Summer 2010 Now & Then At Wheeler

Now&Then @Wheeler Focus on Research

Inside: a tribute to Mary Ann “Mama” Farroba

summer 2010

Now&Then @ Wheeler Vol. 8 Issue 2 Summer 2010 Editor: Laurie Flynn Board of Trustees President: Alan Litwin Alumni Association President: Kim Chazan Zwetchkenbaum ‘83 Parents Association President: Mary Gagnon Director of Institutional Advancement: Geoff Liggett Cover: Students acquire research skills in all divisions at Wheeler as these students in 12th, 7th and Pre-Kindergarten illustrate. Top Photo by Donna Lizotte Left by Steven Karaiskos Right by Laurie Flynn Nondiscrimination Policy: The Wheeler School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or handicap in the administration of its educational, admissions, and financial aid policies, faculty and staff recruitment and hiring policies, athletics or other programs or activities administered by the school. www.wheelerschool.org Published by the Office of Institutional Advancement The Wheeler School 216 Hope Street Providence, Rhode Island 02906 401-421-8100

Editor’s Note Environmental Change We all know change. It can come swiftly or steadily —by accident or by design. Sometimes we feel resistant to change. Other times we embrace it, or at least seek to understand it’s meaning. The School’s rich photographic archive reveals an institution that hopefully falls into the realm of change for the better — or to use an even more forwardseeking descriptor: change-agent. All educational institutions function as agents of change actually, taking their cues from the developmental needs of their charges. Whatever the impetus for change, Wheeler’s archives have the evidence of it as this 1914 photo (top) of the School courtyard shows. Notice the style of dress worn by the girls in the photo and the original “real” Fresh Air Building, with its many windows, on the far right. The new courtyard and Student Center which opened just last year (middle) show how fashion and architectural styles can bring change to our campus. And now, with the opening this school year of the Wharton P. Whitaker Building (bottom) at The Hamilton School at Wheeler, our campus landscape will reveal another change in its environment. Presenting a new institutional ‘face’ to the corner of Brook and Angell Streets is exciting and we look forward to you visiting campus — personally or virtually — to experience our newest change. You will find that the changes have happened for one reason: to keep Wheeler’s educational standards unchanged.

Message from the Head of School THE POWER OF RESEARCH Even today, schools are rightfully evaluated on their ability to teach the “big three” – reading, writing, and arithmetic – the timeless fundamentals. But this issue of Now and Then @ Wheeler is dedicated to a critical skill that deserves far greater recognition: research. “Research” is a somewhat intimidating word; it conjures up Ph.D.s in white lab coats or ancient scholars poring over crumbling manuscripts. But research is simply the systematic pursuit of answers, the channeling of curiosity. Our youngest students scrutinize picture books, pick up worms, dig in the sandbox, and wield magnifying glasses just for fun. But if they are answering a specific question posed by their teacher – say, what is dirt made from? – then they are not just playing; they are researching.

While curiosity is innate, research skills must be taught. Students need instruction to develop useful questions, catalogue data, and, most critically in this day and age, sift through the infinite and immediate digital universe. 2

So, while curiosity is innate, research skills must be taught. Students need instruction to develop useful questions, catalogue data, and, most critically in this day and age, sift through the infinite and immediate digital universe. As you will see in the following pages, Wheeler kids are being taught to do just that, and in almost countless ways. We have four-year-olds hunting for dinosaur bones and seniors cloning and sequencing genes in a molecular biology lab. We have students tracking horseshoe crabs on moonlit beaches at high tide, and others immersed in the extraordinary, on-line “American Memory Collection” at the Library of Congress. In every endeavor, Wheeler faculty are challenging young people to seek specific information, distill relevance, and communicate findings. Such “active learning” is almost always more satisfying and productive for the student, and it is also more engaging. After all, no researcher –whether she is in nursery school or a Nobel laureate can sustain the energy and focus for significant work if it isn’t also fun. Students don’t always believe it, but we know that academic lessons extend well beyond the classroom and into the future. True, content mastery fades, (who remembers the Tariff of 1828 or the specific density of aluminum?) but the skills are timeless and vital. We know that the “real world” presents an endless menu of questions, both large and small: Where should I go to college? What career inspires me? Which causes will I fight for? Should I get married? Have kids? Yankees or Red Sox? What life-skill is more essential than the ability to make choices rationally, to draw conclusions, to research? As usual, this magazine is packed full of school news, articles, alumni happenings, and flattering photographs. We hope you enjoy it. We even hope you find reading it instructive. Certainly, it makes excellent source material for scholars of the Wheeler School. Happy research.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

photo by Gabriel A. Cooney

Focus On Research “Hands-on research shows you the new ‘stuff.’ Discovery is what I like.” Upper School student Elizabeth Fisher, Team Limulus horseshoe crab project

Senior’s Research Study Results In Published Work to Clone, Sequence Gene Focus on Research table of contents

3 Senior Sequences Gene

4 Horseshoe Crab Conference

4 Lower & Middle Skills Built

5 PreK Dust for Dinosaurs

6 National Dyslexia Research

7 Forensics Course A Hit

7 Library Research Tools

By Karina Verma ‘10

By Dr. Donna Lizotte

I have recently completed an independent research project that encompasses the fields of molecular biology, bioinformatics and genetics. My research has been conducted under the guidance of Upper School Science Department faculty member, Donna Lizotte, PhD. The goal of this project was to clone and sequence the housekeeping gene glyceraldehydes3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) from two different plant species that have not been previously sequenced. The plants we chose to work with were Salicornia europaea (Pickleweed) and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme). The GAPDH gene produces an enzyme that catalyzes a crucial reaction within the process of cellular respiration. Specifically, the enzyme catalyzes the synthesis of a high-energy intermediate (1,3-biphosphateglycerate) used in the production of ATP. This gene is expressed constitutively and is crucial in the survival of all cells. The ultimate goal of the project was to analyze the obtained sequences and publish them in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank database. To obtain the desired clones and

Karina completed a series of experiments that resulted in the cloning, and subsequent sequencing, of a plant gene, from two different plant species. This work is advanced undergraduate level work. This entire project was successful because of a combination of support. The School was willing and able to provide funding via the Aerie program for some of the equipment we needed. Mark Harris was extremely supportive and one of Karina’s biggest cheerleaders! My molecular biology research background helped, and Karina’s immense passion for the subject was really what pulled it all together. In addition to the equipment that the School purchased to conduct this work, the recent gift of some additional continued on next page —

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Science faculty member Dr. Donna Lizotte with student Karina Verma and some of the lab equipment at Wheeler. Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Seventh grader Ana Jacobson’s Family Folklore project is one example of research-based curriculum with an emphasis on establishing a depth of understanding rather than a cursory review. In addition to skills building in the areas of research, writing and project management, students discover history through inquiry and analysis. Their annual Family Folklore Fair is a highlight of Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day each year.

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Karina Verma continued— sequences, I extracted the genomic DNA from the plants, performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using GAPDH primers, followed by a second round of PCR using nested gene primers and subsequently purified the PCR products. I ligated the purified product into pJet1.2 plasmid, transformed the plasmid into E. coli and obtained positive colonies by growing the bacteria on selective media. I then purified the plasmid DNA and prepared it for DNA sequencing using appropriate sequencing primers. Once the sequences were obtained, the data was evaluated using Geospiza bioinformatics software and the sequences were pieced together using iFinch. The sequences are currently being processed by the NCBI GenBank, and have been published. Sequencing and cloning the GAPDH gene has allowed me to apply theoretical concepts that I have learned in my science classes to actual research situations. I have become comfortable with crucial research techniques, have learned how to meticulously plan out protocols in manners that can be executed efficiently, and have learned how to independently trouble shoot problems. Most importantly, I have become independent

— Donna Lizotte continued equipment from a local lab that was downsizing has resulted in Wheeler being able to put together an impressive molecular biology teaching lab. In fact, I have more equipment available to me here at Wheeler than I did at a couple of colleges where I previously taught. Shiny new facilities are always nice, but teaching and learning molecular biology and biotechnology requires hands on work. That work is only possible if you have access to the basic lab equipment and then the knowledge to use it. I am eager to put this equipment to good use next

famous persons are fifth graders’ research topics

To complement the students’ work in Heroes, a reading skills workbook that focuses on critical thinking skills, Fifth Graders researched a person who made a difference in the world. After the students completed a labor-intensive research project on their assigned person, they used their new knowledge to make a PowerPoint slide show. Paule Craton, our Lower School computer teacher, showed the children how to incorporate graphics and animation in their slide show. Each child then gave an oral presentation in class, where they elaborated on their bulleted facts. — Pat Katz

Hamilton Fifth Grade students completed a similar long-term research project on WomHorseshoe crab researchers, aka Team Limulus, Talin Yaghoobian, Elizabeth Fisher Ser- en Who Made A Difference (Helen Keller, ena Entezary, Vathana Ngeth, and Will Fields present last Spring at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Clara Barton, Mary McCloud Bethune, Rosa Sanctuary Horseshoe Crab Conference (Massachusetts Audubon Society). The students and teacher Parks, etc). The students’ research was used Sharon Tatulli were inundated with conference attendees who wanted to hear about their research. for an essay and PowerPoint project such as They also got to meet and hear talks by four of the major researchers in the field (two of their power the one above about Clara Barton by Harry points included shout-outs to the Wheeler team and their contributions!) The team has been asked to Dulgarian. — Anne Stevenson come back and do a talk on their research for the Sanctuary’s Summer Evening Bayside Talks Series. 4

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Pre-Kindergarten students dust off their ‘dinosaur’ bones as part of their research studies.

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RESEARCH – THE WAY IN PRE-K! “Research is something where you find stuff to learn in computers, on your iPhone, in books and in your brain.” – Teague Spooner, Pre-Kindergarten student

By Steven Karaiskos, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

One of the many goals for Early Childhood and Pre-Kindergarten is to instill a love of learning within each student who enters our classroom. In order to help our PreKindergarten students become powerful learners, we feel it incredibly important that they ask questions. One step to encourage this important element in children is to create opportunities for exploration and research in the classroom. Each PreKindergarten student is naturally inquisitive and basic researching skills guide them through the questioning process. For many students, the research projects done in Pre-Kindergarten will be a first exposure to questioning, collecting data, analyzing information and drawing conclusions. “Research is like studying. You can find out a lot!” — Matthew Friedman In the winter months, the PreKindergarten students study dinosaurs. After the students learn many basic facts about dinosaurs (carnivores, herbivores and omnivores, for example) the lessons become hands on when students turn into paleontologists. They begin by participating in a dig for dinosaurs in our classroom sandbox. Each student discovers one dinosaur which becomes the dinosaur they will individually research. Each student forms questions about their dinosaur, researches through books and

then spends one-on-one time with a teacher who guides them through websites about their dinosaur. The students are able to watch movies about their dinosaur and listen to sounds the dinosaur potentially made. The students print pictures and answer the questions they posed. Each student develops a book about their dinosaur; they write and illustrate the book, and, finally, using the knowledge base they acquired, each student creates a new dinosaur that could potentially be discovered. Since they “discover” the new dinosaurs, the students are given naming rights - such as Longneckasaurus and Mommyasaurus “You can find out stuff about whatever we are studying with research.” — Arthur Welch In addition to the literacy based research about dinosaurs, our dramatic play space is transformed into a paleontology lab. The students are able to dig and clean bones (chicken bones and meat bones) with proper paleontology tools, map out areas to dig, and they also document their findings. This year, a Pre-K parent with experience as a paleontologist visited to share a real world experience with the students. “When I do research, I learn about things.” — Megan Gibson-Prugh In the spring the students study and research animals (birds and land mammals specifically) and learn about habitats. After lessons on what a habitat includes, the different types of habitats and the different types of animals, each student chooses one animal they would like to study. Every student begins to develop questions about their animal and the students discover what habitat would match their animal. With recyclable goods, the students create a habitat for their animal with an emphasis Now & Then @ Wheeler

on the food, water and shelter their animal would need. Then, from clay with parent assistance, the students make their animal to place in their habitat. Each student then creates 3-5 questions about what they want to know about their animal. Once the questions are documented, the students are asked what they think the answers might be. Finally, the students research in books and on the internet for the answers to their questions. Each student documents their answers and creates a presentation poster to share with the class. “I look at books to research and learn about something.” — Boo Paradiso As teachers, we are always astounded at the depth of the questions and the answers they provide. Until this year, I had no idea that an anaconda did not lay eggs, that an elephant shrew made trails through the underbrush, that an anteater walks on its knuckles or that the pattern on a giraffe is as unique as our fingerprints! “We look for research on the computer and in books. With research I learned that jaguars eat baby alligators and turtles.” — Aidan Aggarwal As educators, it is exciting to be a part of these essential learning experiences. Research allows Pre-Kindergarten students to embrace their natural inquisitiveness, develop appropriate questions, collect data and present their findings. The foundation for so much is built in Early Childhood from reading strategies, language development, math facts and social interaction skills. Research adds another powerful process to truly establish that love of learning.

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Focus On Research

Upper School Academic Support teacher David Johns uses his cartoon skills to make learning fun.

> photo by Megan O’Hara

Hamilton School part of global, national and local dyslexia research studies The Hamilton School at Wheeler, with more than two decades of experience educating students with learning differences, is sought by local, national and international organizations and research groups to participate in studies that, while focusing on the issues of dyslexia and learning disabilities, ultimately teach all of us about how we learn — or do not learn. Below and at right are several research projects involving Hamilton. Rhode Island’s Memorial Hospital along with The Dunn Institute (which originated at The Hamilton School) and Hamilton are collaborating on research on the relationship between dyselxia and executive function difficulty (organization and attention). Pre-testing of entering 6th graders and post-testing of graduating 8th graders was included in the study which follows reading fluency, comprehension and self-concept. Yale University School of Medicine, in conjunction with the Yale-New Haven Hospital, for a project sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Development. Numerous Hamilton families have volunteered to participate in interviews and testing as well provide a genetic sample for a research project to study the effects of genetic factors, ethnic backgrounds and family and income status on reading disabilities. In describing the project to families, Jon Green wrote, “Our school is committed to partnering with researchers to solve this puzzle. Banks of genetic material have been established for other developmental disorders (such as autism) leading to important advances in researching those conditions. We have the opportunity to establish a similar bank for genetic research of dyslexia, which will be hosted by Yale University. We anticipate that this bank will have a significant impact on the field of dyslexia and are proud that our school is partnering in this effort.” The International Dyslexia Association is the preeminent organization focusing on the cause of dyslexia. Jon Green is a member of its Board of Directors and a key collaborator with the IDA on work to weave member schools into a network that can share information and work on research projects such as the field testing of the Intel Reader (see story at right). Said Green, “The challenge is to continue to broaden awareness about learning differences so that children in other schools can benefit from what Hamilton has pioneered in education.” 6

Now & Then @ Wheeler

New Device to Aid Readers Field-Tested at Hamilton Inventor and entrepreneur Ben Foss of Intel Corporation visited the campus March 5 to receive The Hamilton School at Wheeler’s 16th Life Achievement Award. Foss is director of Access Technology in the Digital Health Group at Intel Corporation and the inventor of the Intel Reader (shown above) which was field tested by students at 17 national schools, including The Hamilton School at Wheeler, over a six-week period. Working in the Digital Health Group at Intel, Foss leads a team of industrial designers, mechanical engineers and software architects to develop mobile computing systems for people with disabilities including the recently launched Intel® Reader. His group focuses on improving communication and access to information for all, including those who are dyslexic like him. In 2003, he founded Headstrong (www.headstrongnation. org) a California public benefit non-profit corporation, with the mission of forming a dyslexic community and encouraging LD people to join the disability rights movement. The non-profit’s first film, Headstrong: Inside the Hidden World of Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder, has been broadcast across the U.S. on public television stations.

“The challenge in our country is how to ‘marry’ research and practice ... Educators and researchers can collaborate so that we ask the right questions and we implement the right solutions.” Jon Green, The Hamilton School at Wheeler

Freshman Wyatt Horan interned at Roger Williams Medical Center at the Center for Stem Cell Biology and was able to design and conduct an experiment in this NIH-funded laboratory on the effects of American Ginseng on Type I diabetes. His project earned a Top 10 spot in the 2010 RI Science and Engineering Fair plus three special awards. Horan is shown with teacher Sharon Tatulli, his advisor.

Forensic Science Course proves real field research can’t be done in a one-hour episode By Bob Schmidt, Science faculty Upper School students enrolled in forensic science this spring were active researchers both in the field and in the lab. They learned the basics of crime scene evaluation, evidence collection, finger print identification, blood spatter pattern analysis, forensic anthropology, odontology, hair, fiber, DNA and pathology through various lab activities and four mock crime scenes. One of the crime scenes occurred on the construction site of the Hamilton School in early March where students unearthed some skeletal “remains” and found the lifeless “body” of one of the workers. After careful sketching and some copious note

taking at the scene, nine student teams of investigators collected evidence to be processed back at the lab in hopes of solving the case. In another effort to reinforce course content, students took a field trip in early April to the BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) at the new police complex in Providence. Detective Sergeant Joseph Donnelly was our gracious host and we are indebted to Hamilton parent/Chief of Police Dean Esserman for helping organize our outing. We were also fortunate to have a guest speaker from the State Police Barracks in Scituate present to the class. Detective Corporal Claire Demarais has presented at continued on next page —

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Using the Prescott Library for Research, Then And Now By Carolyn Hilles, Upper School Librarian

Now… Then… Pawing through the card catalog Starting with a print encyclopedia for an overview

Accessing Follett Destiny online

The tedium of the Reader’s Guide to Periodicals & finding back issues of magazines or spooling the microfilm reader/printer

Thousands of articles available through our online periodicals databases

Filmstrips and VHS Often hard to find something relevant on your topic

DVDs and streaming videos online

Knowing that what you find was selected by a librarian and edited professionally

Learning to be skeptical online, to evaluate what you’ve found. Who is really responsible for creating this?

Library Instruction or Bibliographic Instruction

Information Literacy

Notecards and mistake-ridden bibliographies

Electronic notetaking and citation on our popular NoodleTools.

Books available in one format only — print

Books available in print, on the Kindle, as audiobooks, or as film adaptations

A large print reference collection

Increasingly Smaller print reference collection, vastly larger electronic one

Starting (but never finishing!) with Wikipedia — or maybe even our online encyclopedias

Overwhelming amounts of information easy to find…but harder to determine usefulness or authority

Carolyn Hilles came to Wheeler in 1988 and is moving on to a stint with School Year Abroad in Japan, where she will be a college counselor. Her essay “Where We Fit In: the Library in the Life of the School” is an opening chapter in Independent School Libraries: Perspectives on Excellence, being published by Libraries Unlimited in June. You can visit the Prescott Library at Wheeler at www.wheelerschool.org/prescottlibrary.

Librarians at Wheeler’s Prescott Library collaborate closely and actively with teachers in the design and teaching of research projects based on the development of a progressively sophisticated array of critical thinking and research skills. Now & Then @ Wheeler

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The Creative Classroom

Forensic Science continued —

Wheeler several times in the past and always leaves the students teeming with questions and a new-found respect for the work law enforcement entails. During a recent unit on pathology and estimating the post mortem interval, each team of students assumed the role of medical examiner and performed complete autopsies on dill pickles (each of which met their demise in a different way). Students finished the semester with a final crime scene in which all of their skills and creative problem solving abilities got tested. The final scene involved many faculty volunteers playing the roles of suspects and proved to be a productive, enjoyable way to wrap up the year. Next year students will look forward to two semesters of forensic science.

Geocaching — Have You Tried This ‘Treasure Hunt’ Fun? Two Spanish 4 Honors students, Chris Dwyer ‘11 (left) and Zach Rubin ‘11, recorded a dialogue between artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera about Wheeler’s successful Public Art Initiative and three of the artworks that have been installed. Hear an audio link and see slides of the artwork discussed by the two at www.wheelerschool.org/ ModernLanguages.

Mexican Art Legends Come Alive In Podcast by Spanish Honors Duo

Hamilton Seventh Graders Meet The Author Of A New Novel 8

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Thanks to 9th graders in Rob Brown’s Environmental Science class (a team of them won the 2010 state ENVIROTHON,) three fun geocaches have been created in our area. What’s geocaching? Visit the website at http://www. geocaching.com/, type in 02906 and look for Dexter Asylum, Roger That and Pipedream on the Canal. Talk about place-based education!

Girls in the 7th grade Hamilton School class had a chance to meet author Ann Hood this year to talk about reading, writing and growing up after reading Hood’s young adult novel “How I Saved My Father’s Life.” Hood lives in Providence and has visited the campus several times. The book talk included a chance to hear about Hood’s writing process.

photo by Laurie Flynn

Each year 6th, 7th & 8th Grade students studying the Chinese language look forward to the annual dumpling-making activity run by teacher Doris Early. Parent and community volunteers come to assist the students in the edible lesson. Wheeler was the first Rhode Island school to offer a non-Western language as a Modern Language option for its students.

How Do You Say ‘Delicious’ In Mandarin?

Earth Day Art Class Moves Outdoors To Find A New, Greener Canvas

In honor of Earth Day and Wheeler’s commitment to reduce paper use campuswide, Upper School Art Teacher Leah Grear took the Drawing classes out to the black top to continue a lesson in perspective drawing with a horizon line and vanishing points. The students collaborated with each other and drew the Nulman Lewis Student Center and Hope Building using perspective theories. Grear said, “It was a nice scene as middle and lower schoolers came out to watch and ask questions about the project.” photos by Bob Martin

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Philanthropy 65% of Wheeler parents made a gift this year, as did 14% of alumni!

$916,445! An all-time high

for Wheeler’s Annual Fund. Thank you, donors and volunteers!

School Names New Advancement Director Geoff Liggett has been named the new Director of Institutional Advancement at Wheeler. Liggett is the former Director of Development at the Pomfret School in Pomfret, CT, and over the course of his career has also held leadership positions at Brown, Carnegie Mellon and Yale University. During his nine years at the Pomfret School, Liggett helped build a nearly $2 million Annual Fund and successfully led a $48,000,000 Capital Campaign. Announcing the appointment, Wheeler Head of School Dan Miller said, “Geoff has a remarkable track record and a commitment to fundraising in strong school environments. His skills and experience will help us build on the great success and philanthropic support we have enjoyed in recent years.” Liggett is looking forward to returning to Providence. “The city is blessed to have so many world-class schools and colleges in its midst. Wheeler’s track record of educating students who go on to become leaders in this city and state is impressive. I look forward to helping Dan Miller and the trustees of Wheeler realize their vision for the school.” Liggett is a graduate of the Hill School and received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Vermont (where he was also Student Body President). He has four children; the eldest two will be attending Wheeler next year. He assumes the Director role from Michele Sczerbinski Diaz ’86, who will remain at Wheeler as Director of Leadership and Planned Giving, with a focus on philanthropic planning among top-level leadership donors.

Head to the web to see photos and video from the 2010 Big Event @ www.wheelerschool.org/bigevent

New Roles for Advancement Trio Three members of the Wheeler School Advancement team have new roles beginning this year: Sloane DeAngelisPilgrim ‘86 (top) is the new Alumni & Parent Relations Director; Michele Sczerbinski Diaz ‘86 (center) is the new Leadership and Planned Giving Director and Tina Gorski-Strong (bottom) is the new Senior Advancement Officer for technology and social media.

Wheeler’s Big Event

Thanks to all our volunteers, guests and community members who helped Wheeler's Big Event exceed last year's total of $225,000 to net more than $237,000 to support the students at Wheeler and Hamilton! The Celebration had more than 400 RSVPs, incredible auction, sponsorship and in-kind donations, an amazing program and great food, music and fun at the Van Norman Field House. The Clothing Sale drew in thousands of shoppers, tons of public awareness and increased its gross proceeds by $10,000 to raise $72,000 this year. The combined total from Celebration and Sale will support financial aid funds at the School. We are happy to announce that the co-chairs for the Big Event’s Celebration next April are trusteeparent Princess Bomba (left) and former trustee-parent-alumna Lisa Ballou Tyler ‘75. 10

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Clothing Sale co-chairs from left: Janine Chang, Deb Schiavone and Mary Farrell brought new ideas and strategies to this year’s Sale. They had such fun they are committed to return as Sale chairs for 2011! Follow Sale news online at the Wheeler website: www.wheelerschool.org/clothingsale. New opening time: Noon on April 14, 2011.

> Sale Buzz Drew Shoppers From its own Facebook group, a blog on a popular parent website, a coffee cup salute on WJAR-TV’s popular morning show, and a banner at a Main Street carwash to a donated billboard on the highway plus a couple of well-dressed mannequins set up in a Downcity restaurant, this year’s Clothing Sale had plenty of press thanks to work by volunteer Barbara Burke AP ‘10 and others.

From the start to the finish, Wheeler’s Clothing & More Sale has been a New England tradition for more than 62 years!

Above: Sale volunteers Lynn McCarthy AP ‘10 (left) and Barbara Burke AP ‘10 with Italian mannequins donated to promote the Sale. Did you see them at Tazza Café? Upper School student Olivia Kates dressed the models with Boutique items from the Sale as part of a special Aerie class on fashion. Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Athletics

The RI Board of Girls Basketball Officials presented the 2010 Sue Tessier Award to the Wheeler Varsity Girls team for ‘outstanding sportsmanship displayed by the players, coaches and spectators during the 2009-2010 season.’ Coaches Jim Bush and Liz MacMillan accepted the award at the Spring Sports Awards Assembly.

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Winter and Spring Season Highlights compiled by Coach Eric Stein, Assistant Athletic Director

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The PCD/Wheeler Ice Hockey Team finished the regular season 11-5 losing in the quarterfinals of the RIIL D-III tournament to East Providence High School 2-1 in the best of three series. Seniors Max Martin and Will Fields were 4-year letter winners on the team. Great job, fellas!

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The Boys Middle School basketball Team won the Wheeler “A” Team Tournament in exciting fashion to cap off their season. Eighth grader Dan Michel was congratulated via cell phone after the game by family friend ESPN’s Mike Greenberg. Great job by the team and Coach Schmidt.

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The Varsity Squash Team defeated Dexter School late in the season to notch their first victory of the year. The team practices at 6 am, and worked really hard to make their matches as competitive as possible. Coach Lutes was ecstatic for the team after the Dexter contest, saying, “Hard work and resiliency took us to new heights!” Nice work everybody!

innings, before bowing out in the DoubleElimination Tournament two games later. Another highlight this year was the chance to play at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, RI (below).

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The Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team won their second consecutive SENE Regular Season and Tournament Championships while posting an 11-0 league record, and a 16-2 overall record. Priscilla Tyler was First-Team All-SENE for the second straight year, and Lindsey Stokes earned First Team All-SENE for the first time. Outstanding season, ladies!

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The Varsity Golf Team (below) finished second overall as a team at the SENE Golf Tournament at Norwich Golf Club. Senior Andrew Fiorenzano had the second lowest score on the day with a 76, while Chris Dwyer 100, Matt Dwyer 93, and Peter Satterthwaite 91, rounded out the scoring for Wheeler.

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The Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Team (above) posted a 15-5 record on the season, and hosted the first-ever Wheeler Boys JV Post-Season Tournament. Wheeler defeated Moses Brown in the first round and Portsmouth Abbey in the championship game.

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A new Indoor Track Team this year competed in running as well as field events. There were 9 members on the team, and some competitors finished in the Top 10 of the Divisional and Class Meets.

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Senior Jesse Frieder won the RIIL Singles Tennis Tournament, and finished the season 22-0, never losing a single set. The Boys Tennis Team advanced to the semifinals of the RIIL D-I Tournament before bowing out to the eventual champion South Kingstown. Jesse Frieder was named All-State for the third time, and Larry Chan and Ted Scoliard (above) earned All-State honors for the first time.

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The Varsity Boys Baseball Team qualified for the RIIL D-II Playoffs for the first time in school history, finishing a game out of first place in the East Division. The team earned their first playoff victory on a walk off HR by Senior Matt Brown in 11 Now & Then @ Wheeler

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The Track and Field Team competed in six regular season meets, including one home meet at the Farm. The team had personal bests throughout the season that culminated with six boys and six girls competing in the NEPSAC D-III Track and Field Championship. Nathaniel Morris placed 5th in the 100m as the lone Wheeler performer who finished in the Top 5 of their respective events. Great job, ladies and gentlemen!

photo by Patrick Vivier

SENE League Champions 2010 Girls Varsity Lacrosse Undefeated in league play! Sean Kelly ‘02 To Coach Varsity Boys Basketball

Alumni Coaches

Wheeler Athletic Director Jon Donahue is pleased to announce that Sean Kelly ’02 will become Head Coach of Wheeler’s Varsity Basketball program beginning next year. Kelly is Wheeler’s all-time leading scorer with 2,002 points, who went on to a storied career at Wheaton College and is still deeply tied to the Rhode Island basketball scene. In making the announcement, Donahue said, “It is gratifying as a coach to watch your athletes develop into strong people in their own right and having Sean return to take on this Varsity coach position is an indication of his love for Wheeler and his dedication to the game.” Head of School Dan Miller added, “Jon is obviously a coaching legend here, the first boys basketball coach in our school’s history, so it’s fitting that he pass the torch to one of his most accomplished protégés.” Kelly’s “day job” will be largely in the Admission Office, and he will also teach a section of Freshman English, having recently finished his thesis work for an MFA in Creative Writing at Emerson College. About his new role, he said, “It is an honor to be afforded the opportunity to return to Wheeler, a place that has played an integral role in shaping my life. I’m looking forward to working with Jon Donahue, Jeanette Epstein, Dan Miller, and the rest of the Wheeler community, and building upon the school’s strong athletic tradition.” Since his graduation from Wheaton College, Kelly has taught English and coached basketball at both Hyde and Tilton Schools. As assistant coach as both schools, Kelly helped lead teams to league championships.

Wheeler Athletes Honored + Two All-America Nods!

Left: Senior defensive specialist Lindsey Stokes and junior ‘scoring machine’ Priscilla Tyler were chosen by opposing coaches of NEPSWLA to play in the Walkwitz All-Star Game at Harvard. Tyler also played in the National Tournament over Memorial Day and was named Honorable Mention US Lacrosse All-American. Center: Seniors Emily Holding and Jesse Frieder are Wheeler’s representatives to the Providence Journal High School Athlete All-Star selections. Each RI school nominates athletes who have demonstrated good sportsmanship, high athletic achievement and community service throughout the school year. Right: Seniors Laurel Zigerelli and Will Sorin earned the prestigious Scholar Athlete Award. They were selected because of their high academic standing along with participation in two sports at Wheeler. Zigerelli excels in tennis and softball while Will is a standout in soccer and lacrosse. Sorin was also named to US Lacrosse’s Boy’s High School Academic All-America team in June.

Check out sports highlights and scores 24/7 at www.wheelerschool.org/athletics Now & Then @ Wheeler

Numerous alumni have coached Wheeler teams. Here’s a list of some recent ones:

Nicole Ayotte ’93 -Var. Field Hockey Tim Baumgartel ’91 - Golf, Boys JV Basketball Amy Baumgartel-Singer ’89 - Girls JV Tennis Zach Berk ’97 - Boys JV Basketball Sue Clegg ’85 - Var. Field Hockey, Girls Var. Lacrosse Laura Cragin ’05 - MS Field Hockey, MS Girls Lacrosse Lissa Eagles ’98 - Var. Softball, Girls Var. Basketball, Girls Var. Soccer Shannon Early ’94 - Girls JV Basketball Phil Eil ’03 - MS Baseball Anne Ewens ’94 - MS Girls Lacrosse Talia Fera ’96 - JV Field Hockey, MS Girls Lacrosse Amelie Granito ’03 - Girls JV Lacrosse, MS Field Hockey, JV Field Hockey Etienne Granito Mechrefe ’95 - JV Field Hockey, Girls JV Lacrosse, MS Field Hockey Jake Heffern ’98 - Boys JV Basketball, Girls Vars. Basketball Dean Hollands ’07 - Boys JV Soccer David Jacober ’99 - Boys Var. Lacrosse Kevin Johnson ’91 - Boys Var. Lacrosse, Boys JV Basketball, Boys JV Soccer Sean Kelly ’02 - Boys JV Basketball Charlie Laurent ’88 - Boys MS Soccer Willie Lee ’92 - Boys JV Soccer Marya McAndrew ’95 - Girls Var. Lacrosse Tiffany Metts ’03 - Varsity Softball Will Rennie ’05 - MS Tennis, Boys MS Basketball Melissa “Marky” Solomon Darlington ‘96 - Girls JV Soccer Martin Vivier ’07 - Boys MS Basketball, Boys JV Soccer Abbie Wolf-Cohen ’99 - Girls Var. Tennis Hal Woodcome ’94 - Boys MS Soccer 13

Performing Arts

For the second year, Wheeler students joined the cast of Providence’s annual Shakespeare in the City with 18 students taking part in a cast of 187. English teacher Ann Bruno and Performing Arts department head Lisa Brackett assisted in the production.

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Upper School Musical Little Shop of Horrors

photos by Alex Guerra ‘11

Theater Playbill 2010 middle School Musical Haroun & the Sea of Stories

photos by Steve Jencks

14

Now & Then @ Wheeler

See — and hear — the spirit of the performing arts @ www.wheelerschool.org/ performingarts

Five talented student playwrights worked with Joanna Miller this year to write and stage their own one-act plays. Every piece had both depth and humor, and each of the actors brought something special to the evening’s entertainment as well.

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Head to the web to enjoy music, videos and more of our amazing student performance groups. From rehearsals to performing before thousands, you can watch and listen to it

Did you know?

Concert Handbells Several hundred fans — some new, some devoted — enjoyed hearing the Concert Handbell Ringers as they travelled to Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for their 2010 tour. Read the entire blog by Director Dan Moore at the Performing Arts webpage in the Handbells section. You can also watch videos of the performers.

Alum Marc Trachtenberg ‘94 has been commissioned to write the score for next December’s Lower School musical based on Robin Hood. Trachtenberg is the founder of Rock-ABaby music education for children. Wheeler guitar students earned four gold and seven silver medals from the RI Music Educator’s Association at the Solo/Ensemble Festival this year in solo, ensemble and quartet categories.

18 wheelers An amazing year of awards and accolades culminated as The 18 Wheelers finish fourth among the high school groups selected to compete in the finals of the 2010 International Championship of High School A Cappella. At the semifinals Wheeler won the Mid-Atlantic Regional competition, and competed against schools from New York, Maryland and New Jersey. See a video of their NYC performance on our website.

New alum J.J. Masko ‘10 saw the world premiere of his work, Ave Verum Corpus, by the double choir of Sine Nomine and Oure Pleasure Singers in Providence in May. The 18 Wheelers won two categories from CASA, the Contemporary A Cappella Society, in its 2010 CARA (Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award) competition —Best High School Album- A Lesson in Tightropes and Best High School Song- “Be Good To Me” on A Lesson in Tightropes. (The song has more than 1600 hits on the Wheeler School website.)

Performance Jazz In addition to opportunities to perform for campus audiences at Reunion and Grandparents Day plus work in a recording studio, Wheeler jazz musicians were able to participate in master classes this year with top artists such as Grammy nominee vocalist Gretchen Parlato, drummer Ferenc Nemeth who has played with notables such as Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter, plus Wheeler alum jazz vocalist Shepley Metcalf ‘71.

The Wheeler Jazz Camp faculty featured guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, vocalist Sara Serpa, saxophonist Myron Walden, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, drummer Tommy Crane and Wheeler alum Julian Shore ‘05 this summer.

Middle school Jazz Music teacher Jeff Griffith worked this year to further expand opportunities for younger campus musicians to play and perform. Musicians enjoyed everything from packed houses for a Spring Instrumental Jam to a chance for a quintet to play on the same bill as Upper School students at the School Jazz Concert.

Guitar faculty member Mark Davis retired from Wheeler this year. He began teaching at Wheeler in 1997. Visit our Performing Arts webpage to see a photo-music tribute to Davis. Now & Then @ Wheeler

15

Community Service Learning

photo by Laurie Flynn

Sophomores Help Transform A Providence City Park photos by Allie Chernick ‘12

As the culmination of their year in the Community Action Program (CAP) the 10th grade participated in a service day at Riverside Park in Providence They worked with a professional muralist to turn a shed into a four-sided work of art, decorated trash cans, installed plantings and worked with area children the park serves.

middle school chorus performs at women and infants' hospital . . .third grade makes circus paintings for walls of hasbro children's hospital. . . ninth grade service day at camp street ministries. . . wheeler & hamilton second grade raise $900 for kenya's mwea school with help from hamilton 8th grade. . . upper school philanthropy club holds pancake sale for the Dunn institute . . .rebound for tomorrow club sells meats (aka hotdogs, hamburgers) to raise funds for sardar patel vidyala school in india.

Inspired by the whole school’s efforts to support Haiti earthquake victims and after taking an Aerie elective on jewelry making, Lower Schooler Jaime Santoro (front right) made and sold friendship bracelets on campus, raising more than $500. With her are classmates Isabel Moulds, Lily Clurman and Eliza Windsor.

Meeting Street & Wheeler Seventh Grade Friendships Built All Year Long, But Especially At Annual Fun Day Left: Seventh Graders Ian Stellar and Clem Titsworth have fun at the Wheeler Van Norman Field House with their peers from Meeting Street School.

Nearly $2,000 was sent to UNICEF for Haitian Relief raised by campus-wide efforts this year.

photos by Vanessa O’Driscoll 16

A Spring Fair to benefit The Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL) was hosted by the Community Service Committee of the Middle School Student Council. Our mission this year is to support PARL through community awareness and fundraising. The booths and sale items, games and activities raised $300 for our animal friends.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

School News Head to the web for the latest Wheeler News and Awards & Honors throughout the school year. Find it at www.wheelerschool.org/WheelerNews under the School Life tab.

Wheeler radio is honored by lPR

Studio Art student Becca Knisley ‘11 won an Honorable Mention award in Utrecht’s national self portrait contest.

Seth Neel ‘11 qualified for the USA Math Olympiad after advancing from the AMC 12 and AIME examinations. Neel was also featured in a Providence Journal article about his win at the local “Who Wants To Be A Mathematician?” contest (above).

Wheeler Middle School “mathletes” won the RI MATHCOUNTS championship for the sixth time in the last decade. This year, our team held four of the top ten positions in the state and six of the top twenty. Two of our mathletes moved on to represent the State of Rhode Island at the National MathCounts Competition along with Wheeler Coach Tom Wharton, shown above.

Fourteen of the 31 school winners in the 2010 RI Council of Teachers of English Student Writing Contest are Wheeler students.

The Wheeler School and its radio station, WELH 88.1 FM was presented with the 2010 Honorary Lifetime Member Award at Latino Public Radio’s inaugural Community Excellence Awards Celebration, April 22 in Rhode Island. Station manager David Schiano, Aerie director Mark Harris and John Corrigan ‘87 — the alumnus who had the idea to create a radio station in Mark Harris’ office closet while he was a student at Wheeler — were presented trophies and citations at the event. WELH has been on the air as an FM station for more than two decades and was among the first area stations to commit to Spanish-language broadcasting. You can hear it stream at welh.net.

Art Faculty Represent School in 2010 RI Art Education Exhibit

Congratulations to the Wheeler faculty who participated in the Rhode Island Art Education Association (RIAEA) 2010 Educator’s Exhibit – Annie Gillett, Bobbie Berking, Sarah Daughn, Kristin Heynen and Leah Grear. Gillett (left) received Third Place, Daughn (center) received Second Place and Grear (right) received “Best of Show.” Now & Then @ Wheeler

17

Parents Association

Message from the President — Mary Gagnon CP ‘14

‘10-’11 WSPA President Mary Gagnon (right) presents a gift to ‘09-’10 WSPA President Jennifer Thiesen.

Family Recipes Highlight Association’s Faculty-Staff Appreciation Day Get your copy of the popular WSPA Cookbook

at the Wheeler School Store!

18

It seems like yesterday, when I received a call from the parent representative in my son’s Nursery class welcoming my family to Wheeler. This mom called to remind my family that there was a new parent brunch and to tell me to call her any time if I had questions. This was the first of many calls I received from her during the year. That call came many years ago and while the method in which we communicate with parents has changed the message is still the same: “Welcome to Wheeler.” When my family first became members of the Wheeler Community, we really did not understand the role of WSPA (Wheeler School Parents Association) and the impact this group of parents had on the School. Every parent at Wheeler and Hamilton is a member of the Parents Association; plus, there are approximately 80 parents who are members of the WSPA Board. These parents have direct responsibilities and key roles such as executive board member, ad hoc committee member, class representative, etc. The mission of the Wheeler School Parent Association is as follows: • Encourages parents’ participation by welcoming new parents to the class and to the Wheeler Community, nominating parents for roles within the Parent Association Board, mentoring new parents during the year, recruiting parents to volunteer in school activities, and inviting parents to attend Parents Association meetings. • Acts as a liaison between the parents and The Wheeler School by participating in monthly division meetings, communicating on a regular basis with class parents and relaying information that is relevant to both your class and the school community at large. • Serve collectively, as good will ambassadors for the School by being a parent representative. • Host events for social or enrichment purposes such as Parent Connection, Celebration of Reading, Fall Fest, guest speakers, informal parent gatherings, and Faculty/Staff appreciation. • Help to raise funds for the School by volunteering and attending the Big Event Celebration & Clothing Sale, participating in the Annual and Capital Fund campaigns and participating in Eastside Marketplace receipt program. • Assist the Administration and faculty of The Wheeler School when necessary by coordinating with the class teachers and administration, for all special events, parties and class trips. The mission of the WSPA cannot be fulfilled without the help and assistance of every parent at Wheeler and Hamilton. When you receive a call or an email from a member of the Board of WSPA please consider saying yes to volunteering in some capacity during the upcoming year. I began volunteering by bringing snacks to my son’s classroom and attending field trips. Over the years, I have participated in many different roles at Wheeler from being a parent representative, Lower School division chair, assistant treasurer to treasurer. I have also volunteered with the Annual Fund campaign, parent mentoring, and Clothing Sale. All of these experiences have been a wonderful way for me to meet many parents and teachers. In addition, it has given me the opportunity to see first hand why my son enjoys Wheeler so much. Eleven years after receiving my initial call from a Wheeler parent, I received a call from Joanne Carlino, Chair of the Nominating Committee, asking me if I would be interested in being the President of the WSPA for the 2010/2011 year. After many years at the school, I now understood the meaning of accepting this leadership position and was honored to be asked. My goal as president will be to continue with the traditions that have been established in the past but also embrace the new opportunities for the future. Now & Then @ Wheeler

Fox Family Speaker Series Jody Adams ‘75 As a school community with students ranging from ages 3 to 18, Wheeler works to connect all students to a common educational experience as often possible during the school year. Each year an individual is brought to campus to share his or her extraordinary talents and passion for learning with the entire school. During the visit, students are able to attend special assemblies, lunch with the speaker or enjoy individual classroom visits. Past speakers have included Afghan teen author Farah Ahmedi, composer Nico Muhly ‘99, who debuted an original work commissioned by Wheeler; Emmy-winning nature filmmaker Allison Argo ‘71, who premiered her documentary about horseshoe crabs; and award-winning architects Dan Wood ‘85 and Amale Andraos, principals of their international firm work.ac. The series has been so well-received, that it has been endowed as the Fox Family Speakers Series by Wheeler alumni parents Lucy and James Fox, AP ‘03, ‘05. The inaugural speaker for the Fox Speakers Series in 2010 was noted chef, author and philanthropist Jody Adams ‘75, owner of Rialto Restaurant in Cambridge, MA. Adams led a Salon Dinner Discussion for classmates and friends, plus spent the day at Wheeler leading students in a variety of fun cooking assemblies. Left: Jody with her mother, sister Ginny Adams ‘73 and brother-in-law at the Salon Dinner. Right: Assisted by Upper School students, Jody makes her “hippie salad” while answering questions about her career and what it was like to appear on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters competition this year.

Left: Former Upper School Head Michael Brown joined Jody and classmates from 1975 at the Salon Dinner, toasting his former student. Right: Middle School students were game to try their own cooking show and make salads from different cultures.

Left: Jim & Lucy Fox, who have endowed the Fox Speaker Series, with Jody Adams, Dan and Joanna Miller. Right: Jody wades into the audience at a Lower School assembly to answer questions about her favorite food: vegetables! photos by Paul Yacavone

Now & Then @ Wheeler

photos by Pam Murray

19

Class Notes

In Memoriam (reported to the Alumni Office since our last publication)

Mildred Paul Devenney ‘34 4/12/2010

Janice Hough Field ‘39 1/25/2010

Anne Carter Grosvenor ‘41 4/30/2009

Barbara Carr Gale ‘43 Anne Newton Truesdale ‘51 12/22/2009

Jane Motley ‘52 1/31/2010

Sandra Peabody Robinson ‘55 Neilson Kiely ‘98 12/21/2009

1945

Virginia Tripp Gray writes, “‘I had hoped to come to the reunion but John and I have both developed Parkinson’s disease! Everyone says the change in the school is fantastic. I look forward to seeing what has been done-- and driving again if I can get a medical OK.” (Ed. Note: sadly John passed away after this note was sent. Our condolences).

Marilyn Blackall Wheeler writes, “‘I have had another good year here in Florida in spite of a really, really cold winter. It was great for riding which I still do almost every day, but Sunday. I went to a lot of polo matches and to a lot of horse shows as well-- that’s what Wellington is all about! Lots of fun! I still have my dog-- everyone knows my dog (they don’t necessarily know me!), as he is pretty spectacular-- a big, beautiful white Samoyed with an unbelievable fur coat!! My family is all doing well. I have six grandchildren, a boy and a girl in each family-- two out in the working world in the NY-CT area, one at Middlebury College in VT, 20

another going to U.V.M in the fall and two in high school in California! Hello to all at the reunion! Wish I could be there!”

1960

Susan Hastings Agnew writes, “It hardly seems as though 50 years have

1955

Caroline Binney writes, “‘Dear Wheeler, I continue to keep two residences going year-round: my mid town apartment at Columbus Circle at the South West corner of Central Park near Lincoln Center where I have been performing for the past 24 years and my house in the country “Oakleigh” on Rumstick Road in Barrington where I just spent the whole month of May in my private green paradise of fragrant flowers. So far this year 2010 I performed in the Metropolitan Opera “La Bohème,” and “Aïda” shown in 42 countries. I await ABT “Romeo and Juliet,” American Ballet Theatre at the Met, this summer from July 5-10, 2010. I have been seeing my dear cousin Angela Brown (Mrs. Garry Fischer) of Newport, my former Wheeler schoolmate! I see her at the New York Yacht Club concerts that she puts on. Her parent’s family home, Habour Court, in Newport, Rhode Island is now the present summer headquarters of the New York Yacht Club. It is nice to see cousins again.”

Nancy Gernon Homes writes, “I continue to work full time in the library of a large law firm in Madison, WI. Currently I am doing some reading in English Renaissance History as well as a biography of Werner Heisenberg, who developed quantum mechanics in the early part of the 20th century. Daughter Hilary lives in Ottawa, Ontario and works for Amnesty International. Son Christopher is a senior research physicist at Brook Haven National Laboratory on Long Island.” Now & Then @ Wheeler

passed since I last “graced” Wheeler’s halls. However, 11 healthy, active grandchildren help me remember this fact. Hewes and I have both retired but continue to work hard at “grandparenting” and tripping around the world on our tandem bicycle.”

Betsy Behnke writes, “If anyone is interested in a reunion gathering in Hawaii and doing a one-week around the islands cruise, please contact Betsy. I’m on Oahu mid-October through May, unless out in the world traveling. I think Ivy and Nancy will be here. Wheeler has my email address and phone number.”

Faith McClellan LeBaron writes, “It is hard to believe that 50 years ago we graduated from Mary C. Wheeler School! Let’s get together at the reunion and share our life stories and experiences, and what we are doing now.”

1961

Carol Symonds Worthey writes, “Greetings to Wheeler. I just spent some time reading a couple of issues of “Now & Then” and am super impressed. In two years it will be our Class of 61’s Big 5-0 anniversary. WOW! My Classical Music Discoveries “Carol Worthey” show on internet

Stay connected with Wheeler...visit the alumni section of the Wheeler website at www.wheelerschool.org/alumni, fan our Facebook page: www. facebook.com/wheelerschool, join the LinkedIn network http://www.linkedin. com/ or follow us on Twitter @ twitter.com/wheelerschool.

radio (podcast) has been downloaded 5.38 million times worldwide in the first 10 days “on the air” and features an in-depth interview, a concert of my best works and visuals of my paintings. From October to December I have had seven world-premieres of compositions throughout greater Los Angeles and elsewhere by various artists including: Grammy Nominated Violist Karen Elaine, Soprano Valerie Miller, Tubist John Van Houten and in Philadelphia, international concert pianist Beth Levin, a recording in Florence with world-class hornist Luca Benucci. On February 6, 2010 in Glendale, California, two Rostropovich protégés Ruslan Birykov and Maksim Velichkin premiered my “Russian Scenes” cello duo, and I had concerts and premieres of new works scheduled through April in Manhattan, near Woodstock and at the University of Southern California. I am thrilled to be in touch with classmates Sharon (Jenks) Collinson,

Candy Richardson, Lydia Williams and Susie Symonds and welcome more

classmates to contact me at carol@ carolworthey.com and/or find me on Facebook. I celebrated my 29th wedding anniversary to Ray Korns last September and we are enjoying our life together immensely and living in Hollywood Hills. Ray sings Barbershop with his group, Chairmen of The Chord, does computer consulting and website design and keeps busy being my genius webmaster and manager. My sweet and beautiful daughter Megan Worthey will be marrying her long-time beau Nibbs Mourad this coming May in Northridge, California! Ray and I are members of one of the best Toastmaster Clubs in the world, Renaissance Speakers.”

1964

Cheryl Albiston Powell writes, “Thanks to Lucy, Alix, Eliza, Lindsay, Pat, Jo and Nancy for an enjoyable 45th Reunion. We missed all the rest and hope to see you at the 50th.”

1965

Susan Cook Hoganson writes, “This is not a true story but a quip! When I was born in Providence, my Aunt Kaybee Cook was at Wheeler and often served as my babysitter. With all her stories, I longed to go to Wheeler, but, most importantly, I longed to be a “purple” as Kaybee was. So when teams were handed out to my class, I, of course, became a “gold!” Christine Johnston Beehler writes, “I finally graduated from college (UNT in May, 2010 summa cum laude-- I got smarter as I got older). I left Wheelock after my sophomore year but have been plugging away at credits all my life. After a bout with cancer in 2006, I started taking it seriously. Evaluating my life, I retired from my job of 25 years and am having fun! Hope to see many at the reunion!”

Deirdre Byers writes, “We can’t really be old enough to have graduated from Wheeler 45 years ago. Sure doesn’t seem that long. Don’t know about the reunion this Fall. I have a charity auction to do in New York that Saturday. No grandkids, but I have a great-niece who is 5 years old.”

Charlotte Eschenheimer Johnson writes, “I retired as Executive Director of the Rose Island Lighthouse Foundation in 2008 and have been filling my time with volunteer work and family visits. I now have four of the best grandchildren in the whole wide Now & Then @ Wheeler

world— Andrew (10), Fiona (7), Oscar (4) and Simon (born Jan ‘10).”

Emily Greene Waterman Mooney writes, “I’m in my 36th year of teaching. Most of those years I taught physical education, coached field hockey and lacrosse and was an Athletic Director. For the last seven years I have taught Driver Education. I hope to retire in four years. I have a gardening and property maintenance business in the summer which keeps me very busy. I have two children and one grandchild. Son Kit Peabody (35) is married, and a lawyer in Boston, with a daughter, 1, named Aliki. Son Alex Mooney (26) works for CNN in D.C. and goes to Georgetown Law at night. I have lived and worked in VT for the past 12 years.”

1967

Edith Hardcastle Vaughan writes, “Bob and I have realized our dream of living in Maine. He retired from Tabor and is now juggling his many hobbies along with a new role of house husband. I’m working as a physical therapist assistant in a local hospital part time. I’m currently doing inpatient work but may move to home care in January. Life couldn’t be more wonderful!”

1968

Susan Blair writes, “My son Alex Shukis graduated from St. George’s School in June 2010 and will attend Gettysburg College in the fall!”

1970

Deborah Maclean Glancy writes, “I direct a comedy group, Lunatic Fringe, now in its thirteenth season, and perform two different onewoman shows, “Motherhood and continued on next page — 21

Class Notes

Other Desperate Acts,” and “Losing It... and Taking It Back.” I am forever grateful to Judy Pretat for conning me into writing the second version of “Motherhood,” and hiring me to perform it for the first time in 2006. I’m living in New Jersey (outside of NY) with my husband (formerly an actor, currently an attorney) and two sons Ben (17) and Will (15). They are all Yankees fans (one son’s room is painted Yankee pinstripes), so my life is hell.”

1975

Jody Adams ‘75 made it to the finals as a contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters this past spring, earning money for Partners In Health as a result. She also visited campus as Wheeler’s inaugural Fox Family Speaker this spring. See more photos from Jody’s visit to Wheeler elsewhere in this issue.

Spence Waugh Hobbs writes, “We, my 11 year old son, Forester and I are back living in Lit’l Rhody. Barrington of all the places I never thought I’d be. I stay in touch with some old Wheeler alumni, e.g. Pardees, Alison & Sara, Suzy Scher, Jody Adams, and Lindley Boegehold, Susan Wall. I will try to corral them for the 35th. Hard to believe!”

Murray Riggs Meade writes, “I am still teaching at the Atrium School in Watertown, MA. I have a son graduating from college this spring and a daughter going into her sophomore year at college. I am now living in Watertown. It is fun being closer to Cambridge and Boston as an empty nester. I enjoy rowing a few nights 22

Use the online Alumni Directory to reconnect! It’s password-protected at www.wheelerschool.org/alumni. Lost your password? Email us at alumnioffice@wheelerschool.org.

a week on the Charles River. Life is good!”

1979

Kristin Kruger Kight received a promotion to Senior Director for Business Development at Kaleida Health. She began work at Kaleida as Director of Corporate Planning. In her new position, she is responsible for preparing a corporate-wide strategic business development plan for the company, environmental assessments, informational reports, business plans for growth opportunities, and monitoring evolving external trends in the health care industry.

1980

Michele Steckler writes, “I’m still living in NYC with my partner of 12 years, Cathy Grier. Working as Senior Producer with Disney Theatrical Group continues to challenge and thrill, including frequent travels to manage and look after our various productions. I’m really looking forward to our 30th reunion this year.”

1981

Catherine Cuzzone writes, “I was an athlete at Wheeler (competed in lacrosse/tennis) at a varsity level from my freshman year. Also played field hockey and basketball when I arrived as a seventh grader. I graduated from Manhattanville College with a degree in communications /business management and after a brief stint in the hospitality industry, decided to take the GMATS at Brown (my Gramps, Now & Then @ Wheeler

Father, Uncles’ alma mater) then was recruited into a local bank executive management training program. Subsequently, I spent ten years in commercial banking and technology finance. When my father suddenly passed away, also a healthy and fitness minded individual, I decide to go back to my, “Wheeler Days,” being fit and healthy, and undertook the Pilates profession. With 3 studio locations now in Rhode Island, I am the longest standing Pilates business in the state, and, in 2006, after ten years in the industry, I launched the United States Pilates Association with two business partners. We now own exclusive rights to the first/oldest professional Pilates training program globally, and the exclusive rights to the Joseph Pilates’ original archives. In fact, I helped design our web site, www. UnitedStatesPilatesAssociation.com with inspiration from the gold/purple teams back in the day. Also, one of my school mates from the Class of ‘81, CJ Lovett, now an attorney, sent me a picture this fall of us giving a hug with me in my varsity letter jacket. It made me think back to those days, and how largely, due to my Wheeler sports, “legacy,” I had the confidence to pursue such a fulfilling and inspiring profession with Pilates!”

1985

Jodi Stern Blankstein writes, “I live with my husband Jim and our two children, daughter Sydney - 13, and our son Zach - 11, in Needham, MA. My husband has been at BOSE for the last seven years and I have been in cantorial

Mark your calendar for Alumni Day & Reunion Weekend 2010: October 15-17. All Alumni are invited with special celebrations for classes ending in 0’s and 5’s.

school for the past four years. I will graduate this June with a certification in Jewish Liturgical music. For the past 18 months I have been working as a cantorial soloist at the reform temple in RI. All is wonderful!”

Melissa Sherman Leach has two daughters at Wheeler, Samantha in eleventh grade, and Ari in sixth grade. Dan Wood writes, “Our daughter Ayah Helen Andraos Wood was born on April 27th and Amale and I are enjoying first-parenthood in NYC. On the architecture side - just in time for Ayah’s arrival - we are restarting the design of a new Children’s Museum in Manhattan, creating an “Edible Schoolyard” with food activist Alice Waters at a public school in Brooklyn and finishing the drawings for a new public library branch in Queens!”

1987

Kathleen Fallon writes, “‘It’s been a while since I’ve had much contact with Wheeler folk, so pardon any repeat information. I lived in Gainesville, FL, for about 14 years until 2008 when I moved to Rochester, NY, where I teaching in the Counselor Education department at The College at Brockport. I’ve been in the counseling profession for about 15 years, first as a clinician then as a professor. My partner, Elaine, and I married about 10 years ago, and she’s getting her Ph.D. in counselor education as well. John Wood (Lemieux) was in our wedding.

All our kids have fur and walk on all fours - 2 cats and a dog. Instead, we’ve been busy caretaking parents. I hope classmates are well and enjoying their early 40’s! Take care...and if you want to be in touch, email me at kittyfallon@ gmail.com.”

1988

Lynne Michael Diamante is currently Mrs. Rhode Island USA and represents the state in the Mrs. United States Pageant in Las Vegas in July. She is a lawyerexecutive and her daughter, Giulia, will be a second grader at Wheeler this fall.

Danielle Morissette Foley writes, “My family and I moved to Shanghai, China this January for a 2-3 year assignment with my husband’s employer, Campbell Soup Company. The company is trying to launch the Campbell Soup brand here in China, and Chris is in charge of the marketing effort. So far we are having quite an adventure! The kids (Allison, 6 and Liam, 4) are going to an incredible school (Shanghai Community International School) which actually reminds me a bit of Wheeler. They’ve fallen right into place and are having fun meeting people from all over the world. The expat community here is very large--about 50,000 expats living and working here--so it’s been pretty easy for me to meet other people, too. We are really enjoying learning about this vastly different culture and exploring Shanghai. It’s an amazing Now & Then @ Wheeler

city of 20 million people. The shopping is tremendous, too! We are looking forward to exploring Asia while we’re here and recently came back from a trip to Phuket, Thailand where we did some elephant trekking. I hope all is well in Rhode Island. We will be spending about 5 weeks in RI this summer with my parents who recently relocated to Narragansett. If there are any events in July and early August, I will hopefully be able to attend.”

1990

William James Rankin, born Nov 10, 2009 to Sharon and

Timothy Rankin. Cindy McKinnon Hawkins writes, “I am well and living in R.I. with my husband and 7 year-old son. I am looking forward to 20 years and I cannot believe it has been that long!” Paul Corrigan and Brad Walsh, co-executive producers and writers for ABC’s Modern Family were the speakers at Wheeler’s 121st Commencement this year. See the photos elsewhere in this issue and read their speech online at www.wheelerschool.org/ graduation2010. 23

Join the conversation on Facebook. You’ll “LIKE” us at www.facebook.com/ wheelerschool.

1995

Sarah Allen Scoville writes, “I am loving living in the woods outside Boston, staying at home to raise my son Andy (3 years old) and daughter Lucy (6 mos. old), as well as start an educational consulting business.”

Alison McLennan writes, “I will be showing my furniture at Mobilia Gallery in Cambridge MA this summer. You can check out my work at www. ajm-furniture.com”

Kate Gagnon was the editor for Doug Lemov’s book, Teach Like A Champion, which was featured in a cover article in the New York Times Sunday Magazine this year. Kate is with the Jossey-Bass publishing company in their San Francisco office.

1997

Deddeh Jones made the Dean’s List and the Honor Roll, and earned a Certificate of Merit in Contracts I during the Fall Term 2009 at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, her first term of study.

Sang Ju Ryer Miller visited current faculty member Sharon Tatulli and her

husband over the holiday break. Sharon writes, “Sang Ju is enjoying life as a full-time mom and her husband, Eli, works at Seoul National University in South Korea.” They have a beautiful two and a half year old daughter, Selah.

1998

Mitra Shah-Hosseini of Washington, DC, and Markus Rauschecker of Washington, DC, were married September 4 at Oceancliff in Newport by former Wheeler trustee and alumni parent the Hon. Edward Clifton. Elizabeth Shah-Hosseini ‘95, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Suzanne Shah-Hosseini ‘00, sister of the bride, and classmates Gillie Nevel and Danielle Parrillo were among the bridesmaids. The couple honeymooned in Hawaii and make their home in Washington, DC.

Sara Gilbane was named one of the top 20 ‘rising stars of interior design’ in the January issue of House Beautiful and was also featured in February in the online design magazine, Lonny and the May/June issue of Brown Alumni Monthly.

Megan Esposito Devendorf writes, “James and I were married August 30, 2009 in Portsmouth, RI. Rachael Biancuzzo was one of my bridesmaids. We have been living in Berkeley, CA for the past 3 years and have been settling into Boston this past year. We are looking forward to going on our honeymoon in Jamaica this summer.”

2002

Jora Ehrlich gave a talk at the Rogers Free Library in Bristol (sponsored by East Bay Citizens for Peace) in April titled, “ Report from the Dheisheh Refugee Camp, Palestine: A Jewish American Woman’s Eye-opening Journey.”

2005

Bethany Crudele works in CNN’s

1999

Nicole Brissette Jennings writes, “Scarlett Mae Jennings was born January 11, 2010. She weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 20 inches long. She is always smiling and Daren and I can’t get enough of her!”

Washington bureau supporting the production of a number of live shows, including John King USA, The Situation Room and the annual State of the Union. She also produces, reports and writes about news events for CNN and CNN.com, including a winter feature on volunteers who lay holiday wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.

2006

Kassie Garfield was highlighted in

2000

Paolo DePetrillo (blue shirt front row) and a group of fellow Brown 24

University inventors of a sleep metering device were featured on the Today Show! You can check out his product at http://www.myzeo.com/index.cfm

Now & Then @ Wheeler

an article in Ithaca’s Intercom for her success in student quiz bowl. The article reads, “Senior Athletic Training

QUOTABLE: “Some things, like a Monet painting, a classic car, an Egyptian pyramid or ... Wheeler ... become better and more significant with age. This is still the Wheeler I graduated from, this is still the Wheeler I knew.” Lynda Michael Diamonte ‘88

major Kassie Garfield represented Ithaca College in the student quiz bowl held at the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Symposium in Boston, MA. Kassie rallied from 6th place to steal the 1st place trophy and was named the District 2 champion. She is now qualified to represent Ithaca College in the national competition held this summer at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Symposium in Philadelphia, PA.”

Wheeler Farm is site for two alumni outings this spring

2007

Hannah Jansen was selected as a finalist for the 2010 Philbrick Poetry Project Award competition for her manuscript, Great Hot Mess.

2009

Classmates

Emma Sherer and Caitlin Sprague competed with Connecticut College’s women’s rowing team in the Quinsigamond Novice Challenge. The team captured a bronze medal in the regatta by placing third in the 13 team field of competitors, posting a time of 17:32.87 en route to their third place finish.

Alumni-Varsity Softball at the Farm’s new softball field. Front L-R: Laurel Zigerelli ‘10, Jen Chaquette ‘10, Tori Frank ‘09, Shady Reyes ‘10, Nina Frank ’12, Alex Strong ’13, Lindsay Leddy ’08 (& sister), Kercofa Francois ‘08. Back L-R: Coach Jim Bush, Bergina Francois ’11, Jordan Resmini ‘09, Rachael Lewis ’11, Becca Carney ’11, Stephanie Roberts ’12, Laura DiBenedetto ‘13.

Tennis Outing & BBQ Draws Alum Families to Farm Thanks to Chairs Dana Salvadore-Cazzani ‘82 and Ellen Andrade Lopresti ‘82

Now & Then @ Wheeler

25

“Farroba” or “Mama” — one word says it all how wheeler legends are made By Mark Harris, Director of Aerie When I began my Wheeler career in 1972, Mary Ann Farroba was already a fixture at the school, if not quite yet a legend. She was a character, larger than life, who even then generated fierce loyalty from her athletes, her advisees, and their families. Back then she was a full-time member of the P.E. Department, teaching gym classes to all ages and coaching Upper School girls on the basketball and softball teams. The only hint of her future role came at the occasional bake sale, at which plates of mystical brownies and oversized cookies appeared (and quickly disappeared) on a folding table, a hand-lettered sign indicating that proceeds would help purchase new athletic uniforms. Every sale, of course, became a spot to hang out; a Farroba Zone always made kids feel at home. Farroba, as everyone has always called her, got her Wheeler start at the end of an era. The student body was all girls. The boarding department, where I began, was a big part of the Upper School. Sal’s kitchen provided all meals for the boarders and served lunch for everyone else. There were maids and house mothers. Students wore uniforms. There was still farming at The Farm. No one had dreamed up Title IX. Relative to the limited options for girls in public school athletic programs, Wheeler gave them exceptional opportunities and attracted some very strong athletes. Our small enrollment was no handicap to competition with much larger institutions, both public and private. Wheeler had a powerhouse field hockey program (led by the incomparable Julie Baldwin,) and basketball and softball weren’t far behind. A significant number of Farroba’s girls would play on both of her teams, simply switching jerseys after spring break. A number of my boarding students played for her, and I found out early that if I wanted to know how a girl was doing, emotionally or socially or in the classroom, I could save a lot of 26

time by simply asking Farroba. If a girl was under her wing, as an advisee or player, she knew more about that kid than anyone on campus. For some reason Farroba took a liking to this scruffy newcomer and signed me on as an assistant basketball coach and umpire for home softball games. She had a gruff exterior that the newest recruits could find intimidating, but I was struck by how comfortable the veterans were around her. Her coaching techniques were simple. She stressed the basics and let the kids play. She must not have owned a watch in those days, because she put in way more time with her players than practice schedules suggested. She knew the courses each girl was taking and what their grades were. If a player didn’t have a ride Farroba dropped the girl off on the way home. If a girl seemed disconnected, a job would materialize- loading gear into the Farroba station wagon, carrying in food for the sales before school, setting up chairs for a game in Wheeler Hall. Kids always found excuses to hang out near her digs downstairs, doing homework, playing games, talking. Farroba was a surrogate mother to generations of kids. As Farroba’s Student Union outgrew the folding card tables and then the basement of Angell Building and became the provider for the school, her athletic responsibilities had to be reduced. In the late ‘70’s the boarding program was phased out and boys gradually moved in. The boarding kitchen facilities were no longer required, but some kind of food service was going to be needed. Farroba filled the void, and the old Music Room became the place to get sandwiches, nachos, popcorn, bagels, Twix bars, and coffee. The product line expanded, but the homemade feeling was the same. Kids hung out there, and the lucky ones helped out, hauling supplies early in the morning, gaining behind-the-counter status, and basking in Farroba’s stories and Now & Then @ Wheeler

gruff pronouncements and the occasional extra brownie. Grownups hung out there, too, from dads having breakfast with their kids before leaving for work to teachers grabbing coffee and an update on the day’s games between classes. And Farroba’s latest advisees would hang out there too. Some of them were the children of alums who made special requests for Farroba to provide the same watchful eye that they remembered so fondly. Often they were athletes, who needed reminders to pay attention to books and a shoulder to lean on when nobody else seemed to understand their troubles. Farroba’s advisees didn’t fall through the cracks; she’d yell clear across the Union if one tried to sneak out without touching base, and no teacher or coach went very long without giving Farroba an update on her surrogate son or daughter’s progress. The fall after graduation, every one of Farroba’s kids got a care package at college. It’s surprising that the brownies ever made it past the postal carriers. On the first college break each one would show up at Wheeler, sidle up to the counter and hand Farroba a college mug which would be installed on a hook up at the ceiling. At the Alumni Homecoming each year, she holds court at one of the tables under the tent, and her loyal constituents touch base. No matter what the season, Farroba receives a steady stream of letters and cards and photos and invitations about marriages and grandchildren and triumphs and tragedies from her loyal kids and their grateful parents. Time marches on, and Farroba’s been out at The Farm running her Snack Shack for a couple of years. The crowds may be down but Farroba’s still a fixture. Four decades and counting. The fixture long ago became a legend. That loyalty continues today, some 40 years after her students have graduated, and more than one has sent a child through the school, requesting that Farroba be her child’s high school advisor.

See the inside back cover for photos of Mary Ann Farroba over the years, plus save the date information for your chance to honor her with us this fall!

An ‘Institution’ within an ‘Institution’ By Julie C. Baldwin, retired Athletic Director ‘Farroba’ arrived at Mary C. Wheeler School in Fall 1967. I had been coaching field hockey for one year and it was most helpful to have an assistant. Peg Howe, the Athletic Director and Head of the Physical Education Dept. was looking for a p.e. teacher, and an assistant for the basketball team. Little did she know that she was hiring a coach who would be an integral part of the development of girls’ interscholastic teams for the soon to become coed Wheeler School; someone who would continue to touch four decades plus of Wheeler students. Mary Ann Farroba soon became ‘Mama’ Farroba as she nurtured and cared for the boarding students in the ‘60s and ‘70s and later continued as she made American chop suey, chocolate cream pies, special birthday cakes, and cooked breakfast for early morning drop offs, (pleasing working parents to no end)in the Student Union for the now coed day school. Farroba’s passion for cooking and basketball became Wheeler’s asset. Girls’ basketball and field hockey were on the brink of becoming established leagues in the public schools of Rhode Island in the early ‘70s and two Wheeler coaches were active in this movement along with the encouragement of our A.D. Peg Howe. With established programs Wheeler was a strong contender. The parents got on the bandwagon; local games to see, no long trips out of

state, and more evening study time for their girls. Farroba led the basketball varsity to the 1971 East Division Championship and two state finalists teams to follow. Along with the leagues, coaches’ associations were formed. Farroba became the treasurer of the Basketball Association and 30-some years later she still holds that position as well as coordinates the Annual Awards Banquet which has grown to over 300 attendees. Farroba boosted the softball varsity into a public school contender as she was a slow pitch ‘phenom’ and the local schools played slow pitch. Even the infant program at Brown University was no match for the Wheeler gals! In March 2009, Farroba received the Lenore Cranston Service Award for the dedicated effort over three decades to girls’ sports in Rhode Island. She was lauded at the annual R.I. Interscholastic League luncheon at the U.R.I. sports complex during the annual weekend of the Girls’ Basketball Championships. Farroba’s legacy for Wheeler is to stress the care and nurturing of athletes in both academics and sports; to develop the fundamental skills necessary to play the game; to see the importance of being challenged in the diverse public school arenas; and those famous cream cheese brownies can still be purchased at Farroba’s Snack Shack at The Wheeler Farm on game days!

Three words to describe Mary Ann: “passionate, animated, competitive” Cindy Neal, Bay View Academic Athletic Director, who coached against Farroba in the RI State Girls Basketball Semifinals when Smithfield defeated Wheeler.

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Morning Memories By Rob Hafer ‘83

I joined Wheeler as a middle school boarding student in 1977. (Ed: The only male to do so). As I was living on campus with a lot of spare time on my hands, Mr. O’Hara suggested I help Farroba in the Student Union. One thing led to another and I ended up working with her for six years. I’d wake up at “dark-thirty” and head down to the basement of Hope Building to haul milk up from the walk-in freezer, bake cookies in the big ovens, and get everything stocked for the day. There’s was a certain camaraderie among the pre-dawn regulars of Hope Building those days. One memorable spring morning, Farroba picked me up in her Saab and drove us though the sleepy streets of Providence to the warehouse district. We got out and found loading docks teeming with activity. She introduced me to several commercial food vendors and showed me how to inspect the products. We acquired several cases of strawberries, loaded them up in the Saab, got back to Wheeler, and cut up enough for the whole school to enjoy that day. After I entered the Upper School, Farroba recruited me to keep the books and run the scoreboard for the girls basketball team (the first Wheeler boys’ team came years later). We trekked all over the region in the school’s giant blue extended van. Over the years I received more sage advice and practical skills from Farroba than I could in any class. I was fortunate to have several excellent mentors during my school years, but Farroba’s dedication, inspiration, and friendship was a highlight of my experience at Wheeler.

27

Alumni Events Boston, Charlotte, LA, DC, Chicago — Wheeler on the Road is your chance to connect when not in Providence. Join our Facebook page to see the photos as soon as they happen at www.facebook. com/wheelerschool.

Solas in Boston — Wheeler’s Big Event Alumni Chair Suzanne Prescott ‘96 hosted the evening. From left: Lynn Ducoff Belkin ’99, Mathew Loomis ’06, Beth Semel ’06, Andrew Jacober ’04; Suzanne Prescott ’96, Kerci Marcello Stroud ’96, Emma Heffern ‘96; Beth Semel ’06, Mathew Loomis ’06, John Clarke ‘06 (John won the free tickets to Wheeler’s Big Event); Amber Tavares Chaves ’96, Suzanne Prescott ’96, Kerci Marcello Stroud ’96, Emma Heffern ’96, Taylor Reilly Joyce ‘96; David Maceroni ’03, Mathew Loomis ‘06

DC — L-R: Kathleen Koster ’04, Jean Carlson, Kate Lyons ’02 and Lily Gillett ’01, Colin Nagle ’07 and Ifeanyi Egbuniwe ‘01, Renee Schuster Voyta ’81 and Jennifer Flather ‘82; Ben Williams ’01 and Bethany Crudele ‘05; Gus Sandstrom ’94, Kristen and Vince Erfe ‘94

California — Los Angeles: L-R: Gary Mantoosh ’97, Jean Carlson, Taryn Feingold ’97 and Samantha Witman ’97; San Francisco — L-R: Alice Hufstader Moore ’84, Sheri Kahn ’89, David Culbert ’03, Laura Pizzarello Scott ’87, Diane Pattou Wright ’49 and Lauren Balukjian ’02; San Francisco — Laura Pizzarello Scott ’87, Jean Carlson, Alice Hufstader Moore ’84 and Sheri Kahn ’89; Los Angeles — Nancy LaPidus Livingstone ’72, Julie Snyder ’83 and guest and Lori Miller Ransohoff ‘75; San Francisco — Tina Gorski- Strong, Sue Cook Hoganson ’65 and Jean Carlson.

Chicago — L-R: Meryl Bennett ’06, Amelie Granito Tartaglione ’03, Tina Gorski-Strong and Leslie Hornig ’75. Charlotte, North Carolina — L-R: Jessica Flaxman ’92, Cynthia Flaxman Frank ’85, Melanie Perlman Baron ’86 and Margaret Filoon ’81. Boston on June 16 — L-R: Tom Madonna ’04, Ali Lyons ’04, Andrew Jacober ’04, Mike Kapos ’04, Kim Arditte ’04, Erica Kreuter ’04, Molly Bodell ’01, Jean Carlson, Adria Karlsson & spouse Rackham Karlsson. Boston — Laura Robertson ’04, Jean Carlson and Judi Kellenberger Stella ‘66. 28

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Alumni Authors

Pimpneymouse Farm — The Last Farm on Chappaquiddick By Edo Welch Potter ‘44

As someone who has also lived and raised a child on a small island, it was a pleasure to read Edo Potter’s delightful history of the childhood she and her two sisters (Hope ’47 and Ruth ’43) experienced on their family farm on Chappaquiddick; particularly during the years 1932-45. Published by Vineyard Stories, the book is filled with photographs and vignettes about the people, places and animals that have made this very small island a large part of the Welch siblings’ life. — Editor

Twenty Gold Falcons By Amy Gordon ‘68

Quirky characters, adventure, mystery and some typical middle school angst enliven the pages of Amy Gordon’s most recent novel for young adult readers. A hunt for gold coins by a young girl who, with her recently widowed mother, moves from the family farm to the city, takes place in and around the environs of the fictional but fun-filled Gill Park (a place readers of Gordon’s earlier books will recognize.) Gordon’s imaginative plot revolves around a building whose denizens include a a mouse that loves opera and an elevator operator who has decorated her ‘ride’ with a chandelier. — Editor

Chatham From the Second World War to the Age of Aquarius By Debra Aaronson Lawless ‘77

Picking up the history of Cape Cod’s Chatham from the period where her first book Chatham In The Jazz Age ends, Debra Lawless’ latest regional history covers a lot of ground. Numerous well-researched and readable vignettes bring to life the people who lived year-round, summered, retired or worked in the area from 1939-1969. Lawless’s research is extensive and includes archival materials both published and previously unpublished, as well as interviews with many of those mentioned. — Editor

Now & Then @ Wheeler

29

Reunion 2010 Head to the web to see the Reunion Weekend schedule, rsvp and more! www.wheelerschool. org/Reunion

50th Reunion Class: 1960 Faith McClellan LeBaron Purple or Gold? Purple My Favorite Memory of Wheeler: Friends for sure. As a boarder for four years, we all made good friends... to name just a few for me....Mary (Vandy)Vander Veer, Alex Ames, May Vaughn, Sara Keats, Charky Cross and all the boarders in our class, as well as several of the day students. I have very good memories about our glee club and the Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, as well as dance programs and plays. I also have some funny stories about meals in the dining room. Remember the popovers with honey and butter on Sunday mornings? It was nice to live in Providence and be able to take advantage of concerts and plays, and I remember Charky Cross and I walked a few blocks to take ballet lessons, unchaperoned!!! Going to Thayer Street gave us a taste of the rest of the world. I enjoyed writing for the Quill, and we had good English teachers. I hated the dances with the boys’ schools, but I still have a dress I wore to one of the dances...I saved it because I love the dress so much! Field Day at the Farm was always fun, especially the box lunches! And remember May Day dances around the May Pole in the courtyard followed by the cornflakes and strawberries with cream for breakfast? Our uniform was so drab with the brown oxfords, but I remember being excited to go with my mother to the store (what was its name?) on Thayer Street to buy all the blue and white clothes, which eventually got pretty ratty! Mail time at about 10:30 each morning was big ...waiting for letters from home and from boyfriends....The list goes on..... What are you most looking forward to about Reunion? I would love to re-connect with our classmates and hear about their lives. And I am interested in seeing the campus with all the changes that have developed over these 50 years. I don’t know if I want to see where our dorm rooms used to be, they hold so many memories. I wonder if the two reception rooms in Hope Building still have the oriental rugs and mahogany furniture and portraits of Miss Wheeler? Those rooms hold a certain.... anxious? homesick?... feeling in my memory, because this is where we were dropped off by our parents after holidays and weekends away, and we were met by Miss Conary who was not happy if we were late! Back to Reunion...I would like to see the Farm and the classrooms with current, 21st century curriculum and art and music programs. Here’s a message to my classmates: As we enter the late and possibly the last chapter of our lives, it is nice to look back and reconnect and review where we came from and what we have been through. Part of that for me includes Wheeler School where I spent four of my teenage years finding out what I did well and making friends with bright and interesting girls. what has become of us? I hope lots of our classmates will attend our 50th reunion, a big milestone! My path since Wheeler has included: In the end it seems to me that our friends and family make up the core of our lives, along with our accomplishments and interests. I graduated from Sarah Lawrence College in 1964 and went on to be a teacher in elementary school and in early childhood education for much of the next 40 years. My biggest accomplishment was the establishment of The Infant Toddler Children’s Center in 1981 in Acton, MA. This early care and education program is still operating as a leader in the early childhood education field nearly 30 years later. In my 50’s I got a master’s degree in psychology, and continued to work with young children and teacher training until 2004. My husband, John, and I have two children. Our son, Matthew, is a businessman in NYC.. He lives in New Canaan, CT with his wife of 10 years and their four daughters. Our daughter, Jessie, is an artist and gardener in Brooklyn NY. My husband of 43 years is currently a Distinguished Professor of Education at Western Carolina University...(soon to) retire from a long academic career. To mark that passage, we are going to visit friends in Scotland, and then we will spend the next several months at our home in North Hatley, Quebec Canada where my husband’s family lives and where we have a house by the lake! 30

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Reunion Profiles

50th Reunion Class: 1960 Claire Senecal Cabot Purple or Gold? Purple My Favorite Memory of Wheeler: It is impossible to come up with one favorite memory, because I have so many fond recollections . I loved my classmates and rich association with other students. I can not think of history or government without remembering the wisdom and direction of Miss Connery, whose careful tutelage did as much to shape my development as my own parents. Wheeler gave me a love and curiosity for learning which overcame a lot of my dyslexia and has stood me in good stead throughout my life. What are you most looking forward to about the Reunion? There is always a question in my mind as to wether or not an institution has shaped our characters. I want to catch up with my old classmates and ask them how they feel. If anything has been hard for me in life, is having to accept the fact that not everyone grew up with the same values we learned at Wheeler. My Path since Wheeler: The benchmarks of my life have been earmarked by hard work, variety, surprises and gratefulness. I married a week after graduation from Boston University to Niles Helmboldt. He was hired by First National City Bank in the overseas division. We had an exciting life in Panama and then Liberia where our two children were born. Niles, Jr. now 42 and our daughter, Wickes, 41. They are both happily married. At 40, I parted company with Niles, Sr. and lived in Old Lyme, Ct. for the next 20 years. With no specific skills, I set upon an entrepreneurial course which included becoming a handwriting analyst, Realtor and freelance writer. I loved the village life and strong community feeling of responsibility. I was the first woman elected to the Board of Finance, where I served for 20 years. Close to my sixtieth birthday I wrote a story about an Asian man who swam from the mainland of China to Macao. He said to me;” Oh Claire, you turn 60 and your life begin again!” Shortly after that I got a call from the first boy who invited me to the movies, Sam Cabot. He often came to Wheeler when we had dances with St. Marks. We were married in 2006. We have been having a wonderful time with our blended families and six grandchildren. We do a lot of traveling and each serve on several boards. I just finished co-authoring a novel with an old room mate from college and am currently working on a cookbook. Life is rewarding and I am forever thankful for all my experiences, even the tough ones, from which I hope I have learned.

Welcome, Class of 1960 to Wheeler’s Half-Century Club! Any alum who has celebrated her 50th Reunion is welcome to attend the annual Half-Century Club dinner, Saturday, October 16 in Hope Building. Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Reunion 2010 Wheeler remembers you . . .

The Wheeler School Alumni Day, October 15

40th Reunion Class: 1970 Beth Saltzman Aaronson ‘70 Purple or Gold? Purple (still my

Message to my Classmates: Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our reunion. You have an awesome committee of classmates working on it and the weekend will be wonderful. I am loving meeting with the committee and hearing about so many of whom I have lost touch with.

favorite color)   My favorite memory of Wheeler is: Danish Rounders at recess, the costume closet, ski trips, senior play, glee club, Madame Erlenmeyer, learning how to change a tire in 8th grade science   What are you most looking forward to about Reunion? Seeing as many of my classmates as can make it back.   My path since Wheeler has included: legal career, music, art, travel, active volunteering, marriage and three sons, one granddaughter on the way

Please feel free to contact me at lesknowles212@comcast.net if you have any questions or thoughts about the weekend. See you in October.

Leslie Powell Knowles ‘70

25th Reunion Class: 1985 Dan Cohen Purple or Gold? Gold   My favorite memory of Wheeler is: Outing club, those who were there know what I mean What are you most looking forward to about Reunion? Just catching up, although our financial situation most likely will not allow us to make the trip up in October.   My path since Wheeler has included: After leaving Wheeler, I spent a few years bouncing about, Israel (Kibbutz and Army), short stint in college, Car Sales, moved to NYC to pursue acting, came back to Rhode Island with more sales in automobiles and photography, worked in photography for others and then myself, a little more college, a few years in Vermont as a private school teacher and assisting with drug and alcohol counseling, 12 years in the Marine Corps as an Air Traffic Controller, and the last few years as a golf pro shop owner (thatgolfplace.com). All of this time interspersed with different bar tending and restaurant management positions to keep extra cash coming in.  My path has been eclectic to say the least, but I don’t believe anyone expected me to take a traditional path. 32

Now & Then @ Wheeler

Dan Cohen and son Quinn, 5. He also has a 7 month old named Max.

Reunion Profiles . . . We want you to remember Wheeler! & Reunion Weekend 2010 | October 15-17

20th Reunion Class: 1990 Melanie Sagan My favorite memory of Wheeler is: Mr. (Rob) Brown taking us on a field trip to see how beavers live. I remember it was really early in the morning and very foggy. I’ll never forget as we tip-toed through the marsh, as to not scare the beavers, Mr. Brown picked up a dirty old branch and took a big bite. He wanted us to see that we could eat the same food as the beavers. What are you most looking forward to about Reunion? Seeing everyone!

Quotable: “Mr. Brown picked up a dirty old branch and took a big bite. He wanted us to see that we could eat the same food as the beavers.” Melanie Sagan ‘90

Reunion Schedule 2010 Mark Your Calendars, be they virtual or paper ones! Here’s (some of) what you’ll find to do October 15-17 at Wheeler Friday Visit A Class — lead a discussion or just sit and marvel at today’s classroom environment Tour the Campus — you’ll find something new and something old Student Roundtables — share your professional career advice with juniors and seniors Alumni Music Activities — handbells anyone? Alumni Night @ Wheeler — see former faculty & alumni from all class years, not just Reunion and celebrate Mama Farroba. Saturday Fall Family Fest @ the Farm — see the beauty of the Farm and enjoy the free family activity day Class Dinners — pose for a Class Photo, catch up with friends and get your Reunion 2010 souvenir! Sunday Farewell Brunch and watch www.wheelerschool.org/reunion for more activities to be announced! Now & Then @ Wheeler

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Alumni News

The Quill Turns 100 in 2011 Wheeler will celebrate the centennial of its literary and arts publication, The Quill, in 2011. To mark the occasion, The Now & Then At Wheeler will feature a special focus section (and companion website) about The Quill in its 2011 Winter issue next January and we want your memories! Were you a Quill editor? Was the Quill the first publication to publish your work? Let us know. Marcie Cummings, English department member and holder of the Michael C. Brown Faculty Chair as well as a Wheeler alumnus from the Class of 1972, will collect your memories and anecdotes for this special section. Deadline is September 1. You can email her at marciecummings@wheelerschool.org.

Something Irresistible: Songs of Fran Landesman + Simon Wallace is new CD by Shepley Metcalf ‘71 A song written in 1955 that caught the ear of talented jazz singer Shepley Metcalf is the basis of a new cd featuring the first U.S. recording of new works by legendary jazz lyricist Fran Landesman. Metcalf was so taken by the work of Landesman she sought her out in London and met her new musical partner British pianist and composer Simon Wallace. The results are 15 songs that provide a delightful listening experience. — Editor.

2010-2011 Wheeler Alumni Association Executive Board Executive Committee Kimberly (Chazan) Zwetchkenbaum ’83 — President Geoffrey O’Hara ’87 — Vice President Sara Granoff-Schor ’81 — Reunion & Alumni Day Chair Trudy Coxe ’67 — Alumni Giving Chair Nicole (Brissette) Jennings ’99 — Alumni Outreach Chair Susanne (Bowen) Toothaker ’66 — Past President

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Members Susanna Bodell ’77 Alexander Boeglin ’03 Carol (Graves) Cimilluca ’59 Jeremy Isenberg ’94 Catherine (Bateman) Killian ’79 Andrea (Vibert) Kumlin ’76 Kenndra Leary-Poole ’99 Harvey Lee ’86 Laurie (Wilkins) MacDonald ’78 Bay (Kilvert) McClure ’67 Etienne (Granito) Mechrefe ’95 Brooke Odessa ’02 Lisa Samdperil-Davis ’76 Now & Then @ Wheeler

Special Appointment Joan (Murdough) Boucher ‘50 Constance (Payan) Danforth ‘50 Nancy (Haley) Lyle ‘44 Betty Ann (Hacking) Taylor ’43 Sarah (Williamson) Whinery ’65

Alumni In The Classroom

Dr. Janis Baccari ‘87 talks to members of the Biomedical Club about her medical practice.

Robin Squibb ‘63 (left) of Granny Squibb teas, talks to the Film Class about her past job as a script supervisor in film. These alumni visited Wheeler classrooms this spring to share their expertise and advice to students eager to see what paths lead beyond the Wheeler gates. Come to campus and be part of the Alumni In The Classroom program; the benefits work both ways! Contact Sloane DeAngelis ‘86, Wheeler Alumni Director, at sloanedeangelis@wheelerschool.org.

Jazz Singer Shepley Metcalf ‘71 & jazz student Genetta Kah ‘11 during Metcalf’s May visit to a jazz performance class.

Kyle Glass ‘07 talks to Aerie Director Mark Harris about his research studies on Chinese ginseng after his talk on the subject to students. Now & Then @ Wheeler

photos by Sharon Tatulli and Tina Gorski-Strong 35

GRADUATION 2010 Read the speeches, see the photos and more at www.wheelerschool.org/Graduation2010

Photos by Pam Murray 36

Above: Graduation speakers Brad Walsh & Paul Corrigan ‘90; below right Brad with wife Rachel Leonard Walsh ‘91. Below left: Paul with his parents and brother John Corrigan ‘87 after the ceremony. Now & Then @ Wheeler

Join us as we celebrate Mama! Alumni Night @ Wheeler Friday, October 15 Nulman Lewis Student Center Her retirement this year marks the end of an era stretching more than FORTY years. Help us celebrate the career of Mary Ann Farroba — coach, advisor, mentor, friend, and, of course, baker of those amazing eponymous cream cheese brownies — as she joins us as the honored guest at the evening reception on Alumni Day of Reunion Weekend. Alumni from all classes are invited to attend. Learn more from Sloane DeAngelis-Pilgrim ‘86 at sloanedeangelis@wheelerschool.org

Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address with you, please notify the Alumni Office of the new mailing address.

Office of Institutional Advancement The Wheeler School 216 Hope Street Providence, Rhode Island 02906-2246

Fourth graders plant purple and gold potatoes on Field Day in the Wheeler Community Garden at the Farm. Visit it online at www. wheelerschool.org/communitygarden. Photo by Kelly Foss

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