next year. three-trembling-cities She is currently serving as the Culinary Arts Direc- 2015 tor at the Heartwood Institute in Garberville, CA Catherine (Kate) Wilkinson – is attending The Having to say goodbye to wonderful, active 1991 which offers a variety of programs on sustainable Fashion Institute of Technology as a fashion design parents will always be the nature of OPA. Fam- In March, Dirk Koopmans is starting a new job living skills in the areas of regenerative farming, major and she is minoring in Sustainable Fashion ilies will graduate out and the make-up of the as a Research Scientist at Max Planck Institute for culinary arts, natural building, eco-art and commu- and Mandarin. committees will change. This of course is a Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany. It's a nity resiliency. good thing, as any Parent Association should four-year position focused on measuring carbon During winter break Eli Berkowitz went to Israel reflect the values of the current population. dioxide exchange in marine systems. Thanks to Congratulations to Nathalie Li who is an air traffic on a Birthright trip with a group of students touring And so, I ask you all to please consider getting Oakwood, Bill Doolittle, and many of you reading controller for the US Army. Her next assignment the country via bicycle. He gained a perspective of more involved with OPA, either to Clerk or this, for helping me get my foot in the door on big is South Korea! the country that, upon closer inspection, allowed serve on a committee. I can promise you that opportunities early on. him to appreciate the complexities of the politics as Ribbon-cutting with Beau Duval ’16, Peter Baily, Libby Moroff, the time commitment is targeted and flexible 2009 well as the beauty of the culture and region. Pamela Devlin, Jocelyn Griffing and Chad Cianfrani and the returns invaluable. While we are a 2003 Erin Paterson is working on getting her first book young organization we feel very strongly that Congratulations to Anna Rose Holmer on her published while working as an office manager at a Friends & Faculty News On Saturday, September 26th, board mem- by science teacher Miriam Straus. The pro- parent involvement in the school commu- directorial debut of "The Fits" which premiered law firm in Rhinebeck, NY. Congratulations to Ann-Ellen Pigue Akeley (fac- bers, faculty, parents and students gathered gram allows faculty to incorporate the out- nity makes for a richer experience all around. in Venice in September. Called "one of the most ulty, 1985-2008) who has written two books since for the dedication of Peter’s Porch and Griff- door classroom into their curriculum with promising debuts" by Kaleem Aftab, Indiewire. Dan Schwarz is working as a Medicinal Chem- her retirement in 2008 to her hometown of Nash- ing’s Garden, located on the north side of a four season garden, a commercial com- The last OPA general meeting will be held ist at Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI). His ville, Tennessee. "Roots in the Water" is a thirty- the Main Building. The project was initi- posting system to handle all campus food on April 7. It is at that meeting we will be 2004 job is to synthesize organic molecules which are poem collection which focuses on the small rural ated last spring to honor Peter Baily for his waste, and many opportunities for educa- selecting committee Clerks for next year. Elizabeth Hanka – moved from the Bronx to hypothesized to have some activity toward a drug county in northwest Tennessee where her mother 15 years of leadership as head of school and tion and awareness building. Through part- Brooklyn. Graduated from Sarah Lawrence Col- target of interest . Data provided by biologists is was born and raised. "Donna the Dragonfly Dog" is to reflect his love and care of the Oakwood nerships with local non-profits, the students We understand that everyone is busy and may lege with a BA in Liberal Arts, and working for then interpreted to improve the activity and other a children's book narrated by the dog in question, Friends School campus. With the gener- are deepening their understanding of issues not be able to attend meetings, but that’s no Dave Chang’s Momofuku. parameters of future molecules. The company who finds a home in an unlikely place. Ann-Ellen ous support of current and former board related to food insecurity and social justice, reason not to get involved. If you are inter- partners with pharmaceutical companies, the NIH, can be reached at [email protected] members, a reunion challenge by the class and the Quaker testimony of stewardship. ested in supporting an event at the school, 2005 academia, or other entities in drug discovery to of 1950 and other special friends, the proj- clerking a committee, have a great project provide them with the infrastructure and expertise Judy Joffee (resident nurse 1983-1988) and ect was completed for the start of school. or idea, or just want to learn more, please to make their projects happen. daughter, Willow, and family are well. Judy is a When the school received an exception- Bricks Campaign email us at [email protected]. retired nurse midwife, and currently works in De- al gift from Jocelyn Griffing and Pamela We look forward to hearing from you soon! Peter Zimmermann and his writing partner, Ja- partment of Corrections. Willow is a social worker Griffing Devlin in memory of their father To add to the significance of our new out- son Thomas Mayfield, launched“Doormen. The in the lower east side of NYC. Thomas Griffing, class of 1951, Oakwood door gathering space, Oakwood Friends Award-Winning Webseries” through a kickstarter engaged the services of a landscape de- School offered the opportunity to alumni, funded campaign with PJ Comedy Party. Congratulations to Stephen Miller for receiving signer to create Griffing’s Garden to en- parents and friends of the school to re- the Best Formal Paper on Pre-College Ethics Award hance the area around the new porch. Lush serve a brick for engraving as part of “Pe- 2010 by the Association for Practical & Professional Eth- plants include Meadow Rue, Bottlebrush ter’s Porch.” The campaign which ended Heather Hightower and her mom visited cam- Manon Bailly is pursuing her Master of Social ics. His paper “Your Feelings Are Wrong” will be Buckeye, Inkberry and a Magnolia tree. on January 31st with 180 bricks reserved, pus this past Fall. Heather is enjoying her work as Work clinical concentration at Fordham University. presented at the APPE conference. At the ceremony, Beau Duval ’16 spoke raised $30,000 for the school. Many bricks a nurse at Sloan Kettering. about the careful selection of appropriate were used to honor a teacher, student or Support the 2016 Annual Fund Ivy Rose Cardillo is currently living in Portland, Congratulations to Rachel & Nathan Wright and plants for Griffing’s Garden. He also spoke classmate, or to express simple gratitude for 2007 OR taking part in a mentorship to become a labor big sister Abigail on the birth of Nathan Jr. in Oc- about his participation in Oakwood’s Sus- the Oakwood experience. Come to campus www.oakwoodfriends.org Caroline Brevetti – I recently became a fellow for doula. She is also teaching yoga and working with tober 2015. tainable Agriculture Group, coordinated on Alumni Weekend to see the bricks! Sseko Designs, an ethical and socially conscious 2 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY CELEBRATING OVER 210 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Winter 2015-16 15 of their leagues, each competing in their and abundant compassion made for a rarified championship games. In a historic run, our Remembering presence: a true one-of-a-kind - the genuine Letter from Head of School Chad Cianfrani girls’ varsity finished a perfect 18-0 and won article. He inspired us to love with abandon, This winter has been a time for deep think- the league title. After a first round win in the to live fully, to enjoy what we are doing, and ing and student action. On December 10th New England tournament, we will see just Leith Rogovin ’87 to help every person that crosses our paths. a group of Oakwood students helped to or- how far they can go! Athletic Director Char- By: Zak Carey ’88 ganize an event at the Eleanor Roosevelt lie Butts, 35 year Oakwood veteran, lists this Leith grew up in New York City and, House. The date marked the 50th anniver- team as one of the best he has ever coached. Leith Sun Demon Rogovin was born on April when he was a teenager, spent his sum- sary of the UN General Assembly’s adoption 13, 1969, in Manhattan's Beth Israel Hospital, mers in Woodstock. The rest is history. of two international covenants on human Engaged learning inspires us to apply ma- exactly a year after his parents met at a 'Be-In' Woodstock became his home and heart. rights. During a moderated panel discussion terial outside the classroom walls. “How in Central Park. It was a very cold winter and community members heard legal perspec- can the analysis of chemical reaction rates, spring that year, but on the Easter Sunday Leith Sun Demon Rogovin, teacher, brother, tives on migrant farmers’ rights, refugee im- preparation for a calculus test, or the study he was born the temperature rose into the son, and friend, passed peacefully into the migration policy, and first-hand experiences of introductory music theory have an im- 60s and the sun shone brightly. God surely next realm in the early morning hours on from a Syrian refugee currently attending col- pact beyond just me?” This winter, Ted warmed the world when Leith was born. For Saturday, January 9, 2016, after a deter- lege in the Hudson Valley. Our students asked Messerschmidt, our music instructor, chal- the first few years Leith lived in Hell's Kitchen mined two year fight against brain can- probing and insightful questions. In keeping lenged his students with just these types of with his mother, Pam Gross and father, Ira found Leith working at a Head Start program, cer. He was surrounded by friends and with the theme of deep thinking, Oakwood questions. In Ted’s new class, Community Rogovin. At that time there were many movie helping children from disadvantaged back- loved ones throughout his short stay in Dear Friends, also introduced an evening community phi- Service through the Arts, students engage theaters on 42nd street, and Pam regularly grounds get early school experiences; it was hospice care and is survived by his sister Deep thinking, high scoring, student action losophy series this winter. Developed by hu- in weekly performances at local food pan- took Leith to double features. He was only clear that helping children was in his future. Seana Rogovin, Oakwood class of 2012, and some dirt: winter on the Oakwood cam- manities chair, Stephen Miller, topics such as tries, assisted living homes and day-care two or three, but he never once cried or inter- Mother Pam Hott, and Grandmother Ethel pus has seen little in the way of snow, but “What defines a moral life?” inspired hours centers. Other students reach beyond their rupted a movie; he was mesmerized by mov- After high school, Leith entered a film program Rogovin. Memorial services and celebra- much in the way of activity. Our students, of thought-provoking and sometimes intense walls through peer tutoring programs. Part- ies and film from that very early age, a passion at Manhattan's School of Visual Arts, again tions will be planned for this spring. faculty and community have celebrated each conversation. These evening discussions al- nering with local colleges the tutoring work that lasted and guided him throughout his life. making friends, sharing his joy of music and other through times of success and sup- lowed for inquiry and dialog among students, focused on first generation high school and life, and engaging people in conversation and IN MEMORY ported each other through times of sorrow. parents, faculty and community members. college graduate success. When our students When he was born, he had two full sets of his blanket of love and care. It was during this New educational offerings have emerged engage in this manner, they connect to our grandparents, Pam’s parents, Hilda and Ber- time when Leith began to again immerse him- Dorothy Badgley Adams ’36 and students have engaged in meaning- Moving from the classroom to the hard- wider community and their world expands. nie Gross and Ira's parents, Ethel and Mur- self into the Woodstock community. He and November 30, 2015 ful service learning in the Hudson Valley. wood of Connor Gymnasium, our boys and ray Rogovin. The grandparents competed for his father rented a house together during the Janice Newman Rosenthal ’42 The sun shining down on campus powers girls are having a truly special, high scoring Environmental stewardship often starts at the weekend time with him and he was deeply summer months, and before long Leith was a September 30, 2011 not only a solar array, but fuels seedlings in season. Reflective of Oakwood’s student grassroots level, in this case (literally) with loved. Leith also had great-grandparents, on friendly face who would be seen everywhere, our greenhouse and content in our class- body, the teams consist of students from dirt. You will not find a person more excited his father’s side, Max and Esther. As soon as smiling, talking, and playing very loud music on William (Bill) Mantinband ’44 rooms. Far from being a dormant season, across town, across the country and across by this matter than our Middle School science Leith could talk and hold a phone to his ear, he his car stereo. He also found his way to Wood- December 30, 2014 this winter has inspired growth, reflection the globe. Both the boys and girls varsity teacher, Miriam Straus. Her focus is not on called his great grandmother each day when stock Day School, working at the summer Arts Robert M. Lee ’45 he came home from school to check in with and Sports Center camp, making short mov- and connection throughout our community. teams finished the regular season at the top Continued on page 3 January 28, 2016 her. Her nickname for him was “Schmooie”. ies with kids, and spreading his message to all who were open to hearing it. Over time, Leith Eva Bunzel Bulman ’51 When Leith was four years old, the family continued to work at the camp, and eventually September 29, 2015 moved to Woodstock, where he attended the started working at the school. He wore many Libby Moroff ’54 School of the New Moon. His heart became hats at Woodstock Day School. He was Advisor February 17, 2016 rooted in Woodstock at that time, but before to the Senior Class, Community Service Coor- long the family moved back to New York City, dinator, College Counselor, Basketball Coach, Sandor Csobaji ‘55 where Leith made more friends and discov- and, most importantly, the most trusted confi- February 3, 2016 ered the world of music. His father Ira shared dante, ally, and supporter of every child at the Allan Weber ’56 his passion for Bob Dylan, blues, and jazz with school. Always a fan of the underdog, Leith Leith, and those sounds and rhythms spoke took kids under his wing and taught them April 30, 2014 to him. In time, Leith's musical horizons ex- how to be strong, brave, confident, and loving Steven Vogel ’57 panded to include hip hop, funk, and most im- people. He always believed in treating even November 24, 2015 portantly, Reggae. The 1979 Peter Tosh show the youngest students with the respect often Richard Rosichan ’59 in Central Park sent him into a world of Reggae reserved for adults. When speaking with Leith, that fed him with the connection to music and it was obvious that he knew you mattered. February 17, 2016 artists and allowed him to explore the deep Barbara Mahone Brown ’62 roots and spirituality the music and culture One of the many beautiful qualities Leith pos- October 5, 2015 offered. Leith discovered the vibrant music sessed was that if you met him once, you were Steven Feldman ’66 scene in the Bronx at The Tire Shop, where his friend forever and he would never lose DJs gathered and the beats and rhythms of sight of you. He held close relationships with October 5, 2015 the Reggae music drifted through the ware- friends dating back to early childhood and Sonya Cohen Cramer ’83 houses and into the city streets of the night. cherished in his heart every person he ever October 9, 2015 Leith immersed himself in this music that met. Leith was a guiding light in the lives of spoke so clearly to his sense of truth and jus- children. He was a mentor, counselor, teacher, Leith Rogovin ’87 tice and love, and the power of music to heal. coach, and friend to every child he met. His January 9, 2016 wisdom and strength, humor and love sim- Leith attended public schools in New York ply oozed from every pore of his body. Leith City, where he cultivated meaningful lifelong changed the world and his love and strength Oak Leaves relationships with people of all ages and back- have influenced lives, young and old. Through Winter 2015-16 grounds. Later in his high school career, Leith his more than 20 years of work at Woodstock attended Oakwood School in Poughkeepsie, Day School, Leith affected change. He started ELAINE MILES NY. Leith brought his exuberance for life and a community service program, worked to Director of Development & Alumni Affairs friendship with him, along with a gritty street create an inclusive, loving, and safe environ- JULIE OKONIEWSKI sense, and a head of curly, long hair. It was ment for students, families, and teachers, and Associate Director of Development & at Oakwood where he reacquainted himself spread the message of love and tenderness Alumni Affairs with Woodstock, joining friends from school at every turn. Leith was masterful at uplifting Charles A. Cianfrani, Jr. was installed as head of school on December 5, 2015. Shown here on the steps of A.H. Lane Auditorium: (from bottom left) Myra to visit on weekends. Oakwood also inspired and unifying people, a complex skill and des- WENDY GIANGRASSO Koutzen ’70, Chad and Sue Cianfrani with sons Andy and Henry, Peter Baily; Deb Wood ’56, Henry Brecher ’51, Jessica Kimelman ’93, Don Spencer, Fred Leith with a vision of community service perately needed social medicine that he fine- Assistant Director of Development & Rodriguez; Ellie and Martin Charwat, John Scardina, James O'Barr, Roger Bullard ’52, Fred Doneit and Ralph Skeels ’60; top left: Michael Quinland. and teaching. His senior year at Oakwood tuned to a science. His brilliant wit, charm, Alumni Affairs Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Winter 2015-16 Permit No. 259 Newburgh, NY

Address Service Requested OakNEWSLETTER FROM OAKWOOD FRIENDS SCHOOL • CELEBRATINGLeaves OVER 200 YEARS OF FRIENDS EDUCATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY Oakwood Mourns Libby Moroff ’54, 2016 Spring School Calendar Board President April 13 10 Year Honor Roll Luncheon Oakwood Friends School lost a treasured career as an activist included a stint as Execu- April 14 Breakfast with Head of School friend and passionate advocate for the school tive Director of the New York State Democratic April 18-20 Lakota Culture Event when Libby Moroff passed away suddenly on Committee in the 1980’s, and Political Director Wednesday morning, February 17th, follow- for Ruth Messinger in the Manhattan Borough April 29 Herzog Lecture ing emergency cardiac surgery. The entire Oak- President’s Office following that. Happily for May 12-14 Spring Production, wood community joins Libby’s husband Saul, Oakwood and her family, after retirement Libby See Rock City and Other Destinations her daughters Margaret and Diane, her grand- had more leisure time to pursue a broad range May 13 Dash Davis Gleiter Lecture children Noah and Sadie, her sister Ruth and of interests, including service to her alma ma- countless loving friends in mourning her loss. ter and precious time with her grandchildren. May 13-15 Alumni Weekend June 8 Middle School Moving Up Libby grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and was Along with Saul, Libby was famous for her gra- first introduced to Oakwood by her childhood cious hospitality, opening her home for an alumni The Levinson sisters: Ruth Preven ’55 and June 9 Senior Dinner friend, Taffy Thunick Hoffman, class of ’53. Oak- gathering every year - the highlight of the winter June 10 Commencement 10:30 wood was a pivotal experience in her develop- season. One year, Libby extended her reach to Libby Moroff ’54 in Malibu ment, best described in her own words: “I learned the west coast and co-hosted a gathering in Mal- ties and commitment to Oakwood’s core values: Visit us at www.oakwoodfriends.org the basic worth of every person, myself included. ibu at the home of her sister Ruth Preven, class academic and extra-curricular excellence, di- I found at Oakwood an air of intellectual excite- of 1955. Libby also brought her many talents to versity and respect for others. We are delighted ment missing from my life to that point. I left the Development and Enrollment committees, to be working with Chad to fulfill these goals.” with an increased degree of self-confidence due, where she was an eloquent spokesperson for the I am certain, to the tradition of affectionate ac- value of an Oakwood education. She initiated On Friday morning, February 19th, Chad spoke to 16 Winter 2015-16 NEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI AND MEMBERS OF THE OAKWOOD FRIENDS COMMUNITY ceptance of all kinds of personalities. I learned many effective outreach efforts, one affection- students at collection about alumna Libby Moroff: the importance of involvement in the world’s ately known as “The Libby Project.” With quiet “Libby, in many ways, was the silent strength behind problems and I took away a firm feeling of respon- humor and a gentle touch, Libby was relentless what we do here every single day. So, I want to take Winter Reunion Alumni Basketball Game sibility to friends, country, people in general. “ in encouraging others to support the School. She a few minutes to collectively and quietly reflect on lived her message through her own generosity what Oakwood means individually to each of us After Oakwood, Libby earned a B.A. in Biology at and modeled a wonderful spirit of philanthropy. and to think about a woman we may or may not Barnard College, followed by a Master’s Degree have known, but a woman who was, and is, instru- in Economics from Columbia University. By then, Libby was presented with Oakwood’s Distin- mental in our everyday Oakwood experiences.” the consummate New Yorker, Libby was active guished Alumni Award in 2011 and was named in Democratic politics in Larchmont where she Board President in 2013. During her tenure, she Board Treasurer, Ben Frisch, spoke for many and her husband Saul, an honorary member of oversaw the Search Committee process and the when he said, “Libby has been an inspiring the class of ’54, raised their daughters. She de- appointment of Chad Cianfrani, new head of leader for the Oakwood Board of Managers. voted her adult life to furthering the principles school. Libby spoke with pride about the out- I am profoundly grateful for the time I had to of social justice and equality for all. Her long come: “We are entirely confident in Chad’s abili- work with Libby on committees. Her gentle persistence and optimistic spirit infused our work together. She is in my thoughts and heart and I am holding her family in the Light.”

The Oakwood Friends School community holds Libby and the entire Moroff family in the Light to- day and always.

“In the fifteen years I've known Libby, she cared about Oakwood in many ways: as an alumni volunteer, as a donor, as a Board member, and as a dear friend to the school. Most recently, as Board President, Libby was my partner in lead- ership, collaborator, mentor, and guide. With a glint in her eye, a deeply kind heart, and a sharp mind, Libby was a joy to work with and a generous friend. As we hold the Moroff family in the light during this time of loss, I feel that Libby's spirit is enfolding us, softening our sad- ness and encouraging us onward on behalf of the Oakwood that we all love.” Peter Baily, Head of School, 2000 - 2015 Libby & Saul Moroff at grandson Noah's high school graduation, June 2015 Sterling Chapman ’10 and Derek Baugh ’16 at the Winter Reunion Alumni Basketball game. Photo: Oakwood alumnus, Max Meere-Weigel ’14