Spring 2021
Let’s Make this a Merrie-Woode Summer to Remember The camp office and facilities crew are in high gear as we prepare for our 103rd summer. This summer will be one to remember for all of us, from the youngest campers to summer counselors to Senior Staff! We are working hard on implementing our COVID-19 policies and protocols for the summer, and as this newsletter goes to print, we are preparing for the arrival of our first staff members. We are thankful to our camp families for the overwhelming support and willingness to create our modified “Camp Bubble” this summer. The camp office has been extremely busy this off season. As we moved into the first of the year, Senior Staff began meeting multiple times a week to review all aspects of camp: Camper Family Communications, Staff Communications and Recruiting, Pre-Arrival COVID Testing, Orientations, Training, Opening Days and Closing Days, Dining Hall, Cloud Nine, Mental Health, Camp Bubbling, Staff Days Off, Programming, Cabin Life, Activity Scheduling, Evening Programs, and Alumnae Connections. We divided up topics and worked diligently on the implementation of best practices and safety protocols for Camp. While we are still in the mad rush to finish writing all of the information, we have our road map and feel good
Campers Feeny Moskowitz and Evie Holleman at Main Session 2019.
about the summer. There are so many things to consider as we put a plan in place to keep our campers and staff safe this summer.
All of our year-round staff were vaccinated and most of our summer staff have been vaccinated this spring prior to their arrival at camp.
A number of things will look a little different this summer. We are asking that campers and staff follow isolation guidelines and be COVID tested before arriving at Camp.
For this summer only, the campers pre-registered for their activities by filling out online Activity Forms. The office is currently working to pre-register all of our campers for
Inside... At Wit’s End Alumnae News Engagements & Weddings Births In Memoriam DEI Initiative
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Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
Let’s Make this a Merrie-Woode Summer to Remember cont. their activities. This was necessary since Opening and Closing Days will look different and will take longer. To maintain a safe in-camp community, arrival times will be assigned and staggered, and parents will not be coming into Camp when dropping off and picking up their
Kayakers Claiborne Clark, Caroline McKnight, Dillen Cameron in 2019.
campers. The Inn Site is the arrival and departure location for Opening and Closing Days. Camp life in 2021 will be different since we are creating the “Camp Bubble” this summer. We will not be allowing non-program participants to access our property. This includes tours, camper families (including visitors to the Play, Boat Meet, and Drill Team), guest instructors, presenters, and Sunday Chapel guests. The campers and staff will be in Pods divided by age within their Cabin Line Groups: Pages, Yeomen, Squires, and Knights. Campers will attend activities within their Cabin Line Groups (Pod). We have evaluated all of our activities and programs to determine opportunities to social distance and keep the activity areas in compliance with our COVID-19 policies and protocols. Each activity will be subject to additional sanitation
and hygiene protocols. Additional signage and reminders throughout camp will help campers and staff remember the strict expectations. We are making accommodations to programming in the Captain’s program, Kings Players program, and the Horsemaster program. The campers will have adjusted schedules allowing them to take additional classes in their respective areas; this will allow them to finish the programs on time, since they missed Camp in 2020. Our summer staff will be provided additional training and guidelines to help them reduce their potential COVID-19 exposure. We will be increasing our requirements to enforce social distancing and personal protective gear.
Moa Moran and Bowen Johnston at the barn in 2019.
The meals in the Dining Hall will be served family style, with staff members serving all food. We will adjust the daily schedule to host two dining times for each meal to reduce by half the number of people in the Dining Hall. The campers and staff will enjoy meals as a cabin at their assigned table. There will be no selfserve areas in the Dining Hall and movement of campers and staff will be limited. 2
As always, we remain committed to maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment for our campers and staff. We are reviewing best practices to ensure that everyone is kept healthy and safe while enjoying their summer camp sessions. These
Madelyn Michael and Cecilia Johnston at the 2019 Main Session.
practices include being outside, social distancing, and wearing masks when distancing can’t be achieved. Healthy hygiene practices will include frequent hand washing and access to hand sanitizer, intensifying the cleaning and disinfection practices around camp, which will include cabins, bathhouses, cabin bathrooms, and high touch areas in the Dining Hall and activity areas. The spirit of Merrie-Woode is returning to the shores of Lake Fairfield, under the watchful eyes of Old Bald. The shouts of joy when greeting an old camp friend, the laughter, the bullfrogs, the gravel crunching, cabin doors slamming, and the ringing of the Camp bell will all be sounds that will echo in the mountains of North Carolina this summer. We can’t wait to see the happy faces of the campers returning with a tiny spark of love for our dear Camp Merrie-Woode.
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
At Wit’s End Boo Whoop from Merrie-Woode! We hope you and your family are doing well and that you are returning to a more normal existence as restrictions start to ease around the country. We missed our MerrieWoode campers and staff last year, and we are ready to welcome them back for their fun and exciting sessions. We feel that all children will need Camp more than ever this summer! We are extremely busy preparing for an incredible summer along Lake Fairfield. As always, we remain committed to maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment for our campers and staff. For this
reason, we are closely monitoring information about COVID-19 from the NCDHHS, CDC and ACA. There are so many things to consider while preparing for life in the “Camp Bubble” this summer. Camp is coming to life, our summer counselors have begun to arrive at Camp for numerous training sessions. The kitchen staff is here preparing for an altered schedule in the Dining Hall. They are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the campers, and they are planning for the addition of two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners offered at Camp for the first time ever. Meanwhile back at the office,
Annette remains busy processing the camper forms, camper pledges, and all of those cute camper photos. We are also preparing Camper schedules and Staff schedules for the three sessions. Our facilities crew is putting the finishing touches on Camp’s buildings and grounds, including hanging all of our new colorful cabin signs. As this newsletter goes to print, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our campers. We ask for prayers and support as we do our best to plan for a healthy, safe, and fun summer. Be safe and stay well.
Denice and Jim
CMW Alumnae News It takes more than a world-wide pandemic to slow down a MerrieWoode girl! Throughout the past year, our alumnae have been busy launching new projects and gathering honors for their incredible work. Patricia Gaddis Brandon (75) is thrilled to share that her latest book of historical fiction, A Rule of Life, has been published! The coming-of-age story, largely set in and around a girls’ camp based on Merrie-Woode in 1919, weaves together a murder, an attempted kidnapping, and a strange and macabre ritual, brought to Appalachia from Europe. Camp counselor Tricia Grimball seeks both adventure and escape from her predictable life back home. What she finds is far more than she could have ever imagined! You can find Patricia’s book on Amazon – please check it out and leave her a review
either there or on social media. Stay tuned for news of an in-person book signing this fall.
A novel based on Camp Merrie-Woode in 1919, A Rule of Life by Patricia Brandon (75)
It has been an exciting year for Merrie-Woode alumna and renowned interior designer Sara Ruffin Costello (81-83), who celebrated the opening of her most recent project, The Chloe, a 14-room boutique hotel, inspired by the rich history and creative culture of New Orleans. Housed in a 19th century Uptown mansion, The Chloe was recently awarded a place on Travel 3
+ Leisure Magazine’s “2021 It List” of the best new hotels in the world. Details such as hidden bookshelves, curated vinyl collections, and a lush mix of textiles, materials, and artwork give each corner of the hotel its own unique story. More information can be found at www. thechloenola.com. Carson Eckhard (09-17), who is completing her senior year at the University of Pennsylvania, has been selected as a 2021 recipient of the Thouron Award to pursue graduate studies in the United Kingdom. Each scholarship winner receives tuition for up to two years, as well as travel and living stipends, to earn a graduate degree there. A devoted advocate of criminal justice reform, Carson was recently awarded a 2021 President’s Engagement Prize through the University to pursue post-graduate work with Project HOPE, in which
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
CMW Alumnae News cont. she will address the lack of legal and reentry support for incarcerated Philadelphians. Carson’s ultimate goal is to pursue a J.D./Ph.D. and a career as a law professor, advocate, and organizer for comprehensive justice reform. President Biden has nominated Merrie-Woode alumna Gwen Graham (72-79) to serve as Assistant Secretary for Legislation and Congressional Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education. Graham served as the Congressional representative from Florida’s 2nd District during the 114th Congress and was known as one of the House’s most bipartisan members. Prior to her service in Congress, she focused her law practice on public education as Chief of Labor and Employee Relations for the Leon County School District. Congratulations Gwen, and we look forward to seeing the great work that you will do in this new role! Congratulations to CMW alumna Merrin Jenkins (97-07) of Tampa, FL, who is the co-founder of two new restaurants in North Hyde Park. The original restaurant, Willa’s, serves classic and seasonal French and American dishes inside a refurbished century old building, while sister café, Willa’s Provisions, offers delicious coffee and baked goods. We know that once our
Merrie-Woode families discover Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions, they will want to return over and over again! To find additional details, visit the Willa’s website at www. willastampa.com. We were thrilled to receive a number of exciting updates from the Montgomery family! After training at ABT Kennedy School of Ballet and retiring from Colorado Ballet, Cece Montgomery (04-05) received her undergraduate degree from New York University and is currently a PhD candidate at Fordham University studying psychology. Nina Montgomery (04-06) is a PhD candidate at Oxford studying brands and innovation. She also works at IDEO in San Francisco as a Design Lead. Nina published two bestselling books in 2019 about branding and was named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2020. Sophie Montgomery (06-10) graduated Dartmouth College in 2019 and worked for AmeriCorps for a year before starting NYU Medical School this past September. We are excited to share news from another CMW author! Palmer Smith (02-15) has recently released her first book, The Butterfly Bruises, a collection of poems and stories regarding animals, the ocean, Northeastern versus Southern American culture,
A new book of poetry, The Butterfly Bruises by Palmer Smith (02-15)
nature versus technology, and the imagination. In these lyrical texts, a manatee befriends a widow, a ghost haunts an old Charleston home, and New York City becomes its own character. Stepping into these pages brings about new worlds— some full of magic, others full of mystery. Much of the writing was inspired by Western North Carolina. You can find her book at Shakespeare and Company in Highlands and in independent bookstores across the country. Congratulations to all of our alumnae on these wonderful achievements!
CMW Weddings and Engagements We are overjoyed to hear the news of so many happy couples celebrating engagements and weddings this year! Campbell Bowers (00-12) is engaged to Cooper Jackson! Cooper proposed on the dock of the Bowers’ Seabrook Island home in October 2020,
and they are planning an October 2021 wedding in Charleston, SC. Elizabeth Bean (00-10) married Will Ryan on October 31, 2020 surrounded by immediate family including Mother of the Bride, Kimberly Lee Bean (73-74). They are planning a reception to 4
celebrate with friends and extended family on October 30, 2021, in Birmingham, AL. The wedding party includes Maid of Honor Lucy Curran (01-07) and Bridesmaids Parker Chambers (00-10), Kelsie Dodson (00-10) and Lindsay Crittenden Leonard (00-10). Since
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
the wedding, Elizabeth and Will have moved to San Francisco, CA.
Will and Elizabeth Bean Ryan (00-10)
Mary Ann Broughton (06-12) is engaged to Robert Daniel! Meg Casscells-Hamby (02-12) recently became engaged to Evan Mendez! After meeting during their undergrad years at Harvard University, where they both played on the soccer team, they moved to San Francisco where Evan is completing his MBA at
Stanford. Parker Chambers (0010) became engaged to Alexander Harrison Bertles on December 13, 2020. They are planning a wedding on September 25, 2021 in Jackson Hole, WY! Catherine Harrison (00-09) married Robert Culp of Charlotte, NC in October 2020. Catherine shared that her sister, Elizabeth Harrison Carrington (00-09), was maid of honor during their small family wedding ceremony on the James River just outside of Richmond, VA. Congratulations to Ashley Helmick (97-12) and John Howard who were married on November 28, 2020 at the Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway, NC! After their original wedding plans had to change due to COVID restrictions, they were thrilled with how perfect this third wedding plan turned out to be. We’re so happy for you both and wish you all the happiness in the world! We are also sending our best wishes
2020. They are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends in October 2021. Lindsey Holder (00-08) recently
Mike and Laurel Helms McClure (88-96)
became engaged to Fair Tomlinson! They are planning a wedding in September 2021. Kristi Muldoon (05-19) is engaged to Will Stevens. They will be married during the summer of 2022 at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC! Ellie Musson (92-03) and Damien Smith were married on October 2, 2020. They have just now taken their longawaited honeymoon to Dubai! After getting engaged on the Camp Lake Trail last fall, Amber Skye (9708) and Ryan Casarella eloped in December 2020 with an intimate ceremony at the same Lower East Side spot where they met years ago!
John and Ashley Helmick Howard (97-12)
Robert and Catherine Harrison Culp (00-09)
to Laurel Helms (88-96) and Mike McClure, who were married in a small ceremony on November 3, 5
Amber Skye (97-08) and Ryan Casarella
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
CMW Weddings and Engagements cont. They are planning a wedding celebration with family and friends in fall 2022. Elly Straske (03-15) married Adam Bacigalupo on May 2, 2020 in an intimate backyard ceremony with Mother of the Bride, Janice Ferman Straske (83) and sisters, Davis Straske (04-17) and Mary Stephen Straske (0619) in attendance. After having to reschedule their original wedding, they will be celebrating with family and friends on May 15, 2021 at Camp. During a trip to the Dominican Republic this February, Ingrid Weatherby (96-present) became engaged to KaReem
Hawkins! They are excited to return to the Dominican Republic for their wedding in November 2021. All our best wishes to Ashton Wilder (03-15) and Charles Brown who will be married in Washington, D.C. on November 6, 2021. Liza Wooten (01-07) is engaged to Chris DeFago! They met while working at a restaurant in Athens, when Liza was an undergrad and Chris was getting his MBA. They plan to be married on May 15, 2021 in Blowing Rock, NC. To all our Merrie-Woode brides, we wish you a lifetime of happiness in your marriages!
Adam and Elly Straske Bacigalupo (03-15) with sisters, Davis Straske (04-17) and Mary Stephen Straske (06-19)
CMW Baby News It was a record-setting year for babies in the CMW family! Throughout the country, Camp songs are being sung to the next generation of Merrie-Woode girls (as well as to their brothers and cousins). New moms and neighbors in NYC, Alison Martinez Allen (99-10) and Sarah Josey Lyon (97-08) had so much fun getting their babies together for a CMW newsletter photoshoot!
William “Graham” Allen, son of Alison Martinez Allen (99-10), with his future pen pal, Frances Ruth Royer Lyon, daughter of Sarah Josey Lyon (97-08).
Andrew and Sarah Josey Lyon (96-08) welcomed their daughter, Frances Ruth Royer Lyon, December 29, 2020! Frances weighed 7 lbs, 8 oz and measured 20.25 inches. Just two months later, on February 24, 2021,William “Graham” Allen, son of Emerson and Ali Martinez Allen (99-10), arrived, weighing 9 lbs, 6 oz and measuring 20.5 inches. Ali reports that William is very much looking forward to being a pen pal to Frances while she’s at CMW and he’s at a boys’ camp nearby. Parker and Caroline Reeves Anderson (99-11) are overjoyed at the birth of their first child. Michael “Reeves” Anderson arrived on February 21, 2021, weighing 8 lbs. Congratulations Anderson family on your newest member! Alex and Megan McCall App (01-12) welcomed their first child, Annabelle “Annie” Kathryn App, just in time for the new year on December 29, 6
Michael “Reeves” Anderson, son of Caroline Reeves Anderson (99-11)
2020! Annie weighed 7 lbs, 12 oz. and measured 21 inches. Her parents are thrilled to have a future MerrieWoode girl. Charles and Cooley Horner Arroyo (95-07) welcomed their second child, Charlesy Margot Arroyo, on December 2, 2020! Big
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
Annabelle “Annie” Kathryn App, daughter of Megan McCall App (01-12)
Margaret “Boyd” Barsness, daughter of Alden Denny Barsness (98-08)
her Merrie Woode bib! Sam and Claire Woodall Bellman (98-15) are the proud parents of a future Merrie-Woode girl! Olive “Liv” Marie Bellman was born on March 15, 2021, weighing 6 lbs, 9 oz, and measuring 19.5 inches.
Boice Thomas Brown, son of Dorothy “Taylor” McGrew Brown (00-12)
Alice Day Brown Clark (00-02) and her husband, Frank, welcomed their first child, Kenneth Francis “Frank” Clark V, just in time for Christmas on December 25, 2020! Elizabeth Tessier Crescenzo (94-
Charlesy Margot Arroyo, daughter of Cooley Horner Arroyo (95-07)
sister, Holland, is thrilled to have another future Merrie-Woode girl join the family. We were thrilled to hear that George and Alden Denny Barsness (98-08) added a future Merrie-Woode girl to their family! Margaret Boyd Barsness was born on November 20, 2020. Boyd weighed 7 lbs, 14 oz and measured 21.5 inches long. Alden shared that she enjoys sleeping and loves
Olive “Liv”Marie Bellman, daughter of Claire Woodall Bellman (98-15)
Scott and Dorothy “Taylor” McGrew Brown (00-12) have a new baby boy! Boice Thomas Brown was born on November 29, 2020. 7
Kenneth Francis “Frank” Clark V, son of Alice Day Brown Clark (00-02)
02) just had a future Merrie-Woode girl! Katherine Elizabeth Crescenzo was born on January 29, 2021. She joins big brothers Joseph (7) and William (3).
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
CMW Baby News cont. Isabel, is delighted to have a new playmate.
Coco Isla Doyle, daughter of Caroline Landry Doyle (93-98)
Katherine Elizabeth Crescenzo, daughter of Elizabeth Tessier Crescenzo (94-02), with brothers Joseph and William.
Elizabeth Doane Davaro (99-05) has a new baby girl, Emilia Lynn Davaro. Lots of new cousins have recently arrived in the Landry family! Luke and Kelley Landry Doiron (88-00) are thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter, Elise Renee Doiron, on July 30, 2020! Her seven older siblings are overjoyed to have a new baby sister join the family!
John and Liz Landry Eiser (89-01) welcomed a son, John “William” Eiser, Jr., on February 1, 2021. William weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz and measured 20 inches long. His big brother Augie and sister Eleanor adore him already!
Evelin Hastings Fitzpatrick, daughter of Lessley Soniat Fitzpatrick (96-05)
arrived for Webster and Elizabeth Jernigan “E.J.” Harrison (94-00) on Christmas Day! They welcomed their third child, Cecil “Hooks” Harrison, on December 25, 2020.
John “William” Eiser, Jr., son of Liz Landry Eiser (89-01) Elise Renee Doiron, daughter of Kelley Landry Doiron (88-00)
Justin and Caroline Landry Doyle (93-98) have another future MerrieWoode girl! Coco Isla Doyle was born on January 4, 2021. Big sister,
Fletcher and Lessley Soniat Fitzpatrick (96-05) welcomed their first child, Evelin Hastings Fitzpatrick, on March 13, 2020. They are thrilled to have a future Merrie-Woode girl to continue the family tradition! A special package 8
Cecil “Hooks” Harrison, son of Elizabeth Jernigan “E.J.” Harrison (94-00)
Older siblings Webb and Manly are thrilled about their new baby brother. Robert and Charlotte Young Henry (98-09) welcomed their first child, daughter Merritt Mathilde Henry, on
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
Congratulations to Kelli and Libby on your new addition to the family! Mark and Landis Carey Knee (9205) welcomed their third son, Miles Elias Knee, on January 28th. Miles weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz and measured 20.75 inches.
Merritt Mathilde Henry with her mother, Charlotte Young Henry (98-09)
December 11, 2020! She already had her first visit to North Carolina, and her parents can’t wait for that first year of camp! Kelli Hewitson (0714) and Libby Hewitson (12-14) are the proud parents of a baby girl!
Miles Elias Knee, with his parents, Mark and Landis Carey Knee (92-05) and brothers, Dale and Charlie.
Older siblings, Dale and Charlie, are showering their new baby brother with love! Jared and Stephanie Works Landry (9608) are overjoyed at the arrival of their daughter, Evelyn Rose, on December 30, 2020! Evelyn weighed 6 lbs, 5 oz and measured 19 inches. We’re looking forward to her following in her mom’s footsteps as a Merrie-Woode girl.
Theodore (Teddy) Ray Lavorato, son of Alex Polhill Lavorato (97-09)
Sarah Jo Trimble Luby (97-05) and her husband Kyle are ecstatic to have another future Merrie-Woode girl. Jane Carson Luby was born on December 20, 2020, and joins older sister, Mary Owen.
Evelyn Rose Landry, daughter of Stephanie Works Landry (96-08)
Marlowe Ellis Hewitson, daughter of Kelli Hewitson (07-14) and Libby Hewitson (12-14)
Marlowe Ellis Hewitson was born on Thanksgiving day, November 26, 2020 weighing 7 lbs, 9 oz.
Alex Polhill Lavorato (97-09) and her husband, Jordan, welcomed their first child, Theodore (Teddy) Ray Lavorato on November 30, 2020. Teddy weighted 7 lbs, 10 oz and measured 19 inches. Congratulations! 9
Jane “Carson” Luby, with parents Kyle and Sarah Jo Trimble Luby (97-05), and big sister, Mary Owen, at her baptism on Easter Sunday.
Dan and Sarah Simmons Matthews (96-19) welcomed their second son, Simmons Wills Matthews, on December 3, 2020. Simmons weighed 6 lbs. and measured 18.5 in.
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
CMW Baby News cont.
Simmons Wills Matthews, with his parents, Dan and Sarah Simmons Matthews (96-present), and big brother, Everett.
Amber Skye (97-08) and her husband Ryan Casarella have a new baby girl! Ainsley Skye Casarella made her entrance on her exact due date, April 15, 2021, weighing 7 lbs, 2 oz and measuring 20.5inches. Amber shared that she sings “Edelwiess” and “Taps” to Ainsley every night! Thomas and Sarah Wynn Palma (00-12) welcomed their first child, Thomas Bradham Palma, on December 21, 2020 in the Netherlands, where they
Thomas Bradham Palma, son of Sarah Wynn Palma (00-12)
Dakota and Maddie Marion Rathbone (08-14) welcomed a new little Merrie-Woode girl into their family! Kadyn Rose Rathbone weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz, and measured 19.5 in. Congratulations to this happy family on their first child. Steve and Amanda Von Thron Romito (95-19) got to meet their daughter a little ahead of schedule this Spring. Lenora Nell Romito was born on April 20, 2021, weighing 5 lbs, 9oz. Amanda says that they are adjusting to the lack of sleep, but are so in love with their baby girl! Mike and Katherine Almquist
have been living for four years. Thomas weighed 7 lbs, 12 oz, and is named after his father and great-grandfather, as well as his grandmother (Bradham)! On January 13, 2021,
Lenora Nell Romito, daughter of Amanda Von Thron Romito (95-04)
Ryker (93-19) welcomed their first child, Micah Dameron Ryker, on March 17, 2021. Micah weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 21 inches. Matt and Ashley Mitchell Salmon (01-07) just welcomed a baby girl, Madison Mitchell Salmon into their family on November 14, 2020. They are excited to have a little MerrieWoode camper soon! Nicolas and Ally Burchinow
Ainsley Skye Casarella, daughter of Amber Skye (97-08) and Ryan Casarella.
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Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
Our Riding Director, Corinne Driver (02-present), is a proud grandmother! Eric and Claire Coward Wilkins (03-13) welcomed their first child, David “Davey” Knox Wilkins on August 19, 2020.
Joseph “Riley” Snyder, son of Molly Muldoon Snyder (05-14)
Micah Dameron Ryker, son of Katherine Almquist Ryker (93-present)
Snyder (05-14) are overjoyed at the birth of their son, Joseph “Riley” Snyder, on December 1, 2020! Molly reports that Riley is the happiest, sweetest baby, and he can’t wait to be on mountaineering staff and stay in Bat’s Roost! Former CMW staff member, Rachel Driver Tritt (09), welcomed her second son, Henry Turner Tritt, to the family on August 3, 2020. Turner weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz, and measured 20.5 inches.
David “Davey” Knox Wilkins, son of Claire Coward Wilkins (03-13)
Davey weighed 7 lbs, 4 oz, and his parents say that his arrival was the highlight of their year!
Madison Mitchell Salmon, daughter of Ashley Mitchell Salmon (01-07)
Scherer (99-08) welcomed a daughter, Louise Raegan Scherer, on April 22, 2021. Louise weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz, and they are all enjoying life as a family of three. Winston and Molly Muldoon
Louise Raegan Scherer, daughter of Ally Burchinow (99-08)
Henry “Turner” Tritt, son of Rachel Driver Tritt (09)
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Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
In Memoriam Carolyn Edgerton Redding (19402020) This past December, the MerrieWoode family lost a wonderful alumna, Carolyn Edgerton Redding (53-55), originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina. Carolyn spent three happy summers in the mid-1950s at Merrie-Woode, canoeing, hiking, and riding during the early years of the Fritz and Augusta Orr era. After receiving her B.A. from Converse College in 1962, Carolyn met and married her husband, John Howard Redding, an attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina. While in Asheboro, Carolyn reconnected with fellow Merrie-Woode alumna Nancy Conkle Swann (55-58), who had recently moved to the city for her husband’s first job with Wachovia Bank. The two couples became good friends and remained close for many years. Nancy remembers that “Carolyn was such a good person, always full of life and fun, and all those who knew her will miss her.” Carolyn was a devoted mother, teacher, and active member in the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Asheboro. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, playing bridge, and was a member of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America. Carolyn will also be remembered for her numerous charitable and volunteer contributions, including RSAA Meals on Wheels and the Randolph Co. Friends of the Library and Foundation. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. John Howard Redding of Asheboro, NC. She
is survived by three children: Dr. John Fulton Redding II (Rebecca) of Asheboro, NC; Ms. Katharine Redding Braak of Raleigh, NC; and Mr. Charles Edgerton Redding (Anna) of Midlothian, VA. Carolyn is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Suzanne Edgerton Thorne of Goldsboro, NC. Harriet Matthews Jackson (66-70) with the cabin of Bum’s Rest 1970. Row 1: Elizabeth Seawell Manley (66-71), Bitsy Newman Ingram (66-71), Michaeux Bennett McMillan (68-70), Roland Elliott Mitchener (66-70), Harriet Matthews Jackson (66-70), Debbie Fowler (67-70). Row 2: Darcy Camp McCurry (67-70), Maria Rixey (67-70), Caroline Folger-C (59-71), Laura Rankin Allen (68-70), Julie Perry (67-72).
Carolyn Edgerton (53-55), second from right, with cabinmates from Bob White in 1954: Betsy Umstead (50-54), Mary Boyd Day Hesdorffer (53-54), Perry Patterson (54-62), Lynn Nalley (54), and Dottie Lassiter (54).
Harriet Matthews Jackson (19552021) Merrie-Woode lost one of its most enthusiastic acolytes, Harriet Matthews Jackson (66-70), in March of this year. Harriet was born in Gastonia, North Carolina, and spent five wonderful summers at Merrie-Woode enjoying many wilderness adventures with Fritz Sr. and Augusta Orr, Fritz Jr. and Dottie Orr, and Hugh Caldwell. Harriet’s dear friend, Roland Elliott Mitchener (66-70), recalls the many Camp trips that she and Harriet took in the old green truck that would “give” swaying side to side around the mountains. “There are so many stories, so many meaningful memories that stirred our hearts, taught us life lessons, and enriched our spiritual lives. Every day was a gift,” said Roland. One particularly special memory 12
involved a trip to the Nantahala with Hugh. “Back then,” Roland remembers, “There was a 4-week session and a 6-week session. In 1970, Bitsy Newman, Elizabeth Sewell, Harriet, and I were the first girls, ever, from the 4 week session to pass all the canoeing levels to be able to come back as a ‘Would-Be.’ To praise the 4 of us, Hugh took us to the Fourth of July National Nantahala Kayak Race. A really big deal!” Harriet loved Chapel services and appreciated special times in conversations with her many friends. She was known for stirring up fun, mischievous trouble and bringing laughter from most anywhere. She was always willing to help with the younger girls as they grew into older girls. Harriet continued her penchant for mentoring well beyond her Merrie-Woode days. “At Harriet’s service last Friday,” recalled Roland, “The preacher said Harriet taught her sons to canoe because she thought everyone needed to experience being on the water and knowing how to canoe.”
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
A graduate of St. Mary’s School in Raleigh, NC, Harriet continued her education at Florida Southern College where she received a bachelor’s degree and put her impressive athletic skills to use as a member of the college’s water ski team. Ranked in the top five women skiers in the slalom and jumping
events, Harriet and her team won the national intercollegiate title in 1977. Harriett’s greatest passion was her immense love for her two sons, Peter and Frank. In addition to her mother Betty, she was preceded in death by her son Franklin Matthews Jackson. Harriet is survived by her father, Benjamin Franklin
Matthews, and her son Peter K. Jackson II; brother, Gene Matthews (Katherine) of Gastonia, NC; sister, Mary Matthews Vaughn (Vernon) of Gastonia, NC. She is also survived by her beloved life companion, Billy Rangos.
DEI Initiative Every summer during the Follow the Gleam pageant, the MerrieWoode community is galvanized by King Arthur’s reflections upon his knights’ return home. He explains that righteous character means to work against oppressive forces, to give the best of oneself to all people, and treat everyone as brothers and sisters. He says: “I wish that future generations might learn … the willingness to give all,” so that no one will “be oppressed, and that men might learn to live as brothers, following the gleam of the best that is in their hearts.” From these musings, we took inspiration for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee’s Statement of Intent. The statement reads: Today’s Quest for Tomorrow’s Future At Merrie-Woode, we are called upon to follow the gleam and carry our light into the world. We all shine brighter in a community where everyone belongs. Together, we commit to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive round table for all. These values have been held by members of the Merrie-Woode community throughout its history, beginning with our founder, Dammie Day, who created Camp
Merrie-Woode in order to empower women at a time when women were not valued as leaders in their communities. Dammie Day envisioned Merrie-Woode as a place where all women would feel fully valued and included. We acknowledge that Camp should always strive to honor Dammie’s original vision, and that this work is of the utmost importance. In an effort to work toward increasing diversity at Camp and making all campers feel included at Camp, Camp Merrie-Woode created a DEI Ad Hoc Committee in the fall of 2020. The Committee is comprised of members representing a broad range of constituencies and generations. The committee meets to develop thoughtful recommendations to share with the Executive Directors and Board of Trustees for consideration. DEI Committee Board Liaison, Mallory Dimmitt, explains the committee’s intention, saying, “We believe in a Camp community where 13
all voices are heard, appreciated, and welcomed. We realize how diversity, equity, and inclusion fit directly into our Camp mission to value each individual for who she is and who she will become. The more each person feels she can bring her authentic self to Camp, the more Merrie-Woode will grow as a refuge of heartfelt inspiration and belonging.” The committee did a review of Camp to assess diversity, equity, and inclusion in four areas: 1) traditions and programming at Camp including a review of songs, evening programs, cabin names, and programming curriculum, 2) the inclusion and experience of marginalized and historically underrepresented members of the Camp population, 3) staff recruitment, hiring, and training, and 4) camper recruiting, admissions, and camperships. Some identified recommendations will be implemented in the near term, like the renaming of two cabins, which has been described elsewhere in this newsletter. Other recommendations will certainly take time. We at Merrie-Woode are committing to the worthy quest of creating a more inclusive round table at which everyone has a seat
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
DEI Initiative cont. and new members are always invited with a warm, authentic welcome. We strive to be a community where anyone who feels different or marginalized can find a place at
Camp where she can be her best self. As Dammie stated from the beginning, “Each one is a vital part of a whole. We all matter to each other and to the whole world.”
Today’s quest IS for tomorrow’s future. We will continue to work so that Merrie-Woode sets our round table to include a chair for everyone.
Announcing New Cabin Names! As one of the first actions of Merrie-Woode’s DEI initiative, a thorough review of all cabin names was completed in order to fulfill the commitment of realizing a more inclusive camp for every girl. Following the review and approval by the Merrie-Woode Board of Trustees, we are delighted to announce that two cabin names have been changed to better reflect the spirit of Merrie-Woode. We are proud to introduce Gum Drop and Sherwood Forest! Although it has been many years since Merrie-Woode has seen a change in cabin names, there is historical precedent. Between the years 1939 and 1945, a number of cabin names evolved. For example, the cabin Oz was formerly known as Bald View and was changed soon after the release of the movie, The Wizard of Oz. There is unquestionably a pattern of updating names to better reflect the zeitgeist. The cabin of Pow Wow was built around 1922. A Powwow is a formal, spiritually significant, social gathering held by Indigenous peoples. Over the years, the term has been appropriated by Western cultures and misapplied to refer to any type of informal meeting, failing to reflect or respect the original nature of the event. Cultural
appropriation is not in keeping with the Merrie-Woode values and mission.
The name Gum Drop was chosen to replace Pow Wow in honor of the song, “If All the Raindrops Were Lemon Drops and Gum Drops” which has been sung at MerrieWoode since 1929, making it one of the oldest and most beloved campfire favorites. Gum Drop is at home with other sweet, staccato cabin names on that part of the Little Back Line including Bee Hive, Jam Pot, and Sugar Bowl. Briar Patch was built circa 1988 and is named after a significant plot line in the 1946 Disney film, Song of the South. Based on the Uncle Remus stories, this film has a troublesome history of racism, as does its source material. Additionally, the Disney movie has not been without controversy since its original release. It was boycotted by many, criticized by the NAACP and other 14
organizations in its own time, and is omitted from the Disney+ streaming service. The overt racism and misrepresentation of history captured in the film and books is not in keeping with the Merrie-Woode Mission.
Briar Patch’s new name, Sherwood Forest, refers to Robin Hood’s woody hideout, appropriate for the cabin located on the edge of camp and nestled amongst the tall trees. Sherwood Forest was deemed doubly appropriate as it is also an ode to Merrie-Woode’s earliest history. In the early 1920s, before Dammie Day settled on basing camp’s narrative around Arthurian Legend, she used the stories of Robin Hood. Robin Hood plays
Camp Merrie-Woode, Spring 2021
Announcing New Cabin Names! cont. were quite common at camp in the 1920s. Cabin line groups were named Maid Marians, Will-O-theGreens, Will Scarletts, and Friar Tucks instead of Pages, Yeomen, Squires, and Knights. We are excited to pay tribute to Dammie’s original camp narrative with the renaming of this cabin.
Both Gum Drop and Sherwood Forest were chosen with a specific intention to reflect the best of our shared traditions and love for the history and joy found at MerrieWoode. We look forward to seeing the campers of 2021 build new friendships and memories in these two beloved cabins this summer!
2021 Board of Trustees Clair Freeman Marshall, Chair Raleigh, NC Holly Pierce Ambler Boone, NC Alan Clark Charlotte, NC
2020 Annual Report Looking for more information on Merrie-Woode’s fundraising activities? The third edition of Green & Grey Gratitude: The MerrieWoode Foundation Annual Report is now available online.
Mathilde Villere Currence New Orleans, LA Jane Curtis Houston, TX Mallory Dimmitt St. Petersburg, FL Julie Harrower Diaz Dallas, TX Jerald (J.R.) Hanks Atlanta, GA Mary Leland Davenport Hutchison Lookout Mountain, TN Elly Lane New Orleans, LA Stephanie Blessey Lilley Washington, DC James (Jay) McKnight Nashville, TN
Please visit https://merriewoode.com/alumnae/merrie-woode-foundation/ or scan the QR code to view a copy of the 2020 Annual Report.
Elizabeth Dempsey Merritt Raleigh, NC
All donors to the 2020 Annual Fund, as well as those individuals who made new gifts or pledge payments to the Centennial Campaign from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, are recognized in the Annual Report.
George Pillow Killen, AL
Ruffner Page Mountain Brook, AL
Carter Coker Simpson Washington, DC
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Camp Merrie-Woode® 100 Merrie-Woode Rd. Sapphire, NC 28774 828.743.3300
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Stock Shop is now Online!
Holiday Gift Ideas from the We know Merrie-Woode has always been a little behind CMW Stock Shop the technological curve. What can we say; we are all about simplified living, but last summer we had to adapt. Part of connecting with our camp community involved making stock shop items available to order so families could have even more Merrie-Woode spirit at home. We took an old-fashioned approach to orders, providing an online form or encouraging parents to just call the office.
Green Tumbler: $20.00 Drawstring Bag: $25.00 Centennial Ripple: $15.00
Camp alumna Margaret Hancock (01-04), who has Kitchen Tea Towel: $10.00 experience with marketing tools and creating online shopping sites, saw our stock shop order form and reached Playing Cards: $6.50 out. She asked if we would be interested in making an Dammie’s Prayer Poster: $20.00 updated and user friendly website entirely for the stock shop. We were thrilled! Margaret also looped in camp alumna, Lulu Graham (10-16), to handle photography. Margaret, Lulu, and Courtney Foster, camp’s intern, have been hard Additional Stock Shop items are available. at work making the new online stock shop a reality. We are happy to continue the online Stock Shop in 2021. Email annette@merriewoode.com to order. You can find it on our camp website: merriewoode. com. We hope being able to purchase and sport your favorite Merrie-Woode gear brings you joy. 28