Walt Borisenok P’06 ’08

The Albany Academies Magazine
Fall/Winter 2011
Walt Borisenok
P’06, ’08
and his Children Share their Perspective on
an Academy Education, Hard Work, and
Being a Student-Athlete

The Albany Academies Magazine
2
FACulty Spotlight:
Tim Fitzmaurice
9
Service Permeates
the ACADEmies
Fall/Winter
2011
3
FACulty Spotlight:
Tess McCarthy
10
Andy Rooney
Proclamation
Editor: Ann Wendth, Director of External Affairs
Associate Editor: Ashley Breen, Assistant Director of Marketing
and Communications
Contributors: Nancy Carey Cassidy, John McClintock ’57
Photography: Ashley Breen, Ann Wendth
Design: Evolving Door Design
Printing: Fort Orange Press
4
5
FACulty Spotlight:
Amy Allman
James Caird
Dedication
12
14
Albany Artist,
ACADEmy Friend
News &
Announcements
A2, The Albany Academies Magazine, is published twice a year by the
Marketing and Communications Office and sent to alumni/ae, parents,
grandparents, donors, friends, and other educational institutions. Comments
are welcome and should be addressed to Director of External Affairs,
The Albany Academies, 135 Academy Road, Albany NY, 12208 or email
wendtha@albanyacademies.org.
6
The ACADEmy
Difference
17
New Board Member
Profiles
Board of Trustees (2011-2012)
Bill Belleville ’89
M. Christian Bender ’78 P’13, ’15
Darlene Bilinski P’14
Peter Campito, P.E. ’78
Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15
Eileen M. Considine P’08
Melissa Jarvis-Cedeno
E. Stewart Jones ’59 P’90, ’93, ’97
Eric Lewis, Ph.D ’83
Leslie Morgan Marvin ’61
Robert J. McCormick P’13, ’15
The Albany Academy Alumni Association
2011-2012 Board of Directors
Marcus Pryor ’87 – President
Ray DeMarco ’88 – Vice President
Mark J. Bonavita ’94 – Secretary
Evril Clayton, Jr. ’00 –Treasurer
Thom Besch ’77
G. Todd D’Alleva ’87
Neal Dignum ’03
John Hayes ’87
George C. McNamee ’64 P’12, ’13, ’16
Cornelius D. Murray ’62 P’99, ’05, ’06
Debra A. Nelson P’10, ’13
Monica Kasselman
Oberting ’91 P’19, ’21
Brad Rosenstein ’79
James A. Sidford P’17, ’19
Christine L. Standish ’83
Carol Swyer ’71 P’06
Timothy R. Welles P’06, ’09
Dr. Douglas M. North ’58, Head of School
Danny Kotlow ’93
Brian Lasky ’03
Jay McMahon ’85
Neerav Patel ’96
Chris Sainato ’10
James Tacy ’50
Darryl Teal ’88
7
8
Girls can do
Anything
Leadership
Program
18
28
Front Cover: President and CEO of Fortitech, Walt Borisenok P’06, ’08
CLASS
notES
IN MEMORIAM
The Albany Academies – Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany Academy – are committed
to developing the potential of the whole individual by building a community that fosters
scholarship, leadership, character, service and creativity. Our Compass of Core Values includes
responsibility, self-discipline, compassion, ingenuity, respect, service, integrity and perseverance.
Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Council
Lynne Hutter Kimball ’97, Esq. –
President
Brittiny Belmonte ’04 –
Vice President
Marcia Babcock Aronowitz ’57 –
Secretary
Rosemary Daoud Walsh ’77 –
Treasurer
Suzanne Aronowitz ’00
Michelle Coffey Despart ’89
Staci DiNigris ’00
Dr. Sarah Elmendorf ’70
Kimmey Janco ’81, Esq.
Melissa Kermani ’90
Margaret Lamar King ’65
Jennifer Riitano Levy ’93
Melissa Hoehn Nigro ’90
Monica Kasselman Oberting ’91
Josie Tracey O’Connor ’94
Gina Riitano ’00
Pat Aronowitz Rubenstein ’53
Susan Hengerer Sneeringer ’72
Carol Swyer ’71

Being Part of a
Supportive Community
By Nancy Carey Cassidy P ’13, ’15
President, Albany Academies Parents Association
Barnes & Noble Book Fair
Each school year brings new challenges and opportunities. As we
prepare our students for another successful year, so we must also prepare
ourselves, as parents, to be supportive and a vital part of the Academies’
community. This year has already been a busy one as we welcomed
hundreds of new families to Albany Academy for Girls and The Albany
Academy. Our new Admissions Ambassador Committee – comprised of
parents – was very helpful with making calls, sending emails and adding
a personal touch to the experience of our new families. The involvement
and support by so many people have been remarkable.
Just this year, the Albany Academies Parents Association assisted with or
sponsored:
• The Back-to-School Picnic that brought out nearly 300 parents,
students and faculty
• Special receptions for the parents of seniors at Albany Academy for
Girls and The Albany Academy
• Spirit wear sales comprised of hats, shirts, stadium chairs, shorts, and
sweatshirts to encourage school spirit
• Potluck events for various classes at the home of Head of School Dr.
Douglas North and his wife, Dr. Ellen Cole
• Grandparents & Special Friends Day that welcomed nearly 400
grandparents and special friends of our Lower School students
• The annual Fashion Show & Luncheon that brought together 150
parents, past parents, and alumnae for an afternoon of shopping,
socializing, and seeing the latest of fashions
• An Open House that welcomed 90 prospective families to our
campuses
• The annual Innisbrook giftwrapping sale
• The Barnes & Noble Book Fair that provides books for classrooms
and another opportunity to bring our community together, all to raise
funds for the Distinguished Author Series
• The annual staff and faculty luncheon
In addition, the AAPA provides support for other important initiatives
and programs in the classrooms. Special speakers, authors and musical
instruments – along with support of our language department and
international students – are just some of the requests that have been
funded for the year.
We encourage all parents to get involved, provide feedback, and
offer their talents. There are several new councils still being formed or
revamped such as the Library, Athletics, Arts and International Councils.
We are trying to create a forum at our monthly meetings that educates
parents about topics that impact their children. This will continue
throughout the year and we welcome your suggestions.
The Albany Academies continue to be a special community. Thank you
for all that you do and for your support. Have a wonderful holiday season
and a healthy New Year!
Back to School Picnic
Fashion Show & Luncheon
Senior Parent Reception
Fall/Winter 2011 1
Visiting Artist Series

Tim Fitzmaurice has been teaching at The
Albany Academies since the fall of 2011.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in
English from Saint Michael’s College and a
Master’s Degree in English Literature from
the University of New Hampshire. He also
received a Professional Certificate from The
College of Saint Rose.
Some people may say that fate had a little something to do with Tim
Fitzmaurice becoming an English teacher. After all, many people
that he looked up to with great admiration urged him to go into
anything but English. Thankfully, he carved his own path in life and
decided to pursue something he loved.
He was on track to earn his Ph.D. in English at the University of New
Hampshire when he received an Assistantship position to teach a firstyear
writing course. It was during this experience that he realized how
powerful teaching others could really be, but it wasn’t easy.
“I loved the challenge of teaching young people. There was something
about the way the room changed when students understood a lesson that
made me realize the most useful thing to do with knowledge is to bring
other people along and help them become life-long learners.”
The Assistantship certainly wasn’t the first time he was exposed to the
importance of teaching and sharing knowledge; he grew up in a school
after all. His parents were both teachers and from the time he was six
months old he spent a great deal of his childhood in the music room
located in the basement of the school where his father taught. From an
early age, he understood the importance of education and how acquiring
and sharing knowledge is a life-long practice, a practice he hopes his
students will continue far beyond their time spent at the Academies.
His students look forward to the world of possibilities his classroom
uncovers in developing their passions and their ability to think beyond
the text. By showing students that they, too, are knowledgeable, he
pushes them towards self-discovery, self-reliance, and self-respect.
2
Tim Fitzmaurice
The Albany Academies Magazine

Tess McCarthy
Music is a universal language; it can cross cultures and time
and bond people together in a way that little else can. Music,
when you are in Tess McCarthy’s classroom, can also cause
12-year old boys to cheer and high-five after finally clapping the
rhythm correctly during a song-mapping exercise.
Teaching music isn’t just a job for Ms. McCarthy, it is something
she is passionate about. Even when she is not in the classroom you can
find her singing in local choirs, practicing her instruments, or offering
private voice lessons.
Studying music not only exposes students to a world of endless
possibilities, but it also promotes leadership, cooperation, creativity, and
critical thinking. “When I joined band in Middle School, it was the
first time I was able to work with a group of people as a team towards
one common goal,” said Ms. McCarthy. “It taught me that not only
did the effort of each individual matter, but the effort of everyone
coming together allowed us to create something truly beautiful.”
Even when Ms. McCarthy was young she was influenced by so many
of her teachers. She would often reach out to her peers and younger
students to offer them a helping hand or provide a few words of
encouragement. “Teaching wasn’t just a calling for me; it was something
I always knew I wanted to do. I guess you could say I was born to be a
teacher; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” said Ms. McCarthy.
Her passion and drive allows her to
connect with students and instill in them
such confidence and it shines through
on and off the stage. “Ms. McCarthy is
a very warm and sincere music teacher.
She shares her love and appreciation for
music with the boys allowing them to
perform with confidence and excitement,”
said Megan McMahon P’22, ’24. “It is so
rewarding to watch them learn and grow
with such confidence, thanks to some very
special teachers like Ms. McCarthy.”
Tess McCarthy has been a faculty member at
The Albany Academy since 2010. She teaches
general music and chorus in both the Lower
& Middle Schools. While attending The
College of Saint Rose, Ms. McCarthy played
the French Horn and studied classical singing.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Education from The College of Saint Rose.
Fall/Winter 2011 3

Amy Allman
When you speak to teachers at
The Albany Academies, their
passion for education and
their students are evident. Teaching isn’t
just a job, it’s an inherent part of who they
are and that is certainly true about Dr.
Amy Allman.
Dr. Allman is a person who is always
on the job not because she has to be,
but because she wants to be. “The
Albany Academies, more than any other
institution, is a community, but above all,
it is really a family,” says Dr. Allman. She
encourages her students to take academic
risks and to push themselves to achieve
more than they thought possible because
she knows that the students can. “I want
my students to know they have a support
network surrounding them; and they will
learn and grow by challenging themselves
to do better.”
When Dr. Allman was very young she visited a public library in her
hometown where the librarian was holding a class on origami. She
joined the class and found herself enjoying it. Dr. Allman returned
to the class several times, each time learning a little bit more, until it
blossomed into something she really enjoyed. Origami became a hobby,
something Dr. Allman is happy to share with her students while helping
them incorporate it into math and into their lives in a different way.
“Some of my best days of teaching are when a student doesn’t
understand a concept and I have to figure out another way to teach it,”
said Dr. Allman. “I really enjoy being a part of that and seeing a student
learn and having one of those “a-ha” moments.” As much as Dr. Allman
expects her students to challenge themselves, she expects the same from
herself. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the Academies are so
much more than just another educational institution, but a family of
people who value and appreciate education, made possible by faculty
members like Dr. Amy Allman.
Dr. Amy Allman has taught Science and Math at
Albany Academy for Girls since 2001. She holds a
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Miami University,
a Master’s Degree from Ball State University and
a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Biology &
Chemistry Education from Purdue University.
4
The Albany Academies Magazine

J a m e s
CairD
D e d i c a t i o n
Mr. James Caird ’52 has been a special friend of The Albany Academy for over
25 years. Through his generosity and support, renovations to the Academy –
including Caird Chapel – were made possible, athletic programs have been
enhanced, and so many student-athletes have benefited from new uniforms.
Mr. Caird and his devoted wife, Cindy, have also hosted receptions for alumni
and alumnae at their Florida home and have come back to campus for special
events through the years.
On October 4, we celebrated the Cairds for their continued generosity with
a special ceremony in Caird Chapel. Students, parents, alumni/ae, and friends
– and generations to come—will now enjoy new chairs in the Caird Chapel
donated by Mr. Caird. On behalf of the entire Academies community, thank you.
Grade Three students thank Mr. Caird with letters and pictures
Erik Rayno ’12 presents Mr. Caird with an Academy
football jersey
The new chairs in Caird Chapel
Dr. Douglas North ’58 presents Jim Caird and his wife, Cindy, with a proclamation
Fall/Winter 2011 5

A CADEmy D ifference
As one would expect, Nikki ’08 and
Mike Borisenok ’06’s distinguished
careers in collegiate athletics have
impacted them in many ways and taught
them about teamwork, time management
and a strong work ethic. But equally as
important are the skills and lessons they
learned at Albany Academy for Girls and
The Albany Academy.
“The Albany Academy through its
dedication to a well-rounded program
in leadership, academics, and athletics
gave me the ability to learn how to learn,
gain confidence, and work hard,” said
Mike Borisenok. “Learning how to speak
in front of a group with confidence and
the ability
to think on
my feet have
been the most
useful tools
for me in my
college career.”
Mike is now
a senior
at the University of New Hampshire
where he is pursuing a dual major in
Entrepreneurship and Information
Systems and is Captain of the Varsity
Hockey Team, a Division I powerhouse
hockey program in the Big East.
Mike also launched Greater Than
Sports, an online athletic apparel
company for men, women, and teams,
during his freshman year at UNH in
2009. “I finally started thinking to myself
that within sports there is something
greater than the sport itself. I am talking
about life lessons and experiences.
Whether you are working out or
specifically training, you learn about
yourself and how to push yourself to your
limits. When you are involved with a
team, it’s all about the relationships built
and learning from the ups and downs.
This is why I called my company Greater
Than Sports and why I started the
business.”
Nikki Borisenok is also a senior
attending Ithaca College in Ithaca, New
York and majoring in both International
Business and Marketing with a language concentration in Spanish. “Albany
Academy for Girls had a strong influence on shaping my morals and values.
To me Albany Academy for Girls was not just my high school, it was a
community that enriched my education, pushed me in athletics, and prepared
me for my future. The Academy had a way of making you feel supported in
all of your endeavors,” said Nikki. She plays Varsity Lacrosse at Ithaca and
started in all 16 games as a freshman and was ranked fourth on the team with
29 goals in 2009. She has been recognized as an All-American and received
Honorable Mention to the All-Conference Team during her sophomore year
as Ithaca’s second-leading scorer. “One of my proudest accomplishments is
being a student-athlete. I love my routine of every day waking up early, going
to class, and then having practice. It helps keep me structured and focused.
Seeing the hard work pay off in the classroom and on the field is one of the
most rewarding experiences.”
Nikki and Mike have excelled both athletically and academically due to
perseverance, self-discipline, responsibility, and confidence -- values instilled
in them while attending the Academies but, more importantly, by their
parents, Walt and Michelle Borisenok. They recognize that education was
the key to any success their children were going to have in the future. “When
my wife, Michelle, and I get together with other Academy families we talk
about our kids’ confidence and their ability to communicate effectively and
confidently in all situations with all different types of people, “ said Walt
Borisenok P’06, ’08. “This is what sets the Academies’ apart from any other
school in this area.”
Hard work is something Mr. Borisenok knows about first hand; he is the
Founder, President, and CEO of Fortitech, a highly successful Schenectadybased
company that develops concentrations of various nutrients which fortify
products found in grocery stores around the world. Fortitech was built from
the ground up and now employs 500 people worldwide with offices in Brazil,
Denmark, Malaysia, Mexico, and the United States. “I wasn’t the smartest
kid in high school or college, but I was driven, worked hard, and believed in
myself,” said Mr. Borisnok. He encourages his children to do the same.
“My kids aren’t the biggest, fastest, or most gifted kids but they are focused
and have the confidence to go out and pursue anything they want to; that is
what The Albany Academies encouraged 100 percent of the time,” said Mr.
Borisnok. ”I think one of the reasons why Mike is captain of the hockey team
and Nikki is so successful is because of their confidence and leadership skills.
Mike recently had to give a speech to the Alumni Association of UNH and he
blew me away with his presentation. It all goes back to the Academy.”
Mr. Borisenok served on The Albany Academies Board of Trustees from 2007-2010.
He has also been a member of the Board’s Finance Committee and Marketing and
Enrollment Committee since 2007.
The 6
The Albany Academies Magazine

Remembering
Richard Wallace ’59
P’87, ’91, ’95
By Caroline Mason
Former Head, Albany Academy for Girls
and The Albany Academy
Dick Wallace was the President of the Board of Trustees at
The Albany Academy when I arrived in July of 1993 to become
Headmistress at Albany Academy for Girls. Dick and Betsy
were among the first to welcome my husband and me into their
lovely home for a dinner that ended with blueberry pie that
Tony swears to this day is the best he ever tasted. That was the
beginning of an association that was invaluable in many ways.
Dick’s counsel, graciously given but never imposed, was
a critical factor in the successful merger of AA and AAG.
Buoyed by Bill Swire’s treatise on collaboration, Dick was
a quiet, but eloquent champion of a heightened level of
cooperation that would eventually lead to the formation of the
new entity. Without Dick’s imprimatur, I could not possibly
have gained some essential support of the skeptical alumni
and wary faculty who questioned the wisdom of appointing a
woman to lead their school. Or perhaps it was the particular
woman in question! At any rate, Dick worked effectively in
the background, listening respectfully to the impassioned
points of view, never shouting over the raised voices of others
around the table. He and I would meet periodically to discuss
over breakfast the challenging issues before us, at which time
he would often give me helpful feedback or the lead on a
prospective donor (fiercely maintaining,
however, the privacy of his clients).
Dick was the consummate gentleman,
intelligent, handsome, elegant,
impeccably well-mannered, and so very
thoughtful. How happy I was for
him when he and June found each
other, which makes his untimely
death even more sorrowful. My
heart goes out to her and to their
children and grandchildren. As
Shakespeare said so beautifully,
Call for
nominations
Nominate an outstanding alumnus or alumna that has
graduated between 1991 and 2011 and is distinguished
in his /her career or community. This is the first year for
The Outstanding Young Alumnus and Alumna Awards
which will be presented during Reunion Weekend.
We are also looking for nominations for the
Distinguished Alumnus and Alumna Awards. Nominate an
Alumnus or Alumna who exemplifies the philosophy of
Albany Academy for Girls or The Albany Academy.
Please submit your nomination for Outstanding Young
Alumnus/a and/or Distinguished Alumnus/a Award
by February 1. Visit the Alumni/ae Portal for more
information, or call (518)429-2425.
His life was gentle, and the elements
So mix’d in him that nature might stand up
And say to all the world, “This was a man!”
Julius Caesar, Act V, Scene V
Fall/Winter 2011 7

Leadership
Program an
important
part of
character
development
President of the
Rensselaer County
Regional Chamber
of Commerce
Linda Hillman
Have your core values in place that you learned at the Academies.
Be disciplined and manage your time wisely. Be grounded and know
who you are. These were just three pieces of advice provided by Jodi
Stein Emmott ’05 and Heather Stein ’05 to the tenth grade class at
Albany Academy for Girls during their Leadership Program this past
fall. The Stein twins from the AAG Class of 2005 were invited to speak
to the students about becoming entrepreneurs, working hard to achieve
leadership positions, and maintaining integrity. They are the owners of
Clearly Yours located in Latham, NY.
The newly revamped Leadership Program - based on The Albany
Academies’ mission and compass of core values - has been an important
part of the character development of our students. Its focus on integrity,
responsibility, compassion, service, respect, perseverance, self-discipline,
and ingenuity is something that permeates both campuses beginning in
the Lower School. There are special assemblies and service projects held
throughout the year in all divisions that emphasize the core values and
respect for everyone.
In the Upper School, students at Albany Academy for Girls and
The Albany Academy meet once in the six-day cycle and learn how
to “become” leaders by providing them with activities to engage in
and develop the skills of self-reflection and facilitating a practical
understanding of leadership. Speakers are also invited to the classes
periodically - including CEO’s and successful business and community
leaders - to convey several messages, including articulating his or her
personal definition of leadership and describing what it is like to lead
on a daily basis. The course is led by Associate Heads of School Wendy
Muhlfelder and Scott Milliken, Deans of Students Brian Fruscio and
Pam MacAffer, Preschool - Grade Eight Director Jeff Brown and
Director of External Affairs Ann Wendth.
Q
Owners of Clearly Yours
Jodi Stein Emmott ’05
(at left) and Heather
Stein ’05
8
The Albany Academies Magazine

+A with Tess Palladino ’12
How long have you been involved with the Ronald
McDonald House?
I started working with Ronald McDonald in tenth
grade as a member of the Teen Ambassador Program. I
became a member of the Teen Board in eleventh grade,
and I am now currently President of the Board.
How has your experiences at the Academies prepared you for your
leadership role with the organization?
Due to Academy’s size, everyone has the opportunity to be a leader
in one way or another -- whether it is in a class, on the field, or in a
club. Working on so many group projects throughout the years has
helped me learn how to be an effective communicator and organizer.
My experiences with sport teams and clubs have taught me what it
takes to be a successful leader in any type of situation and group. I
have also had great teachers and club advisors that have helped me in
my leadership roles.
What are some of your responsibilities as President of the Teen
Board?
As President, I develop the Teen Board’s meeting agendas, run
meetings, and am responsible for the overall activities of the Teen
Ambassadors and Board. The President is responsible for keeping
an up-to-date record of goals and outcomes of the Teen Program. I
also attend the adult board meetings, report on the activities of the
Teen Board, organize and execute fundraisers, participate in service
days, lead group tours of the House, and spread overall awareness
for the organization. Personally, my favorite fundraiser of the Ronald
McDonald House is Caroling for Kids, an event that provides each
group of carolers with a collection box, lyrics to holiday songs, and
descriptions of the cause to distribute prior to the caroling event.
My goal is to increase participation for this fundraiser this year.
Not only do the donations go to a fantastic organization, but it is
also a really fun activity to do with a group of friends. For more
information regarding Caroling for Kids, contact either Tess Palladino
at palladinot@albanyacademies.org or call Tina Woodward at the
Ronald McDonald House at (518)438-2655.
Service
Permeates the
Academies
Why is it important for people to get involved in their
communities?
I think giving back to our community is critical for anyone that is
capable. It’s incredible how many people need assistance, just in this
area alone, and every helping hand counts. I think it’s important to
instill not just the need, but the want to volunteer at a young age.
Fall/Winter 2011 9

Opening Doors
…Creating Opportunities
How can I
give?
You can give in
many ways...
• Cash, check or credit card
• Gifts of stocks or
securities
• Planned gifts or bequests
• Corporate Matching Gifts
– check our website to
see if your company has a
matching gift program
• Make your gift online at
albanyacademies.org.
Albany Academies -- Albany Academy for Girls & The Albany
Academy -- are grateful to the continued leadership and support
shown by the many alumni and alumnae, parents, grandparents,
faculty, staff, and friends who have helped lead The Albany
Academies into a third century of greatness.
Your commitment to the Academies supports the distinctive
qualities that define the Academy experience. As a donor, your gift
sends the message that you believe in the value of an Academies’
education. In fact, 100% of our faculty and staff made a gift to
the Annual Fund again this year—sending an incredible message
about their commitment to the Academies.
The Annual Fund helps make the Academies a special
place every day by bridging the gap between tuition and the
actual cost of educating a student, covering operating costs for
our outstanding facilities, and helping to pay for the unique
programs, extracurricular opportunities, and gifted teachers. Every
gift is significant and makes up 10% of our operating budget.
Thank you for opening doors and creating opportunities for
Academies’ students – our most treasured asset.
The Albany ACADEmy for Girls Alumnae Association Legacy Scholarship
The Alumnae Association of Albany Academy for Girls has announced the establishment of the AAG Alumnae
Association Legacy Scholarship. Once fully funded, the scholarship will support a well-rounded student, in need
of financial assistance, whose mother or grandmother is a graduate of Albany Academy for Girls.
A reception in celebration and support of this scholarship will be held on February 8, 2012 in the AAG
Silipigno Athletic Facility Foyer. Invitations will be mailed soon.
Please contact Alumnae Council President Lynne Hutter Kimball ’97 at lhutter@gmail.com or (518) 439-8563
with any questions.
10
The Albany Academies Magazine

A Proclamation in Honor of Andrew A. Rooney
The Albany Academy Class of 1938
Whereas, Andrew A. Rooney was a noted writer and esteemed alumnus;
Whereas, Mr. Rooney served as commencement speaker in 1968
and 1998, delivered the final reading of Moby Dick at the Melville
Symposium in 2007, and opened the Alumni/ae Lecture Series in 2008;
Whereas, Mr. Rooney was the recipient of The Albany Academy
Distinguished Alumnus Award for his lifetime of service in 1976;
Whereas, Mr. Rooney always fondly remembered the faculty of The
Albany Academy, especially his beloved teachers, Lyman B. (Beanie)
Owen and Herbert Hahn, whom he credits for inspiring his love of
English and writing;
Whereas, Mr. Rooney made enormously important contributions to
The Albany Academy, not only through his generosity, but by his word
and deed, reflecting the tremendous impact of his experiences at the
Academy;
And Whereas, Mr. Rooney will be remembered as the trenchant but
beloved grandfather to our entire nation and an enduring spokesman
for “the greatest generation” as the next six decades unfurled;
Now, therefore, let it be known that he
will be missed and mourned by many, but
never more poignantly than here at the
Academies, “school that he loved.”
The Board of Trustees and Board of
Overseers of The Albany Academies declare
Andrew A. Rooney a Member of The
Albany Academy Honor Society of the
Second Century.
Signed this 7th day of November 2011,
E. Stewart Jones, Jr. ’59
President, Board of Trustees
Dr. Douglas M. North ’58
Head of School
The Academies community gathered to
remember Andy Rooney during a special
ceremony held on November 7. Dr. North
delivered a proclamation to students,
alumni/ae, faculty and staff, recognizing the
many contributions Mr. Rooney made to
The Albany Academy, “school that he loved.”
Mr. Rooney reflected back on his Academy
days fondly saying in his final 60 minutes
interview, “I went to a very good school,
one of the best schools in the country,
The Albany Academy…”
Fall/Winter 2011 11

Top: Asa W. Twitchell, “Self Portrait,”
1884. Archives and Collections of The
Albany Academies
Bottom: Twitchell Residence in 1894,
courtesy of Albany Institute of History
and Art
Albany Artist, ACADEMY Friend
By John McClintock’57
A
ll my youthful years, on the way into town from
Slingerlands in my parent’s car or by bicycle, I passed a
large white wood frame house on New Scotland Road’s
south side, about a half-mile up the hill from Normans Kill. I never
wondered how old it was, who lived there, or what was its story.
In truth, it has a great story. It was the home and last studio of Asa W.
Twitchell, painter of portraits and landscapes, member of the prestigious
“Albany Group” denoted as sculptor Erastus Dow Palmer, Twitchell,
George H. Boughton, and Walter Launt Palmer.
I recently realized that Twitchell has a close connection to the
Academies. My predecessors in the writing of Academy history and the
care of Academy archives knew this, but I had the pleasure of peeling
away ignorance with the process of investigation and discovery. I knew the
Academies hold some of his portraits. The enlightening moment arrived
when I put Twitchell’s portrait of Justice Stephen J. Field into the hands of
conservators at Williamstown Art Conservation Center and learning that
they had others and knew of a portrait he did early-on in the life of one
Herman Melville. It was high time to pull the whole story together.
Asa W. Twitchell, Jr., was born in New Hampshire, January 1, 1820.
When he was ten, his parents settled in Lansingburgh, New York. Asa
Senior set up shop as a wheelwright. Young Asa learned the trade, painted
carriages, and attended nearby Lansingburgh Academy.
Maria Gansevoort married Allan Melville on October 14, 1814, in
the North Dutch Church (First Church, Dutch Reformed) in Albany.
Herman Melville was born August 1, 1819 in New York City. At age
seven, Herman was sent upriver for the summer to his uncle, Judge Peter
Gansevoort. The Melville family returned to Albany in 1830. Herman
enrolled in Albany Academy on October 15, 1830, for English grammar,
arithmetic and geography. His brothers Allan and Gansevoort also
attended. His four sisters attended Albany Female Academy. When his
father’s business went bad, Herman was withdrawn. At Allan Sr.’s death in
1832, Gansevoort Melville left school to run the business in fur hats, capes
and coats. Herman returned to the Academy for one year of Latin study
in September, 1836. Then, the Panic of 1837 killed the Melville enterprise
entirely. The family moved to River street in Lansingburgh in 1838.
Herman Melville took engineering and surveying at Lansingburgh
Academy. Unable to find related work with the Erie Canal, he went to sea
on the Acushnet, a whaling vessel out of New Bedford. At the Polynesian
harbor of Taio Hae, the ship received natives bearing gifts, in fact, baring
12
The Albany Academies Magazine

Profile of Asa Weston Twitchel
all. Herman jumped ship. The rest is history, or rather literature. See his
first novel, Typee, A Peep at Polynesian Life (1846).
Asa Twitchell was a self-taught artist. He painted his first portrait in 1839
and some of his first themes were religious. He gravitated toward portraits,
emphasizing personality, character, and revealing in the subject’s face and
gaze a characteristic of his or her inner energy. Twitchell married Nancy
Simons of Lansingburgh in 1841. In 1843, they moved across the river to
Albany. Twitchell set up his first studio on Canal street in 1845.
Between 1838 and 1841, Twitchell and Melville were in the village of
Lansingburgh together and some accounts say they met at Lansingburgh
Academy and were friends. Melville had no cause to have a portrait painted
before the success of Typee. In 1846-47, however, that was a fact, and so
was an engagement to Elizabeth Shaw of Boston and a trip for patronage to
Washington where Melville met two New York men (courtesy of his uncle’s
introductions): William L. Marcy (former governor and then Secretary of
State) and John T. Dix (then senator, later governor). Upon his return to
Lansingburgh, Melville sat for Twitchell with the following result.
Twitchell’s most famous studio was at 57 North Pearl street, above
Annesley Art Store. He was established there in 1874. Annesley’s was a
meeting place for artists. It was also close to Albany Female Academy at nr
40-42. The Academy’s 150th Anniversary publication indicates Twitchell
was a teacher there. I have not found him listed in school directories, but
the Archives does have a list of his paintings once stored at the school on
North Pearl.
Asa Twitchell painted many famous men including nine
governors of New York and seven state Supreme Court justices.
Albany Institute of History and Art owns over thirty Twitchell
portraits and landscapes.
Asa Twitchell and Erastus Dow Palmer were close friends as
well as associates in the Albany Group. In later years, the two met
often at Annesley’s as recorded in this charming photograph held
by the Institute.
The two friends died six weeks apart, Palmer in March,
Twitchell in April, 1904. This closed an aesthetic period
important to Albany and its Academies. His brush sensitive to
the inner life of his subjects, Asa Twitchell, “a man of singularly
beautiful character” still shares with us his prodigious work and
appreciation of the character of the men and women of our city.
Herman Melville by Asa Twitchell c. 1847,
courtesy of Berkshire Athenaeum
Erastus Dow Palmer (Sculptor) and
Asa W. Twitchell (Painter) in Annesley
Art Gallery
Photographic reproduction Albany
Institute of History & Art Library,
PC19_00140_MPC_285
The above piece is an excerpt from a paper by John McClintock with notes and bibliography. The full article is
available upon request. Due to restrictions by the owners, the images in this article may not be reproduced.
Fall/Winter 2011 13

The tradition of Community Service Day continues
On October 21 students joined together to make blankets for the Ronald McDonald
House, harvest vegetables from Patroon Land Farm for the Regional Food Bank, and
work on other projects that will have a lasting impact on our community during the semiannual,
campus-wide Community Service Day.
Alumni/ae Speaker Series welcomes
back accomplished alumna & alumnus
Dr. Gordon Livingston ’56 and Patricia
Sutin Dowse ’63 (pictured above) shared
their experiences and wisdom with The
Albany Academies community on October
3 and November 2, respectively, as part
of the 2011-2012 Alumni/ae Speaker
Series. Dr. Livingston is the author of the
bestseller, Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart and
Mrs. Dowse is the owner of Erda Inc., a
successful handbag design company.
The Albany Academies sponsor the
“Back to School Expo”
The Albany Academies teamed up
with other local organizations to
promote educational, hands-on STEM
demonstrations and exhibitions at the
“Back to School Expo” on September 10.
More than 500 expo attendees visited the
Academies’ booth and designed threedimensional
figures using Google Sketch-
Up with Director of Technology Mark
Eisenhardt (pictured below).
Pictured from left to right are: Bob Sharlet ’53, Skip
Meislahn ’56, Tod Wing ’56, Gordon Livingston ’56, Dr.
Douglas North ’58.
Bestselling Author Rachel Simmons
visits the Academies
The James L. Muhlfelder ’66 Lecture Series
welcomed Rachel Simmons (pictured at
right) on October 26 as its inaugural speaker.
The series was established in memory of
James L. Muhlfelder ’66, a beloved member
of the Academy community who earned
great respect for his acceptance of all types
of individuals, and the late husband of AAG
Associate Head of School Wendy Muhlfelder
’67 (pictured at left).
14 The Albany Academies Magazine

The AAPA hosts annual Fashion
Show & Luncheon
Sponsored by the AAPA, the annual
Fashion Show & Luncheon held on
November 13 provided an opportunity
for current and past parents, students,
alumni/ae, faculty and friends to gather
for an afternoon of shopping, a fashion
show, and a special presentation from
Keynote Speaker Susan Wagner, President
and Founder of Equine Advocates. A
wonderful time was had by all!
Head of School in the community
Dr. North was one of six recipients to
receive a Third Age Achievement Award –
sponsored by the Senior Services of Albany
– on November 15 for his significant
contributions in the field of education.
He was also the featured luncheon speaker
at the Fort Orange Club in Albany
on November 30 and was voted in on
November 30 to a three-year term on the
Board of Directors of the Albany-Colonie
Regional Chamber of Commerce, one of
the largest chambers in the Capital Region.
Pictured at the event from left to right are: Adelaide
“Addie” Muhlfelder ’37, Christine Standish ’83, Dr.
North ’58 and his wife, Dr. Ellen Cole, and Susie
Sneeringer ’72.
Students receive important environmental lesson working with the DEC
On October 18, students in Grade Five at AAG (pictured above) participated in a “Day
in the Life of the Hudson River” with the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC). Students collected scientific information and shared it with the DEC
to help portray the ecosystem of the Hudson River.
Donors recognized during Scholar
Luncheon
The Albany Academies recognized our
very special donors at a luncheon held on
September 25. These individuals – through
endowed scholarship funds – support 52
students at the Academies. Their generosity is
most appreciated and provides opportunities
to future generations of students.
Pictured are Kim Verstandig P ’16, 17,18, Mary Wren, (the
Virginia O’Cain Wren Scholarship) and Christopher Wren.
Fall/Winter 2011 2010
15

Grandparents & Special Friends Day larger than ever!
Nearly 400 grandparents and special friends spent the day creating memories with their
grandchildren and friends. Guests enjoyed a special breakfast and participated in classroom
activities, but the highlight of the day was the Lower School Halloween parade where
students transformed into fairytale princesses, action heroes, and scary goblins.
Pictured are Chloe Hanifin ’24 and grandparents Robert Blackman and Martha Voorhess Blackman’67 P’89,’92 (at
left) and Dan and Janice Hanifin (at right).
Alumnae Council inducts six alumnae
into Athletic Hall of Fame
The Alumnae Council inducted six
remarkable women into the Albany
Academy for Girls Athletic Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to (pictured from left to
right) Katie Riitano McLaughlin ’95, Caryl
Newhof ’44, Sara Donnaruma Howard
’94, Kathleen Murphy ’78, Jessica DeRosa
Davos ’98, and Stephanie Collins Finn ’05
for being recognized as the newest members
of the AAG Athletic Hall of Fame!
Students perform in “Kiss, Then Tell”
The 2011-2012 theatrical season at The
Albany Academies began with the fall
production of “Kiss, Then Tell,” a series
of very short romantic comedies written
by Theatre Department Chair Greg
Cummings.
Pictured are Grayson Allman ’12 and Sara Penna ’12.
Pictured from left to right are: Marcus Pryor ’87 P’15, Mark Bonavita ’94,
Danny Kotlow ’93 P’22, Dr. Douglas North ’58.
Pictured at left are Robin
Cooney P’ 18, 19 and
her children.
Homecoming
celebrated in style
Students, parents,
alumni/ae, and friends
gathered on September
23 and 24 to celebrate as
a community by cheering
on their favorite athletic
teams, reconnecting
with friends during the
tailgating, or attending a
very special AAG Athletic
Hall of Fame Induction
ceremony. Many of the
attendees were sporting
their new AA and AAG
spirit wear!
16 The Albany Academies Magazine

New Board Members
We welcome the following new members to The Albany Academies Board of Trustees.
Bill Belleville ’89
Mr. Belleville is a Director in the Private Banking division
of Credit Suisse in New York City. He assists wealthy
family groups and foundations with their estate planning,
asset allocation, and investments. Prior his tenure in
private banking, Mr. Belleville attended the University of
Pennsylvania where he received an MBA from the Wharton
School and an MA in International Studies from the School
of Arts and Sciences. Before graduate school, he spent four
years working in derivatives trading at Merrill Lynch, Cantor
Fitzgerald, and First Continental Trading. Mr. Belleville
was born and raised in Albany and attended The Albany Academy from Grade Five
through graduation. He earned his undergraduate degree in Economics from Cornell
University and holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Cornelius D. Murray ’62
P’ 99, ’05, ’06
Mr. Murray is a senior partner with O’Connell and
Aronowitz’s Health Law practice. He is also supervising
partner of the firm’s Appellate Law, Constitutional Law, and
Indian Gaming practices. He has represented many clients
in the health care industry and is currently General Counsel
for the New York State Health Facilities Association where he
focuses on issues involving complex Medicare and Medicaid
reimbursement issues, regulatory compliance, and certificates
of need.
In addition, he has lectured widely on legal matters affecting the health care industry
and on administrative law. He has served as Chair of the Administrative Law
Committee of the New York State Bar Association and as Chair of the Legal Task
Force of the American Health Care Association.
A Fellow of the NYS Bar Foundation, Mr. Murray is a past president of the Albany
County Bar Association and is currently a member of the Albany County, New York
State and American Bar Associations, the New York State Bar Foundation, as well as
the American Health Lawyers Association. He is listed in the publication “The Best
Lawyers in America.”
Mr. Murray is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and a cum laude
graduate of Harvard University. He is admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme
Court, U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, all U.S. District Courts in New York
State, and all New York State Courts.
If you aren’t already a Fan of The
Albany Academies Facebook page,
then you’re missing out on Trivia
Wednesday! How well would you
do answering the weekly trivia
questions? Test your knowledge
with these past questions:
Who presided at The Albany Academy
cornerstone-laying ceremony on
November 21, 1929?
Two team sports had become popular
at Albany Academy for Girls by 1910.
What were they?
The first team sport at The Albany
Academy to compete was in 1886.
What sport was it?
Which came first, the Alumni or the
Alumnae association?
A maple tree – planted in front of The
Albany Academy by the Ten Broeck
Chapter of the National Society of
United States Daughters of 1812 – is
dedicated to what famous American?
Which AAG class was the last class to
graduate from the old AAG building
located on Washington Ave?
Answers: FDR, Baseball & Basketball, Baseball, Alumnae
Association in 1841, George Washington, Class of 1958
Don’t miss
another Trivia
Wednesday.
“Like” us
today!
Fall/Winter 2011
17

*Classes not listed need a class secretary!
If you would like to volunteer please contact
the Alumni/ae Office at 518-429-2425 or
binneyc@albanyacademies.org.
1936
Herbert Shultz
62 Lounsbery Place
Kingston, NY 12401-5228
1937 75th Reunion
Dr. E. Wayne Wilkins, Jr.
240 South St. PO Box 593
Williamstown, MA 01267
ewwilki@adelphia.net
Adelaide deBeer Muhlfelder
14 Hickory Drive
Slingerlands, NY 12159
adebm@aol.com
AAG’37: I am sad to report the death of two of
our esteemed classmates – Janet Walker and
Peggy Mulleneaux.
Janet was a great raconteur and often regaled
us with stories of trips abroad with her father.
Throughout her life whether in Albany or Winter
Park, Florida, Janet gave unstintingly of her time and
energy to her church and worthwhile community
projects. In 1960 she received the Junior League
Volunteer Award of the Year and in 1997 the AAG
Distinguished Alumna award.
Peggy in our senior year was the editor-in-chief
of the Academe and continued her literary interest
as a reference librarian for over 40 years. In the
1937 Commencement Issue of the Academe the
write-up of Peggy said “we will remember her
sympathetic manner, her dry humor, her cultured
voice, and her level-headedness.” We can say the
same today.
1939
AA’39: STEVE
LEWIS and his family
gathered in Lake
George to celebrate
his 90th birthday
in July. Pictured are
Steve with son,
STEVE LEWIS III
’66, grandson STEVE
LEWIS IV ’94 and great-grandson Steve Lewis V.
1940
Frank J. Williams, Jr.
PO Box 477
Altamont, NY 12009
Elizabeth Aufsesser Sonneborn
56 Mohawk Trail
Slingerlands, NY 12159
bsonneborn@juno.com
1941
Harry Taylor
420 Sand Creek Road #229
Albany, NY 12205-2716
vhtaylor1@nycap.rr.com
Janice Sharp Adkins
1611 Cold Spring Road
Apt. 219
Williamstown, MA 01267
granadk@gmail.com
1943
Austin A. Woodward
28 Woods Hill Road
Voorheesville, NY 12186
awoodward734@yahoo.com
Elizabeth White Christenson
23 Glen Washington Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
bettychristenson@gmail.com
1944
Robert Olcott II
67 Mead Road
Nassau, NY 12123
olcott@fairpoint.net
1945
James H. Scholtz
925 New Garden Road
Apt. 2305
Greensboro, NC 27406
1947 65th
Shirley Stevens French
325 Loftlands Farm
Earlysville, VA 22936
shirlfren8@aol.com
1948
Mary Shear Brennan
2830 W. Old State Road
Schenectady, NY 12303
saranacmary@yahoo.com
Reunion
1950
Carole Koblantz Deitcher
79 Harris Avenue
Albany, NY 12208
carolekd@aol.com
Helene Fuller Wasson
125 Winne Road
Delmar, NY 12054
1951
Andrew C. Holmes
36 Cod Cove Farm Road
Edgecomb, ME 04556-3025
cruises@gwi.net
AA’51: Gordon Ackerman reports that
his son, Christopher, died tragically in an automobile
accident in Lohja, Finland, in July. Chris was 29. He
was a musician, and led the heavy-metal band
Misanthropy for which he composed, played and
sang.
Carol Conners O’Brien
31 Sage Hill Lane
Albany, NY 12204
cobrien@platform9.com
AAG’51: HANNAH MYRICK BABCOCK is in
Austin, TX, where her children and grandchildren
reside. Some have gone to the University of Texas,
but her granddaughter attends Texas A& M. She
has been reading about our weather in the East!
They have had NO rain! Not a cloud in the sky!
Shouldn’t we share?
LEE METCALF BENNETT came the farthest
for Reunion - London no less. We were delighted
she could make it. It was so wonderful to see her.
Her new plans might include writing a book! How
exciting! Can’t wait to read it.
PHYLLIS LAVINE BERK regrets that after all
her advance planning, she was unable to attend
our 60th Reunion at the last minute because of
multiple family health problems. She very much
wanted to see everyone again at the Saturday
luncheon and take part in the memorial gettogether
for Linda Mandelbaum Caigan
and our other classmates who had passed away.
Ever the optimist, she hopes to make our 65th!!
Everyone please stay well!
JOAN MINAHAN DAVIS and husband Dan
are in the traveling mode. They had a wonderful
time visiting a good friend in Puerto Rico, and are
now on their way to Dan’s 55th reunion from
RPI where they will join forces with his former
roommate.
SUSANNA WALDBILLIG HENDERSON’s
life seems to be a mixture of joy and regret these
days. “Joy for our 60th Reunion and regret that I
18
The Albany Academies Magazine

have spent so much of my life so far away from
my classmates and have missed the treasure of
being near them and knowing about their lives. Our
Waldbillig family is looking for a buyer for the farm,
since we are all too old to take care of it. Again
joy and regret. My life flourishes with Yoga 3 to 4
times a week, hiking with the dogs, rooting about
my garden, keeping my radio programs interesting,
maintaining my passion for Major League baseball
in the Summer and in the Winter shouting to the
skies that I will ski until age 86.
CAROL CONNERS OBRIEN – “Nothing much
new since the last time. Everyone is great, so that
makes me very happy!”
Everything is going nicely SARAH PELLMAN.
She said that her best friend is her German
shepherd. She has a cat also but is really crazy
about the dog.
JEANNINE RUTLAND is remarkable!
Unfortunately she has broken her leg. The good
news is she’s mending and during our conservation
seemed to be in very good spirits.
MARCIA VINICK still keeps up with all her
activities that she really enjoys. She plays Bridge
with her friends and goes to the Racino in Saratoga
on a regular basis. She was really sorry to have
missed Reunion.
1952 60th Reunion
Prentiss Carnell
7 Autumn Lane
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
pcarnell@nycap.rr.com
AA’52: Get ready for the Great AA Class of
1952 60th Reunion on May 18-19, 2012. Come see
how “The Albany Academies” have changed in 60
years, and even since you were there last.
We mourn the passing of Rollie Faulkner
on July 28, 2011. Sincere condolences are
expressed to his wife, Rosemary, and their two
children, David Faulkner and Jennifer Campbell.
Rollie, a respected lawyer in Schenectady, recently
received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the
Schenectady Bar Association. He had been ill for
just a short time.
Condolences also go to Heath Twichell,
whose daughter, Kate Vaast, died in April after
a valiant fight with cancer. She was the wife of
Phillippe Vaast and mother of Chloe and Stephen
Vaast. Born in Kentucky, she was a Phi Beta Kappa
graduate of the University of Rhode Island. Before
and after her marriage, Kate was a beloved
teacher and volunteer in Africa, Costa Rica and
India. Before her death, Kate achieved her lifetime
goal, certification as a teacher of the French
language by the Alliance Française, which promotes
international friendship and culture.
1953
Judith Tischler Rogers
PO Box 1096
Crestline, CA 92325
vjamesjudith@netscape.net
AAG’53: Many members of the class of ’53
celebrated their 75th birthday during this past
year and a half. Francesca Woodward
Sullivan wrote, “In January, I had a 3-day stay
at the Del Coronado Hotel, Coronado Island, San
Diego. My four wonderful daughters arranged
adjoining ocean front rooms and joined me
there to celebrate my 75th birthday. I was wined
and dined in luxury. Oldest daughter Liz flew in
from Seattle; Melinda drove Anne and me from
Bakersfield; and we picked up Louisa in Mission
Viejo. Staying at the Del was the last item on my
“Bucket List”—a truly memorable weekend.” Your
columnist is pleased to be able to visit with Fran
annually when we attend an LA Opera matinee
performance.
Another Californian, Sallyanne Becker
Beck, reported that her 3 sons and 2 daughters
planned a 75th birthday party for her with more
than 100 guests in Signal Hill, CA. In addition,
Sallyanne gave herself a present of a maltipoo
(Maltese & poodle combination.) She is very
pleased that her new dog and Persian cat get along
so well.
Judy Tischler Rogers, also a Californian,
had a multi-event 75th year, “because I have also
been celebrating my retirement December 1, 2010.
In addition to my gift to myself of a music tour
I planned in Central Europe in August 2010, my
husband Jim and I, along with his son Derek and
daughter-in-law Helen, celebrated on a Mexican
Riviera cruise in mid-December 2010. Then my
three sons rented a large home in Irvine, CA so
we could all be together from December 23-30.
(See related photo.) Adam’s family came in from
Miami, Ben’s from Seattle, and Dan’s from Nagoya,
Japan. Counting spouses and my five grandchildren,
there were 13 of us. This kind of togetherness is
especially precious because of all of the distances
involved. In March of 2011 I was in south Florida
and had a brief visit with Lois Abramson
August in Boca Raton.”
Phyllis Simonovitz Cohen wrote that,
“2010-2011 was a year of family events and travel.
I spent three and a half months in Israel during
the summer of 2010. I rented an apartment in
Ra’anana where my son Michael resides with his
family and attended my grandson’s Bar Mitzvah at
the end of August. I attended a seminar on Jewish
studies in Jerusalem, spent a week at a hotel on
the Mediterranean, and sang in a local music group.
In December of 2010 I visited Disney World with
my family and celebrated my “special” birthday
with family and friends. It was wonderful to have
my life-long friend Lynn Madison Sitrin
and her husband Harris at that event! I spent two
months of the winter of 2010 in Sarasota, Florida
where many of my late husband’s family live, and
I attended Lynn’s “special” birthday! In June 2011,
my daughter was married in Saratoga at a beautiful
wedding ceremony and, once again, I was fortunate
to host my children, grandchildren, family, and
friends. My family from Israel stayed on for several
weeks, so the celebration continued.
Pat (Gretchen) Aronowitz
Rubenstein and her husband Lewis will be
taking a very special two and a half month cruise
this winter (2011-12) which will include the
countries of New Zealand, Australia, Singapore,
Dubai, Israel, and Egypt. Pat shared that she
sees Lynn Madison Sitrin and Harris Sitrin and
Phyllis Simonovitz Cohen when they attend Lew
Rubenstein’s band concerts. Lew plays French
horn with the Colonie Town Memorial Band and
the Schenectady County Community College
Wind Ensemble. Pat also sees Bibs Mendelson
Pankin and her husband David and Lois
Abramson August and her husband Chuck
AA’48 at various concert venues. Pat also
shared that her oldest granddaughter Rachel has
graduated from the University of Vermont and is
working in Boulder, Colorado for a hunger project
while also loving the ski season. Her grandson
Michael graduated from high school and will be
attending the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Youngest grandchild Sarah spent five weeks in
Spain during the summer on a trip organized in
conjunction with her high school.
Jo (Joyce) Lodge Shaw wrote, “My
granddaughter Robin graduated from the
University of Chicago in June and just returned
from a trip to China where she kept the family
updated with very informative e-mails. My
grandson James is heading back to Oxford, Ohio
for his senior year at Miami University. We were
lucky to see him while he was home for a few days
between his summer internship, in Colorado, in
computer programming and his return to school
where he is a computer science major. Both
grandchildren are highly skilled violinists. James
continues to play in a band at college.” Joyce added,
“Their Mom’s side, not ours, has all the musical
talent.”
Jane Lockwood wrote, “I moved to a new
apartment complex in July. I’m keeping well and
staying active. Regards to all of the class of ’53.”
1954
Daniel H. Cook
4212 Robin Hood Road
Jacksonville, FL 32210-5827
acrookedcook@yahoo.com
Kimmey Carnell Decker
53 Spruce Lane
Slingerlands, NY 12159
tealeafmom@aol.com
AAG’54: This spring, I sold my home in Saranac
Lake, so now I am just in Slingerlands, next to my
son and family and the grandkids. I follow their
sports’ teams around the area. Alex, 15, is playing
AAG varsity Soccer, and Sammie, 12, is on their
Modified team in soccer, also. My grandson, Zach,
17 is a senior at AA and looking at colleges. So a
lot of our time is spent at the school on Academy
Road, just like 57 years ago for me and 26 years
ago for my son John MacAffer AA’81! I am
starting to get involved in volunteer activities in
the Albany area. On my 75th birthday, besides my
family, I had a couple who visited from MT; they
were on a tandem bicycle trip of 3,500 miles in
100 days from MT to MA. Oh, to be in my 60’s
again!!
A lot of us are celebrating our 75th birthdays!! I
did and so did SUZANNE SUTHERLAND
NUNABUCK’s husband. She says they had a
remarkably hot summer and are still worrying
about the hurricane season, as are we in the North
Country.
Fall/Winter 2011 19

MARIA BOULOUKOS CASSIER’s whole family
came up to Toronto to celebrate; 16 strong, who
enjoyed the city, some theatre and great dinners
out over four days. She has two graduating in 2013,
from Wake Forest and James Madison Universities,
and the “next batch” is getting ready to start within
a year. She had another knee replacement in April,
so a quiet spring, to plan a river cruise next year
down the Danube, with a stop in Nice, France,
to see Marc’s relatives. Maria and Marc talked to
ELLEN LYONS NEVILLE and Peter when she
was in Saratoga visiting Skidmore. They reminisced
about the Neville’s wedding over 50 years ago. Pete
and Ellie are having difficulty dealing with Ellie’s
aging disease. Maria is putting 2014 on her calendar
for our 60th!!
JANET MARSHALL ERICKSON just celebrated
her 75th – hurrah!! and her daughter’s 50th the
next day. They are making plans eventually to move
to a retirement community. She heard from her
brother Doug about the storm damage at Warner’s
Lake, which I had heard from the Pulliam family, too.
MARY LOU BECK HIATT completed a lot
of projects because of no meetings over the
summer. Kids visited and they took a cruise to the
Baltics. She has been corresponding with GRACE
KHACHADOORIAN BAKERJIAN, apparently
about their singing. Mary Lou and Neil have been
singing with the Hilton Head Choral Society, their
church and the Hilton Head Symphony Chorus –
that is great to hear. Their son, Jeff, a Chaplain, has
come home from Korea and will get out of the
service in October and then enter the job search.
HERTA DEICHMANN HOLLY is still very busy
as a Board Member of the Doctors Charter School
as well as Pass It On Ministries (a local food bank)
and North Shore Hospital Medical Center. She
is still active in many educational and community
organizations. Her youngest son is now Head
Coach of Upper Keys High School in Coral Shores,
so she is following the team. Like a lot of our
southern classmates, she is watching the hurricane
season. Her son Jack missed it by staying West on
his return home.
1955
E. Wayne Harbinger
478 W. Lawrence Street
Albany, NY 12208
jharbinger@hotmail.com
AA’55: The 55th reunion of the class of ’55
in May 2010 was another wonderful experience
for those who attended. It is very exciting to see
the enthusiasm generated by 73 year-old (plus or
minus a year) classmates who share their memories
of the school, the events and each other. Of course,
for those of you who have not attended reunions,
your names and our memories of you, that you
don’t have the chance to defend, are always topics
included in the reunion memories. I hope everyone
will be fortunate enough to return for our 60th
reunion to enjoy the campus, the memories and
the opportunity to share 60 year-old memories,
and defend yourself and share your personal
history with those of us who have missed you if
you haven’t shared the reunion experience.
Tony Scardillo ’75 and I had breakfast
with Ernie Steck H’77 in August and enjoyed
Ernie’s memories of graduates and stories of
the changes at the school through the years. He
certainly has recollections and opinions of events
and persons, faculty and students, who relate to the
history of the schools.
1956
Charles C. Wing, Jr.
38 Unionville-Feura Bush Road
PO Box 10
Feura Bush, NY 12067
cwingjr@nycap.rr.com
Judith Ghormley Wing
38 Unionville-Feura Bush Road
PO Box 10
Feura Bush, NY 12067
judywing@nycap.rr.com
Rena Lanzet Aggen
28 Lee Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12303-3267
RAggen1@NYCAP.RR.com
AAG’56: Marjorie Ann Whiteford
Malcom writes, “Congratulations on the 55th
reunion!! I wished that I could have been there
with you to enjoy all the remembrances of our
earlier years in school! It was good to see you five
years ago. The past five years have gone quickly for
us. We have traveled a lot, spent good times with
our families and friends, and have generally been
too busy. How did we ever have time to work?! We
went to Russia in late May with two other couples
from Athens (part of our gourmet group). It’s
a river cruise with stops each day at the major
cities etc. The pre-trip is in Kiev and the post-trip
will be in the Baltic area - Tallinn and Helsinki,
etc. Scott and I continue to keep our rental housing
business. That keeps us on task!! For leisure
time we enjoy the Ohio University football and
basketball games, many bridge groups, and all the
artist series programs that the University provides.
I am especially active with the Hospital Guild,
Presbyterian Women, and P.E.O.”
1957 55th Reunion
James L. FitzGerald
333 Beck Road
Eagle Bridge, NY 12057
drcows@gmail.com
AA’57: Pictured in July at the home of DALTON
and LOUISE COPELAND MARKS AAG’60
are (left to right) John McClintock, Jake
Herzog, Scott McWhinnie, Dalton
Marks, Keith Willis,
John Hauf, Jim Moore,
Jim FitzGerald.
JIM BEARDSLEY (pictured)
writes, “My life in retirement
is heavily focused on choral
singing. Christmas 2010
marked my fifth year in the Christmas Revels’
chorus which performs each December at
Sanders Theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Christmas Revels is an annual celebration of
the winter solstice (December 21). It involves a
highly competitive audition, an enormous rehearsal
commitment, followed by 16 performances during
the holiday season. Revels involves singing, dancing,
juggling and humorous skits. The audience is invited
to participate. Yo Yo Ma, the famed cellist, comes
every year and loves it. Check it out: www.revels.
org. When not singing, I volunteer with the Revels
marketing department, helping to sell Revels CDs
and books to the independent booksellers in New
England. I also sing with the New Bedford Chorus,
the New Bedford Sea Chanteys, the Summer
Chorus of Little Compton, Rhode Island and the
French choir connected with the Providence Office
of L’Alliance Francaise. Marcia and I moved in 2000
from Acton, Massachusetts, where we lived for 33
years, to South Dartmouth, Massachusetts. I am
present of the Carey Library Associates at the
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Campus
Library. I’ve also audited three French courses at
UMASS Dartmouth. Six grandchildren keep these
Beardsleys on the go!
Marcia and I spent about three weeks in June
2010 in Germany, France, Belgium and Switzerland,
focusing on the Oberammagau Passion Play
performed every ten years. We also visited the
WWI battlefields and the Loire Valley. Marcia’s
goal, history; mine, working the crowds in French
and German. Frequently confused by Europe’s
“roundabouts,” we developed the following
phrase, “when in doubt, go roundabout.” It actually
worked!”
Marcia Babcock Aronowitz
56 Loudonwood East
Loudonville, NY 12211
marono@aol.com
1958
Henry C. Schmerler
4661 Idylwood Lane
Naples, FL 34119-8424
hcsags@aol.com
Robert Taylor
4 Via Lago
Boynton Beach, FL 33432-2818
Robert.taylor@bethesdahealthcare.com
AA’58: In May, ROB and SHEILA TAYLOR
left their home in Florida to avoid the hurricane
season and to enjoy their summer home in Bethel,
Vermont. Rob wrote to say that unfortunately
tropical Storm Irene followed them up the coast
and severely damaged their northern home. As a
result he and Sheila have been working overtime
for the past month. He continued that one does
not understand the power of a river gone amok
until they are literally caught in the middle of it.
They watched the White River rise and completely
surround their house with water traveling between
15-20 miles per hour. Huge trees were tossed
around like matchsticks. They evacuated in time and
returned the next day and began the arduous task
of pumping out the cellar, ripping up the hardwood
floor, and bulldozing tons of silt from their property.
Rob, we all hope that you and Sheila can put your
house back in great shape.
20
The Albany Academies Magazine

ED SEGAL continues his prolific writing and had
two poems published in Poetica Magazine. One
appeared in the Spring 2011 edition and one in the
Fall 2011 edition. Nice going Ed. You are fulfilling the
cultural responsibility of our class.
BILL DEARSTYNE wrote that he and his lovely
bride toCKEY TOWNSEND DEARSTYNE
AAG’58 have finally made the move and a
permanent one at that. They sold their New
Hampshire home in April and have moved to
Bregenz, Austria. They divided up most of their
United States possessions among their family
and shipped the remainder to Austria. They are
delighted to be settled in their new home. Bill
pointed out that the home has a biergarten. I
guess that means the location of the next class
reunion is settled. Both of his daughters and all four
grandsons visited them this summer in their new
home in Austria. Their new address: Dearstyne,
Ibelewies 1, A- 6900 Bregenz, Austria. The e-mail
address is (for Bill) dearstyne@aon.at and (for
Tockey) edearstyne@londenz.com. The Dearstynes
would enjoy seeing our class members in Bregenz
which is 1 ½ hours due east of Zurich and 2 hours
southwest of Munich. Let me close this edition by
asking all class of 1958 graduates to please close
their eyes and envision Bill in lederhosen and
Tyrolean cap. The picture defies the imagination.
1959
Eric Moore
4110 Mel Smith Road
New Albany, IN 47150
ericam23@insightbb.com
AA’59: Back at the end of August I had a nice
conversation with ED SCHRAUTH. Ed still lives
in Beaufort, SC and was relieved when Hurricane
Irene came ashore far enough to the North that
he sustained no damage to any of his property.
He and wife Suzi traveled to Nantucket at the
end of July for a mini family reunion and a chance
to relive some of the “good times” in and around
Siasconset on the eastern end of the island. He
has 10 grandkids and enjoys the outdoors, but he
struggles with COPD which keeps him from any
strenuous activity. He would welcome a call from
anyone in the class.
JOHN HARCOURT wrote that he sold all of
his business interests in the first quarter of the year
and is “officially “retired. He and wife Sue Ellen then
did some traveling: Barbados in May, Peru in June,
Vancouver, BC in July and then up to their place
in Kennebunkport, ME to escape the brutal heat
and draught of the Texas summer. John serves as
an active member of the Deep in the Heart Art
Foundry located in Bastrop, TX.
STU JONES wrote early last spring that he has
no immediate plans to retire from his legal practice
finding it as challenging and rewarding as ever. He
is serving as Chair of the Albany Academies Board
of Trustees and looks forward to working with
Academy leadership as they move toward our
200th anniversary. Recent honorariums have been
bestowed on him by The College of St Rose and
the Rensselaer County Historical Society. While
no longer Chair of the Albany Law School Board
of Trustees, he remains active with other Board
responsibilities. Stu was saddened back in March by
the loss of his sister Liz, following a long battle with
diabetes. Our condolences to Stu and his family.
RICH RANKA and wife Mary Beth sent a note
saying their son Michael graduated cum laude from
Florida Coastal School of Law in May, has taken the
bar exam and hopefully will have the results by the
time this article gets to print.
STEVE GUNTHER shared that his surgery
last fall was for arthroscopic knee surgery rather
than hip replacement surgery (sorry about that
Steve) and that he has fully recovered and plans to
get back to speed skating and hockey this winter.
His note arrived the day of the Washington area
earthquake and was traveling by train at the time
and never felt anything. Like many of us, he will turn
70 before the end of the year, which doesn’t bother
him as much as his daughter Gwen turning 49.
Janet and ERIC MOORE had a busy summer
this year with two trips to southern New
Hampshire, “first to share in our oldest grandsons
graduation from the University of New Hampshire,
and in late July to celebrate our granddaughter’s
second birthday and our wedding anniversary
in early August. A vacation trip (if you can go
on vacation once retired) to Destin, FL in early
September kept us going most of the summer. It is
always great to hear from classmates throughout
the year.” Please keep in touch. It’s hard to write
this column without your help.
Terri Bronner
154 Brevator Street
Albany, NY
tbronner8999@nycap.rr.com
AAG ’59: JOANNA WAGONER BROUSELL
celebrated her August birthday by taking PAM
MORGAN MARVIN, CAROLE SOLOMON
roSENBLUM and TERRI BRONNER on a
mystery trip to Mohonk Mountain House and
nature preserve in the Hudson Valley! We also
gathered at her lakeside summer home near
Albany for July 4th. Joanna has three dogs, one cat
and a fish. Golden retriever, Trooper, excels in agility
competitions and visits residents at a local nursing
home. Horse, Bingo, stabled nearby, gives Joanna a
regular opportunity to ride.
PERRY COOK writes from California: “After
30 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have
retired. Usual activities include: Buddhist practice,
gardening, seeing a few clients, spending time with
granddaughters and grandnieces, traveling to visit
children and siblings, practicing T’ai Chi, in short,
keeping busier than I ever have.”
JUDY WHEATLEY FILLION still works
full-time leading a major division in the New
Hampshire State Education Department. Recently,
accompanied by her daughter and oldest grandson,
Judy visited England and Scotland where they
explored their Scottish ancestry and “were able
to copy birth, marriage and death certifcates, as
well as a 26-page written will.” This past summer
included a visit to London, Ontario for a family
gathering with Canadian relatives.
PAM MORGAN MARVIN continues to pursue
her passion for old movies, featuring stars from
the 1930’s to the 1960’s. Favorites include Barbara
Stanwyck, Katherine Hepburn and Rosalind Russell.
Pam socializes regularly with Joanna Brousell,
Carole Rosenblum and Terri Bronner.
ANNE HENNING O’DONNELL writes from
her rural upstate New York home, “Larry and I
have had animals for 23 years - horses, dogs, cats,
mustangs and wild burros. Our one remaining
lonely burro, recently joined by companion
goats, seems a lot happier and content with their
company.” Rescue dogs, including 6 Jack Russell
Terriers (such energy!) 3 cats, Guinea birds and egg
laying chickens complete the crew.
CAROLE SOLOMON ROSENBLUM beautifies
Albany with her magnificent flower gardens.
DORIS SHULMAN ALPART suggests that they
be designated a “national park.” Carole’s gardens
must be one of Albany’s best floral displays; a place
where nature’s bountiful impulse combines with
human effort and skill in cultivation. Abundant bird
life also graces this special haven.
LUCY WINTERS SANDLER works part-time
as a student health physician at two colleges in
Boston. For leisure activity, she designs and makes
beaded jewelry which she displays at craft shows
and house parties. Lucy and husband, Phil, enjoy
their vacation home in the Berkshires. LINDA
FRIEDLAND MICHAELS and husband, Ken,
visited Lucy earlier this year and Lucy connected
with DORIS SHULMAN ALPART at the Alpart’s
new home in Florida. A fourth grandchild was
welcomed to the Sandler clan in late 2010.
DEB ACTON TOLLEFSON writes from
Arizona, “Since January, I have been involved in
a house remodeling and addition project; and
for months was living in my basement amidst
piles of furniture and stuff. Most of the work
is now complete.” Despite some serious back
problems, Deb has carried forward with the home
remodeling and a trip to New Hampshire to visit
her 97-year-old father, who still drives.
Retired for two years, TERRI BRONNER
cultivates an ever-expanding flower garden,
thanks in part to perennial plant exchanges with
CAROLE SOLOMON ROSENBLUM. Other
passions include mantra based meditation practice,
self-study of integrative/preventive medicine,
creating healthful recipes and converting others,
participation in a monthly dream group and a book
group. Assorted social activities are a staple. Terri’s
focus: “Living in the present moment, welcoming
whatever presents itself, solves most problems and
creates inner peace. I highly recommend it and
hope to get better at it with time and practice.”
1960
Alan Klein
18034 Cherrywood Ln.
Homewood, IL 60430-1503
ackmfk@aol.com
Ken Kudon
2 Old Creek Court
Potomac, MD 20854-5529
kkudon@kudonlaw.com
AA’60: George Goldring still lives in
Essex Junction, Vermont. Their area survived Irene.
George reports that “my wife Sandi and I are both
retired but we both work part time for a local
auction company.” George is an auctioneer and
Sandi runs a computer. They also have been in the
antique business for some 35 years. George’s email
has been changed to ggoldring@comcast.net.
Bill Harden still works part time in the
Graduate School of Education at SUNY Buffalo.
Fall/Winter 2011 21

This could be his last year. Bill’s wife Kathleen
also has thoughts of retiring from the middle
school where she has taught since 1998. Kathleen
and Bill had a fun summer camping in their
new Jayco pop-up in the Adirondacks and
Allegheny National Forest. In September, Bill broke
two hours in the Philadelphia Half Marathon for
the seventh time, attended a Phillies/Cards game
and then headed to tent camp in the “Grand
Canyon of Pennsylvania.
bArry Fischer’s first novel, “Elegant
Solutions” is available from Amazon. Barry’s
compelling read is as much about the insanely
corrupt characters as their exquisitely executed
frauds. Take it from us, “Elegant Solutions” is a page
turner you won’t want to put down.
Jay McNaughton has had
an article on the global financial
crisis published in a Japanese journal.
An elected board member of the
Washington (D.C.) Society of
Investment Analysts, Jay regularly comments on
international investment issues on VOA satellite
TV programs beamed to China. Jay also enjoys
an occasional lunch with “old” (nothing personal)
schoolmates.
Rod Blackburn, whose illustrated books
about the great homes of New England are
available online and in book stores, is working on
another book, this one an ethnographical work on
the Okiek tribe of Kenya.
Marty Seligman’s latest book, Flourish, was
published in April (Simon and Schuster). Recently,
Marty has spoken in San Sebastian (“where Paul
Monaco and I got drunk in 1961”), Zurich and
Heidelberg (“remembering Dr. Schellenberger and
Mr. Lindsey fondly”) and at the House of Commons
and 10 Downing Street. He is off to South
America this fall. Meanwhile, Marty’s daughter Lara
graduated from Penn last spring and started work
as a National Journal reporter (through Lara, Marty
re-connected with Bob Kaiser, now retired from
the Washington Post). Son Daryll is a freshman and
daughter Nikki a junior at Penn.
George Ryon and Jack Hume ’58 bought
Cornell’s restaurant in Schenectady’s “Little Italy”
area. George has a large Victorian with rental units
in Cape May, NJ (www.queenanneofcapemay.com).
Jonathan Gordon, Dan Chirot and
their wives Sarah and Cynthia lunched near San
Diego this summer. Says Dan: “Jonathan and I were
pleased to notice that neither of us had changed
a bit since we had last seen each other in college.
Except, of course, that we are both wiser.”
Dave Evans reports that his Achilles tendon
mishap, suffered while exploring the inner secrets
of the Great Pyramid last fall, finally has been
repaired after creative surgery by a Bethesda
Naval hospital surgeon. Dave will soon return to St.
Simons, GA for the winter after a year’s absence.
He and wife Sherry are also travelling to Chicenika,
Mexico in December.
Speaking of travel, Homer Lang and wife
Demi will be circumnavigating the USA this winter
visiting friends and relatives. If you want to dog-sit
for 2-3 months, call Homer.
John Nigro reports that his “granddaughter
and grandson couldn’t wait to get back [to the
Academies] in September… that was never my
wish!” Sound familiar?
Jeff Slovak is trying to get his weight up for
his club’s winter festival. Jeff and fellow members of
“The Lake George Naked Snow Angels” will make
snow angels in the town park for the enjoyment of
all. The key word is Naked.
Your correspondents Alan Klein and Ken
Kudon were both in Russia this summer within
weeks of each other. Alan says that “two overnight
trains to and from Moscow to an aluminum plant
killed a few brain cells which I could ill afford. St.
Petersburg and Moscow are great cities but bring
a lot of Dollars/Rubles.” Ken adds that merchants,
restaurants and pickpockets will try their best to
make you poorer.
Linda Furlong
11 Astra
Wayland, MA 01778-3901
lpfelvis821@aol.com
AAG’60: In response to my question as to
what is happening, Susan Lyons Green
responded that she is “not dead or in jail.” She is,
however, consumed by her efforts on behalf of her
not-for-profit organization “Guilderhaven” which is
celebrating its 10th anniversary. The organization
is devoted to animal rescue, not in the traditional
save and place sense but rather through the use
of half a dozen spay/neuter clinics throughout the
Capital District. Susan and Jim have three children,
one in Chicago, one in Santa Fe and one who will
be returning to the Albany area shortly.
bArbara Weiss Dahlgren tells me she
is not currently working, but after listening to her
travel schedule it is apparent she wouldn’t have
time. This summer she took what she described
as the “trip of a lifetime” – a visit to London
coupled with a Western Mediterranean cruise
that encompassed seven ports. Her favorite stop
was Florence. On that trip, lots of dates, historic
events and even poetry lines that she learned at
AAG came “flowing back.” Later in the summer, she
made a trip to Cape Cod to spend time with her
sister Joan Weiss Signer and her family. The
trip home included some driving and some flying.
Between planes in Chicago, Barbara contacted
Mary Ellen Fischer Klein who came to the
airport with Alan and a picnic. Barbara and Larry
have three children, two in San Diego and one in
Oregon whom they see frequently.
In July, Joyce Berman Brooks and I caught
up with Barbara Schaeffer Schwartz
who was spending her traditional summer week in
Maine. We spent a beautiful day at Goose Rocks
Beach enjoying the weather, good food and many
laughs. Barbara reported that she is happily retired
and spends her days playing bridge, taking classes,
learning how to play mah jong, knitting and visiting
with her children and grandchild. She also loves to
work in the garden but says it is increasingly difficult
to get up off the ground. “I wonder how I ever
found time to work.”
Would love to hear and report on what the rest
of the class is up to so please be in touch with me.
1961
Leonard Berns
2D Misty Hollow
Ballston Lake, NY 12019
leonardberns@longtcare.com
AA’61: Your correspondent failed to mention
in his last report that not only was the late Ted
bArnes present in our Reunion Cue through the
loving bio prepared by his family, but that he was
represented at our reunion dinner by his widow
Karen. She attended as the guest of Andrew
Fisher, who reminded us that, in his words, “Ted
and Karen were childhood sweethearts who stayed
together through thick and thin, a relative rarity
today.”
Soon after the
reunion, Mr. Fisher,
himself a widower
for five and a
half years, wrote
to announce his
engagement to
another lady, Ann Mead. Again, let Andy explain:
“Ann Mead and I met in that hotbed of singles
action, the church bereavement-support group,
and have known each other for about a year and
a half. This is the first photo taken of us as fiancée
and fiancé (thank you, Earl Sharp).” The nuptials
are planned for October 16th, to be followed by a
honeymoon in Paris. Your correspondent notes that
it is testimony to the happiness and fulfillment that
Andy found in his first marriage that help to bring
him to the altar again.
Linda “Trudy” Hemstead Calabrese
24 Crane Road
Huntington, NY 11743
sbkcc@aol.com
1962 50th
Robert P. McCarthy
5 Fox Hollow Rd
Troy, NY 12180
cormaccompany@verizon.net
Lauree McMahon Hickok
89 Luke Hill Road
Queechy Lake
Canaan, NY 12029
LMHickok@aol.com
Reunion
AAG’62: Our 50th Reunion is May 18 &19,
2012. Mark your calendars and let me know if
you need a bed in Albany!! Ann Schultze
volunteered to help at Reunion!! Any other takers?
If you didn’t get two e-mails from me in September
asking you to write for class notes, I don’t have your
e-mail address ! So please e-mail me. Many thanks
to those who wrote in; it makes this job so much
fun! And see you ALL IN MAY!!
Helen Boulokos Fallon: “It is
September 1958, the last school year classes were
to be held in the Washington Avenue building. That
building was creaky, ancient, and nothing like the
facility students attend today. I was a Freshman in
the high school that fall and it fell to the student
body to assist in the move to the Academy Road
site. OMG, what a change! No winding staircases
to class and gone was the cavernous study hall
where we spent “free time” studying. Memories! I
implore the class of 1962 to join me in celebration
of our 50 year anniversary come May 2012.
Sadly, we have lost one classmate, Joanne
Schaeffer, but I am hopeful that the rest of
you will make this trip down memory lane on that
weekend.
22
The Albany Academies Magazine

I still live in the Capital region and enjoy the
wisdom of old(er) age. I continue my volunteer
marathon, doing as much good as possible with the
VA and returning men and women who have been
changed by the wars. I am busy at church, choir,
philanthropic ladies’ organization, youth advisor…
family keeps me busy, especially the little ones who
believe, still, that I am perfect!
Carol Rosenstock Tulgan: “I always
so enjoy hearing and reading about everyone in
the 1962 AAG group and decided that it was
probably just unfair of me to keep the fun to
myself and not share any of my life. I graduated
from Simmons College in 1966 and spent the next
year and a half living with Joanne Schaeffer
in the Boston area and working in advertising
and travel. My longer career was Mrs. Doctor, and
volunteer. Raised two great kids and a lot of money
for charity in our home in Canton Ohio. I loved
living in the mid-west although it was strange to
be a liberal in a sea of Republican thought. Still,
Canton is a delightful small town filled with people
who are creative and sincere, a bell-weather city
and, of course, home to the Football Hall of Fame.
We have two children; Dana, who is married to
Pier Kooistra, has two sons and lives and works
at Lawrenceville Academy in Lawrenceville, New
Jersey and Joshua who is living and working in
Moscow, The Russian Federation. About 23 years
ago, the plural changed to singular and I moved
from Ohio to Boca Raton, Florida in 1998. For the
next 10 years, I worked at a non-profit agency as
a newspaper associate editor and then editor. I
computerized the office and wrote and maintained
data bases. I now own a doll business and Ebay
store which sells high-end manufactured dolls, oneof-a-kind
doll clothes and one-of-a-kind dolls. It is
wonderful fun to be on the artistic side. I no longer
have to worry about spelling, sentence structure,
etc. I have finally gotten out of school!
I am off to Moscow soon, to spend a week
luxuriating in caviar, Russian Standard and my son.
Molly Marsden Schneider is still in
Nashville, TN with husband Rickey Schneider. “We
raised 3 daughters: Julie, a reading teacher, was
married this year and in August our first grandchild,
Kate, was born. Claire is a museum curator and
engaged. Deborah is a social worker, married 11
years. We have a good time visiting them in Buffalo,
NY, Baltimore, MD & Washington DC. In 2004, I
retired from ICU nursing, after 22 years, and Rickey,
a gastroentrologist at Vanderbilt, recently retired,
too. We are busy with horticulture, including
orchids & gesneriads, collecting American art
pottery, travel and Nashville culture. My sister,
Jen MARSDEN Hamilton ’65, lives in Nova
Scotia with her husband Brian and is a professional
international equestrian coach. If any of you all are
in Nashville area please call and come and see us!
Marcia Sutherland: “I retired from
work on June 30 and traveled in Turkey for
several weeks. We had a great time even though
the temperatures were higher than normal for
this time of year. I highly recommend Turkey as a
destination. After our land trip, we took a 12 day
cruise from Istanbul that stopped at several Greek
islands, Israel, Cyprus and concluded in Athens.
After returning to San Diego, I don’t have much
scheduled except to have more time to enjoy my
horse and plan our next trip.”
1963
Steven D. Ranney
800 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701
bigranney@comcast.net
AA’63: Retirements must not stimulate much
exciting news, because little has been sent to my
desk in recent months. But Steve Sumberg is
still in business working on large RE deals at his
Rapid Funding office in DC. The RE market may be
dead, but if there are opportunities, Steve will find
them. Steve was in NYC while this news is being
tabulated, watching the US Tennis Open. Spurred
by Hank Evans’ boat trips around the US for
the last 3 years, Steve Ranney and his wife
Linda (Ten Eyck - St. Agnes ’64) are planning to go
west by RV next fall. So if you find an RV in your
driveway around that time, don’t be surprised. It is
just us for a visit! Thank you to Chuck Stewart
for the new email addresses to the Herman
twins, Howard and Larry, who have been out
of touch for over 45+ years. Hope we will see you
at our 50th in 2013, Howard & Larry!
By the way, we are missing email addresses for
the following people: Chuck Assini, Larry
Hibbard, Gary Higbee, Geoff Homan,
Will Horan, Charlie Horton, Bill
Keene, Karl Munninger, Bill Ramsey, Jon
Rodgers, Art Thomas, Bob Wing and Irv
Woodroe.
Can anyone help?
Barbara Grumbach Wheeler
114 Morningside Drive
New York, NY 10027
bgwheel@earthlink.net
1964
AA’64: Ted Mikkelsen writes, “Dan
Lazzaro and I got together here in the Dallas
area for a “Mini” reunion a couple of weeks ago.
We’re both retired now and had a real enjoyable
get-together after not seeing each other in
over 15 years. He was travelling through the
area on his way from California to New Jersey.
Besides classmates at The Academy, we were
also roommates and fraternity brothers at Utica
College. We’re both hoping to make our 50th at
The Academy.”
Laurie Stein Bigley
18 Devon Court
Voorheesville, NY 12186
winair@mac.com
1965
Stephen S. Marks
561 Bloomingrove Drive
Rensselaer, NY 12144-9416
evemarks@aol.com
John F. Assini
818 Karenwald Lane
Schenectady, NY 12309-6414
jassini@nycap.rr.com
Cindy J. Urbach
69 Brookline Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
Cyn42350@aol.com
AAG’65: Virgina
Creighton, Julia
Candib Fett and
Laura Rosenstock
are pictured in Central Park
in July.
Virginia
Creighton writes,
“Wishing to combine
literature and art in a
traveling exhibit, I organized “From the Page’s Edge:
Water in Literature and Art.” The exhibit displays
one painting by each of 19
contemporary painters and
the artwork is inspired by
a segment from literature
on the theme of water. The
Albany Institute of History
& Art is the third venue in
a tour of the Northeast.
The labels include the
painting information,
the quote, and the artist’s explanation of the
connection between the art and the quote. It was
a pleasure to bring a second curated show to the
Albany Institute and to have classmates attend
the opening on July 21. Cindy UrbACh and
Margaret LAMAR King arrived early; Julie
CANDIB Fett and her son Ben met me in the
drawing room of the Rice House where the show
was installed. Laura Elkind Rosenstock
contributed to the
catalog printing, as did
Margaret. Tom Nelson
designed the printed
and on line catalogs. His
painting in the show
is “Six Studies from
Newton Hook.”
Pictured are Julie
Candib Fett and
her son Ben Fett are in front of Eloise Beil’s painting
“That which Endures” inspired by Daniel Lusk’s
poem “Nocturne.” I am in front of my painting,
“Kids’ House; Flooded Yard with Rhubarb” inspired
by E.E. Cummings’ “in Just.”
Anne Klein is still at Rice University,
teaching Buddhism, and also now a contemplative
practiccuum as a “lab” for courses related to
anything contemplative – art, Buddhism, mysticism,
etc. Also founded Harvey Dawn Mountain, www.
dawnmountain.org Anne’s most recent book:
Heart Essence of the Vast Expanse: A Story of
Transmission, is a chantable English translation of a
major Tibetan practice recitation, and includes a CD
of it being sung in Tibetan and in English. A recent
interview related to it is available at http://www.
facebook.com/snowlionpub.com/PopUpPDFfiles/.
1966
Stephen V. Lewis
15 MacAffer Drive
Menands, NY 12204
lewis@readyfund.com
Lisa Furlong
P.O. Box 1173
Ashland, NH 03217
lisa.b.furlong@dartmouth.edu
Fall/Winter 2011 23

1967 45th
Thomas R. Gordon
413 Dorset Rd
Devon, PA 19333
foregordo2@aol.com
Mimi Evans
328 The Promenade
Edgewater, NJ 07020
meemsy@hotmail.com
1968
W. Allen Schade, Jr.
33692 Holtz Hill Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
allenschade@cox.net
1969
Rolland B. Peacock
2 Yankee Maid Lane
Goshen, NY 10924-2616
rbpeacock3@frontiernet.net
Sandra D. O’Connor
333 East 43rd Street #401
New York, NY 10017
212-986-6019
tudortwo@msn.com
Reunion
AAG’69: Ann Carter USHER, Sandra
O’Connor, maggie hawn, MAry Farley,
Jackie Carpenter rice and lainie
saunders angel were on hand to applaud
Wendy Cohen Summer when she was
honored as the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished
Alumna award at the alumnae luncheon held
reunion weekend. Way to go, Wendy! (See photo.)
Lainie saunders angel and Mitch are
excited to be spending their fourth winter in
southern Thailand. They plan to volunteer as English
teachers at the same elementary school in Pak
Weep where they previously worked.
Betsey Tirk Coleman’s Fulbright grant
to Syria this summer as part of the curriculum
development Teach Syria program was postponed
due to the political unrest there. She will spend
four months in Israel on another Fulbright grant
beginning in February 2012. She spent her
60th birthday by herself in the Arctic Circle in
Rovaniemi, Finland, seeing the northernmost
McDonalds in the world, staying away from Santa
and up with the midnight sun!
mary Farley survived Irene with no power
or phone for only 3 days, but with a flooded
basement that ruined even more of their
belongings, including some family memorabilia she
recently brought down from my mother’s home.
The power came back just in time for Mary to do
laundry to pack for her 60th birthday celebration
— a 2-week trip to Italy with four other women
celebrating the same milestone. After a week in
a villa in Viterbo, they headed to the heel of the
Italian boot, Apuglia, for another week of wandering
through small towns — “a trip worth waiting
60 years for!” Mary writes, “I hope some of you
caught our most recent show on HBO, “Gloria: In
Her Own Words” about Gloria Steinem and the
women’s movement. It really reminded me that
we were the immediate beneficiaries of Steinem’s
work and our daughters should certainly know
who blazed the way for them to do the amazing
things they are.”
Judy Hollander Anderson, pictured,
lives in Brighton (United Kingdom) with Randall, her
husband of nearly 30 years, and
their daughter Shoshana (17),
who is a student at a local British
sixth form college (the last two
years of high school), taking the
International Baccalaureate. They
have an older daughter Kerstin
(25), who will be moving from
Leeds (where she graduated
from Leeds University) to
London to take up a Masters
in child psychology at the University of London
Institute of Education. Randall is a lawyer in sole
practice, and Judy wound
up with a career in legal
publishing and now works
as a manager/editor at
LexisNexis Butterworths in
London. They lived in London
for eight years before buying
a house in Brighton. Judy
makes the Brighton to London commute every
day (“it really is a schlep!”), but comes home to
the fresh air and the nearby seafront at the end of
the day.
1970
Laurence I. Talbot
1 Charlotte Road
Marblehead, MA 01945-1602
laurence.talbot@comcast.net
AA’70: DEAN M. DELUKE DDS, MBA was
appointed in spring 2011 to a professorship in the
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). The
position entails dual appointments in both the
School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine
at VCU. Since 1982, Dean had practiced in
Schenectady. A graduate of St. Michael’s College
(BA), Columbia University (DDS), and Union
Graduate College (MBA), Dean previously served
as the Chief of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at St.
Clare’s Hospital (now Ellis McClellan), where he
also co-chaired the Cleft Palate Program. He is a
delegate to the American Association of Oral &
Maxillofacial Surgeons and a past-president of the
New York State Society of Oral & Maxillofacial
Surgeons. Dean has served for many years on the
Advisory Board and Finance Committee of OMS
National Insurance Company, a professional liability
insurer. Locally, he has served on the boards of the
Albany Academy for Girls, the St Clare’s Hospital
Foundation and the Foundation for Ellis Medicine.
He is also a member of Health Volunteers
Overseas, a non-profit devoted to increasing
access to health care in developing countries. Dean
has authored numerous scientific papers related to
his profession, and he is also the author of Shedrow,
an award-winning novel published by Grey
Swan Press.
1971
George T. Harder
15 Euclid Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
Leslie Knauf
PO Box 115
Malden Bridge, NY 12115
lmknauf@gmail.com
AAG’71: After celebrating the joys of our
40th reunion in May, members of the Class of ’71
were deeply saddened by news of the passing of
Trina McCandless on August 25. Trina was an
artist and craftswoman of the highest order, and a
qualified gemologist and appraiser of fine jewelry
with a national reputation. She made exceptionally
beautiful, handcrafted jewelry with precious metals
and gemstones at her studio in Groton, CT. We
were so gratified that, despite her hard-fought
battle with cancer, Trina showed her innate strength
and great courage by joining us for our 40th
Reunion in Albany in May. We will remember and
admire her for her striking red hair, her strong
will, her boundless creativity, her wisdom, and her
invaluable friendship. Her absence will be felt keenly
at our reunions in the years ahead, but her great
spirit always will remain with us. We extend our
heartfelt sympathies to her family and her many
friends.
bArbara Bennett, who grew up in
Slingerlands with Trina, recently shared some lovely
childhood memories: “Trina and I went to the same
nursery school. The only memory I have of nursery
school is learning to tie my shoes with Trina. I can’t
remember if she taught me or I taught her, but I
suspect she taught me. We also were good friends
for many of our early grade school years, even
though she initially attended public school and I
was at AAG, because we were both very interested
in art and both took Saturday classes at the Albany
Institute. I spent many weekends at Trina’s house. I
remember making perfume from a kit with her, not
playing pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey at her birthday
party (because I knew I would lose), ice skating
on the McCandless’s skating rink, and breaking my
arm. Trina was always full of energy and had many
interesting ideas on many different topics (about
which I knew nothing), and she was fearless. She
would eat her apples down to the seeds, and she
wore a ring made from a gold nugget that her
father bought for her in Guyana. She had beautiful,
thick red hair, she was always on a diet, and she
loved animals. When she came to AAG in the 4th
grade, my memory falters, but I know that she
continued to be an independent spirit with a sort
of stone-hewn strength of character and an intense
enthusiasm for creativity and beauty.”
Judith Giuliano wrote: “I hadn’t seen
Trina in 40 years and was so happy to reconnect
with her at our reunion in May. She shared many
interesting tales of her life with me and had such
a strong life force. It took such courage for her to
join us, yet not make us sad about her illness. She
only focused on the positive. Something Helen
Keller said made me think of Trina recently: “Life is
either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our
faces toward change and behave like free spirits in
24
The Albany Academies Magazine

the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” Soar
with the eagles, friend.”
Robin Stimmel-Singh wasn’t able to attend
our reunion in May, but reports from Virginia: “My
oldest child, Chris, who is 31, is a Major in the Army.
He and his wife now have two boys and three
girls - Taylor is 10, Miller is 8, Joy is 6, Virginia is 4
and Grant is two months. I have another son still
at home in his last year of high school. I work for
the U.S. Department of Commerce at the Patent
and Trademark Office in Alexandria, Virginia. My
husband is a diesel mechanic, and we have two
dogs – ‘schoodles.’ ”
Jennifer Stevens Girvin wrote: “I have
joined The Bray Group as Partner. The firm does
executive recruitment, specializing in financial
services and non-profit management sectors. I
would love the opportunity to work with anyone
who is in, near, or wants to relocate to the Boston
area.” Jennifer can be reached via the firm’s website,
www.thebraygroup.com.
LESLIE KNAUF traveled recently to California,
“where I reconnected with former classmate
Pamela Roff Goode and her husband, Peter.
Pam lives near Oakland and has three grown
daughters and a son who is 19. It was a treat to see
her after so many years and share memories of our
early years together at AAG.”
1972 40th Reunion
Kenneth J. Aufsesser
RR 4-9 Canaan Circle
South Salem, NY 10590
kjalaw@hotmail.com
Sue Hengerer Sneeringer
17 Valley View Drive
Albany, NY 12208
sdmcsue@nycap.rr.com
Lindsay Wood Li
160 Union Street
Norfolk, MA 02056
globalil@att.net
1973
Frank J. Williams III
211 Larry Hill Road
Schoharie, NY 12157
FWilliams@Brwncald.com
Margret Paticopoulos Poole
86 Salisbury Road
Delmar, NY 12054
hmhp@aol.com
1974
William A. Kellert
2 Ross Court
Loudonville, NY 12211
wakatccc@aol.com
1975
Anne Hukill Yeager
32 Ledgewood Road
Bronxville, NY 10708-2516
Anne.h.Yeager@gmail.com
1976
Ken Blass
357 Pitts Road
Old Chatham, NY
kenb@blasscommunications.com
AA’76: This is my first article as Class Secretary
for the class of ’76. Please email me with any
updates and happenings in your life for future issues.
The class of ’76 held its traditional every-fiveyears
golf outing in June at the Roost. A great
time was had by all. Thanks to Tom Hans for
arranging the use of his club. Present were Blass,
Hans, Harder, Maney, McGinty, Murphy,
O’Connor, Ritz, Talbot, and Tracy with
a last minute phone presence by David Davis
from Florida after he missed his flight. Brian
tAlbot sponsored a new BMW for the hole
in one (which no one won). Credit goes to Tim
and Frank for traveling the farthest (Texas and
Colorado respectively). Dan Finn (Joe’s brother),
Tony Duffy ’75 and Teddy David ’77 also
joined in on the fun. In the evening we partied with
the girls from AAG’76 at Laura Ellis’s parents’
beautiful home.
Tim Ritz left BP and has formed his own
maritime consulting company, Ritz Marine Group -
www.ritzllc.com. We wish him success.
John Grogan writes that he is director of
the South Berkshire Educational Collaborative and
runs its Adult Education programs. He is married
(30 years) and has three children and lives in Great
Barrington, MA. He still coaches hockey and softball
at local high schools and plays some hockey and
tennis too.
Frank McGinty says it is beautiful in
Colorado, where he is a Principal with Safety
Management Systems, LLC - www.smsllc.com.
In 2009 and 2010, Peter Swire took leave
from teaching law to work for Larry Summers in
the National Economic Council. In the fall of 2010,
he returned to teaching at Ohio State and still
commutes one semester each year from DC out
to Columbus, running an internship program in DC
in the summer. To stay in shape, he plays in an over-
45 soccer league.
Tom Hans emails that we suffered a crushing
defeat at the gloved hands of CBA in the Sabre
Cup. But Tom guarantees that we will regain the
Sabre next year. Tom is still married to his long-time
sweetheart, Diane.
And last, speaking of marriage, my wife Karen
and I just celebrated our 30th anniversary in June
2011 with a trip to China where we hiked the
Great Wall and had Peking Duck. (Another place
that we can check off our bucket lists.). I got lucky
and won two trophies this year sailboat racing in
competitions held by the Mayfield Yacht Club, one
of which was won in the Charity Cup, which is a
nationally sanctioned regatta.
Lisa Rubin-Johnson
1977 35th
Edward DeBerri
115 S Burning Tree Drive
Hampstead, NC 28443
edeberri@hotmail.com
Reunion
1978
AA:’78: CHRIS BENDER remembered his
oldest friend, MASON TOLMAN, who passed
away November 1, 2011. “Mason was an
unforgettable person. With his warm personality,
amble physicality and natty attire, he always made
a lasting impression. He was a “stand out in the
crowd” kind of guy.
At The Albany Academy, where most of us were
known by our last names, Mason was always known
by his first. In elementary school he was the tallest
and roundest boy in our class and that distinction
came at a price. While others might have turned
their anger inward, or made excuses to not fit
in, Mason responded oppositely. He rose above
it all with his characteristic humor and intelligent
resilience. Those are the traits that I will remember
him best for.
I spent a lot of time at Mason’s house as we
grew up. Partly because it was a cool place - a
Victorian farmhouse with outbuildings, a tennis
court and a short walk over the train tracks to
Tollgate for ice cream. But really, the biggest reason
to hang out at Mason’s was his parents.
Mason was the youngest of three and his folks
were already “broken in.” His dad, “Big Mason” (by
the way that made Mason, “Little Mason”) and
his mom Betsy were not quite as obsessed with
our shenanigans as some other parents. Mason’s
humor, moral compass, and ability to relate well to
just about anyone were all traits learned from Big
Mason and Betsy.
Mason, unlike anyone else I knew, called his
mom “mother.” That was the aristocrat in Mason
- his affinity for bowties, the horned rim glasses,
the Fort Orange Club, calling me CB or Christian,
never Chris. He liked being from old stock.
In middle school gym class at the Academy, I bet
Mason that I could run faster backward than he
could forward. Mason being Mason, he was game
for challenge. We lined up and took off running. As
we approached the finish line, it was a close race
and I leaned backward, falling and breaking both
wrists at the same time. More fun with my friend
Mason.
After high school it was off to college and then
“life.” Other than a few check-ins and an infamous
Halloween night in Manhattan in the late 80’s, when
Mason went out dressed as a St Bernard with a
barrel strapped under his chin, some floppy dog
ears and a ridiculous tail, we had not stayed in close
touch.
But when Mason and Jane moved back to
Albany, we picked up right where we had left off.
Mason was so easy to be around. He really was an
expert at friendship. He followed my life, offered his
characteristic keen observations and witty advice,
always delivered in a delicate and clever way. We
understood each other’s challenges of the moment
and talked about them.
We shared a love of rock music. His palate being
broader than mine, just about any aging rock act
coming to the area would result in an email from
from Mason – “CB…what’s left of Crosby Stills and
Nash is playing the palace... are you in?”
Fall/Winter 2011 25

As our class’s 25th Academy Reunion
approached, Mason became the nucleus. In the
planning we found ourselves recounting an event
where our entire senior class had been severely
reprimanded for our rebel attitude, eventually
being admonished by the dean, “you are the worst
class ever.” Through Mason’s brilliance, that insult
became our signature tag line and appeared on our
reunion shirts a few years back - and it has stuck.
“The Class of 1978 – the Worst Class ever.” Now
that’s branding.
Mason made his impact on people with kindness
and humor, carefully woven with his creative
intelligence. What a gift it was to us all. As a friend, I
fear he will be irreplaceable.”
Lisa Tate Field
18 Delafield Drive
Albany, NY 12205
peacefulfield@aol.com
1979
Jeanne Dignum Birch
PO Box 83
Wynantskill, NY 12198
birchj@albanyacademies.org
1980
Eric Cramer Besch, Esq.
6730 Springhill Dr.
Frederick, MD 21702
Eric@Besch.org
Jenean Taranto-Watson
74 Bittersweet Lane
Slingerlands, NY 12159
jtara@albanylaw.edu
1981
Kimmey Janco
19 Ash Grove Lane
Selkirk, NY 12158
kimmeyjanco@yahoo.com
Anne Olcott
187 West Rock Avenue
New Haven, CT 06515
Aeo2007@comcast.net
1982 30th
George D. Mahoney
3058 New Williamsburg Dr.
Schenectady, NY 12303
GeorgeM@janitronicsinc.com
1983
Jerald P. Casey
96 Connolly Road
Ballston Lake, NY 12019-1904
jcasey@adktapes.com
Christine Standish
42 Turner Lane
Loudonville, NY 12211
Christine.Standish@albint.com
Reunion
1985
Kirk W. Harbinger
16 Patriot Circle
Clifton Park, NY 12065
kirkharbinger@hotmail.com
Sarah Carswell Heffernan
156 Savin Hill Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125
sarahheffernan@comcast.net
Michele Samal Kinnon
Mexico
michelekinnon@gmail.com
1986
Todd Hoffman
700 Route 22
Pawling, NY 12564
Thoffman@trinitypawling.org
1987 25th
G. Todd D’Alleva
27 Cayuga Court
Averill Park, NY 12018
todd.dalleva@gmail.com
1988
J.R. Clearfield
1515 23rd S.
Arlington, VA
jrc0302@gmail.com
1989
William J. Belleville
155 West 70th Street, PH3B
New York, NY 10023
bill.belleville@credit-suisse.com
Jeffrey M. Berman
6 Woodcrest Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
jeffberman18@gmail.com
Reunion
AA’89: The Class of ’89 turned 40 for the
most part this year, and there were some great
festivities surrounding
that milestone. Melissa
Belleville threw a
toga party for Bill’s
40th in New York
City (see photo), and
classmates Peter
Blackman and
Adam Cohn were in
attendance. That crew
was then joined by Craig Fasser and Nick
Brignola later on in the summer for Peter
Blackman’s 40th on Academy Road. Bill also had
the pleasure of an evening of sushi and sake with
Eric Gordon in Miami this September. He
reports that EG is looking as gorgeous as ever and
continues to be a successful real estate developer
and investor.
Sarah McLaughlin
80 King Street
Swampscott, MA 01907
sarahmclaughlin@verizon.net
AAG’89: Kim
Sykes writes, “Sarah
McLaughlin and I
attended the wedding of
mutual friends (Sarah Perz
Sheehy and Tim Sheehy) in
Newport, Rhode Island at
the Chanler at Cliff Walk.
Sarah was maid of honor and
I donned a hat for the occasion!
Alison McLean Lane writes, “My husband
Tim Lane V and I received a very special delivery
on August 9. I gave birth to twins Timothy Andrew
VI, 6lb 4 oz, and Campbell Rose, 6lb 10 oz. Both
babies are healthy and beautiful, their parents
however, are exhausted.”
1990
Jasan M. Ward
206 N Pearl Street, #203
Albany, NY 12207-2359
sanmw248@yahoo.com
Melissa Kermani
5 Dalton Court
Delmar, NY 12054
melissakermani@yahoo.com
1991
Joseph Bonavita
302 Audubon Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70125
jbonavita@hotmail.com
Andrew Safranko
40 Marquis Drive
Slingerlands, NY 12159
asafranko@oalaw.com
Monica Kasselman Oberting
105 Woods Lane
Menands, NY 12204
mko@nycap.rr.com
1992 20th
Duncan P. McCaskill
1200 Braddock Place, Apt. 102
Alexandria, VA 22314
dpmccaskill@aol.com
1993
William R. Samuels
301 East 52nd Street #4B
New York, NY 10022
bill@thesamuels.net
Jennifer Riitano Levy
101 Steeple Way
Schenectady, NY 12306
jenny@ualax.net
1994
Mark J. Bonavita
223 Executive Drive
Guilderland, NY 12084
mjbonavita@yahoo.com
Reunion
26
The Albany Academies Magazine

AA’94: In July, HARRIS
DAGUE and his wife
Stephanie raised $11,000
for Congenital Muscular
Dystrophy research.
The fundraiser, inspired
by their two year-old
son Charlie, was held
at a Valley Cats game.
In attendance (pictured left to right): Harris, Greg
Finkell, Dave Nardolillo, Chris Kelly, Suraj Kunchala,
Mark Bonavita, Pat Cummings, and Pat Ryan ’93.
The Dagues welcomed a daughter to the family in
September.
CHRIS KELLY is now working for Pat Ryan
’93 in New Jersey. Pat and his wife are expecting
their second child this fall.
GREG FINKELL is working for Mass Mutual in
North Carolina.
MARK BONAVITA is working for Patterson
Dental in the Albany area.
Cypriana McCray
13667 Legacy Circle Apt M
Herndon, VA 20171-4757
cypriana.mccray@gmail.com
1995
Kate Riitano McLaughlin
5240 Baltimore Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20816
Kmclaughlin@meltzergroup.com
1996
Neerav Patel
22 Shelbourne Dr.
Clifton Park, NY 12065
neerav.patel@scanris.com
Alexis Casano-Antonellis
285 Garfield Place # Garden
Brooklyn, NY 11215-2351
lexycasano@gmail.com
1997 15th
Robert M. Witt
473 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
martywitt@gmail.com
Lynne Hutter Kimball
225 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
lhutter@gmail.com
1998
John LaBoda
121 Castlebar Road
Rochester, NY 14610
Jlaboda3@hotmail.com
1999
Nicholas Conger
1911 S St. NW Apt. 1
Washington, DC 20009-1100
nickconger@gmail.com
Reunion
AAG’99: Macaire Maloney Cognetti
and Michael S. Cognetti are thrilled to announce
the birth of their son, Jasper Colman Cognetti, born
on 10.8.10. “We are head over heels in love with
this little guy!”
2000
Gina Riitano
gina.riitano@gmail.com
AAG’00: Gina Riitano: “This spring and
summer I was fortunate enough to return to
my roots and spend the summer reLAXin’! Yes,
relaxing in the most wonderful sense of the word,
like spending blissful sunny days with my family
and friends on Cape Cod, but for those unfamiliar
with the sport of Lacrosse and the language that
has evolved from it, reLAXin’ also has another
meaning. I will give you a simple example; a “Laxer”
is a lacrosse player, most likely a diehard fan of the
sport. I spent this spring and summer laxing it up
and coaching with an Albany area youth league
team. I am also proud to say I made the journey
up north to play in my 10th year of the Lake
Placid Summit Lacrosse Tournament. I think most
Laxers would agree that this tournament marks
the pinnacle of summer play and it is always an
August weekend reserved for meeting up with
friends young and old and enjoying the sport in
the beautiful surroundings of the Adirondacks. It
was great to catch up good friends and fellow
classmates like the ever impressive Kevin
Leveille AA’99, who also serves as one of the
Tournament Directors and can still rip a shot from
just about half-field. This year, I had the honor of
playing with some of the younger AAG alumnae
such as Nicole Borisenok ’08, current
dynamite player at Ithaca College, Union College’s
“Biz” Alexis Deeb ’08, Colleen Werther
’07, and Molly Ortolano ’05. I’d better start
training now so the girls take me back next year!
McKenzie
Nicholson ’00
works as a School
Counselor at The Albany
Academies. She is busy
planning a Summer 2012
wedding with her fiancé,
Douglas Fruehwirth.
Together they have a
daughter, Grace (pictured), born January 24, 2011.
Hascy Alford Cross ’00 was married
in July 2009 to her husband Tim Cross. They are
proud to announce the birth of their daughter,
Lane, on March 22. “Maybe she will be AAG class
of 2029? (How scary is that?!) But right now we
are just trying to recover from the lack of sleep!”
She added, “I was so disappointed to miss our 10th
Reunion, but my sister-in-law was getting married
and I had the honor of being a bridesmaid. I hope
everyone had a wonderful time and I look forward
to catching up with everyone soon!” Hascy and Tim
live in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Thank you all for submitting your notes and sharing
your special moments with our Academy family. We
welcome all updates and celebrate your successes
and share with you in the difficult times as well.
Wishing everyone a wonderful 2012!
2001
Andrew M. Stone
15180 Old Hickory Blvd
Apt 302
Nashville, TN, 37211-6553
andrew.m.stone@gmail.com
2002 10th
Seth A. Wander
801 Brickell Key Blvd. #2010
Miami, FL 33131
sawander@med.miami.edu
AA’01: SETH
DiNOLA (pictured)
was named “Pilot of the
Year” for the HSL-42,
his Navy helicopter
squadron. Seth recently
completed a mission
flying piracy interdiction
along the coast of
Somalia.
Reunion
AA’02: John Andrews was featured in
the Times Union earlier this year. John earned
an associate degree in golf management from
the Golf Academy of America. He’s now giving
lessons for the Knowledge Network as he works
toward his ultimate goal of becoming a Class A
teaching professional.
AAG’02: Laura
Rubinchuk recently
married Mitchell Schwartz in
Washington, D.C.. “We live
in Arlington, VA. Ariane
ghovANLOO Field was
there with her husband, Mike
Field.”
2003
Brian Lasky
191 East 76th Street Apt. LA
New York, NY 10016
brian.j.lasky@gmail.com
Elizabeth Conolly
2353 Albatross
San Diego, CA 92101
elizabeth.conolly@gmail.com
2004
John P. Garvey
112 Hunter Lane
Queensbury, NY 12804
jp@jpgarvey.com
AA’04: Tom Qualtere serves as
Speechwriter for the Chairman of the House
Republican Conference, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX),
in Washington, D.C. Before working for Congress,
Tom worked for the Heritage Foundation, the
nation’s largest conservative think tank, as research
assistant and speechwriter for the organization’s
longtime president, Edwin J. Feulner. He also hosts
a monthly happy hour on Capitol Hill for politically
Fall/Winter 2011 27

ight-leaning young professionals in the DC metro
area known as “First Friday,” which was profiled by
The Washington Post last June. Tom first moved
to the nation’s capital in 2008 after graduating
from Skidmore College with a double major in
Government and Acting.
Gretchen Freihofer
21 Father Gilday Street # 511
Boston, MA 02118
g_freihofer@yahoo.com
2005
Conor Stewart
162 Hogarty Road
Averill Park, NY 12018
conorwilliam.stewart@gmail.com
Kendall Drew
707 W Barry #201
Chicago, IL 60657
kendalldrew@u.northwestern.edu
2006
Scott Sobolewski
515 East 14th Street
New York, NY
scottsobolewski@gmail.com
Katharine Schimmer
C/O 756 Irish Hill Road
Berne, NY 12023
kas.oiseau@gmail.com
AAG’06:
ALINA KEEGAN,
pictured, was
recently featured
in The Las Vegas
Review Journal
for her work with Teach for America. TFA is a
national nonprofit organization that recruits college
students for two-year teaching commitments at
schools in at-risk communities. Alina graduated
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill with a biology major. In the article, Alina said,
“The work I’ve been able to do here in one year
and all I’ve witnessed, it’s really inspired me to get
more involved in the community. It’s really invested
me not only in education but in this area.” Last year,
TFA received more than 50,000 applicants, but only
5,200 people were accepted.
2007 5th
Colin Dennis
1536 Tibbits Ave
Troy, NY 12180
cmd024@bucknell.edu
Reunion
AA’07: 2nd Lt. Clayton G. Macomber,
brother of Dr. Christopher G. Macomber
’01, and son of Captain Mark B. Macomber
’67, graduated from the United States Air Force
Academy on May 25, 2011, with a degree in
Aeronautical Engineering, and was commissioned as
a Second Lieutenant. He has reported to Vance Air
Force Base in Enid, OK, where he will begin US Air
Force Pilot Training.
Jillian P. LeFevre
250 Bushendorf Road
Ravena, NY 12143
lefevj@rpi.edu
2008
Omar McGill
20 Chestnut Street
Schenectady, NY 12307
Omar_McGill@yahoo.com
Jill Scalzo
240 Miller Road
Selkirk, NY 12158
jes23@geneseo.edu
2009
Marcus Hart
37 Marion Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
sucram67@me.com
Elite Williams
104 Edward Street
Schenectady, NY 12304
williame@union.edu
2010
Vincent Birch
PO Box 83
Wynantskill, NY 12198
vbirch@nd.edu
AA’10: BRENDAN CALLANAN was named to
the Dean’s List at Union College.
Valedictorian Alex Zacharczenko
successfully transferred to Brown University and is
presently spending a semester at the University of
Edinburgh, in Scotland. He is a history major with
a focus on the Middle East. There is a possibility of
being a walk-on onto the Brown track team this
coming spring depending on his full recovery from
a lingering hamstring injury.
Samantha Miorin
280 Edwards Road
Wynantskill, NY 12198
miorinsa@gmail.com
AAG’10: After joining the Garin Tzabar program,
dedicated to assisting Israelis who live overseas
return to Israel and join the military, MOR BASS
has had a successful start to her life in Israel. Living
outside of Tel Aviv, in Jerusalem, and now settling
in Kibbutz Yiftah, near the Lebanon border, Mor
looks forward to starting her military service.
She’s completed the first call to service, receiving
the highest scores possible, qualifying her for all
positions. Mor was recently invited to participate
in Yom Ha’Meah, a trial day to further decide what
military positions she qualifies for, and is now
anxiously awaiting the results. Regardless of which
position she takes, she is set to be inducted in
November. Outside of the military, she’s enjoying
kibbutz life and traveling across the country.
2011
Nick Cardona
7 Prospect Terrace
Albany, NY
ncardona115@yahoo.com
Paris Naigles
10 Kings Court
Clifton Park, NY 12065
paris.naigles1@marist.edu
The Albany Academies – Albany
Academy for Girls & The Albany
Academy – extend condolences for
the following recent passings:
Marcia Hedberg Sanders ’45 on
June 2, 2010.
James Bollinger ’51 on January 26, 2011.
David Pike’45 on April 20, 2011.
Nancy Gilkeson ’47 on April 24, 2011.
Meredith Tillotson Richardson ’35 on
May 2, 2011.
Elizabeth Chrisp Finegan ’28 on
May 18, 2011.
Sidney Burke Carroll ’41 on
July 20, 2011.
Roland Faulkner ’52 on July 28, 2011.
Jane Grumbach Emerson ’64 on
August 10, 2011.
Trina McCandless ’71 on
August 25, 2011.
Richard Wallace ’59 on
September 15, 2011.
John Mills ’42 on September 30, 2011.
Stephen Wanger ’53 on
October 8, 2011.
Janet Walker ’37 on October 20, 201.
Marguerite Mullenneaux ’37 on
October 22, 2011.
Marjorie White Williams ’45 on
October 23, 2011.
Mason Tolman ’78 on
November 1, 2011.
Andrew Rooney ’38 on
November 4, 2011.
Shirley Hamblin Dinyer ’43 on
December 3, 2011.
Be sure to log on and visit the
School and Alumni/ae Portals on
our website, albanyacademies.org.
28
The Albany Academies Magazine

Don’t forget to sign up for
Summer Camp 2012
at the Academies.
Registration coming soon!
Visit albanyacademies.org
for more information.
Saturday, April 28, 2012, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Visit albanyacademies.org for more information.

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Save the date for the following events
January 21, 2012
Frank O’Brien III ’84 Memorial
Alumni Hockey Game
January 26, 2012
Alumni/ae Speaker Series:
Lt. Col. Joseph R. Clearfield ’88
Albany Academy Alumni
Association Mid-Winter Dinner
February 2, 2012
State of the School
February 8, 2012
AAG Legacy Scholarship
Reception
February 11, 2012
International Taste of the
World Festival
February 13, 2012
Alumni/ae Speaker Series:
Peter Kyunghwan Kim ’87
March 1, 2012
Alumni/ae Speaker Series:
Barbara Blatner ’67
March 31, 2012
Spring Gathering
April 11, 2012
Alumni/ae Speaker Series:
Pamela Sargent ’64
April 28, 2012
Albany Children’s
Book Festival
May 18 & 19, 2012
Reunion 2012
May 30, 2012
Final Assembly
Last Chapel
June 11, 2012
Albany Academy for Girls
Commencement
June 12, 2012
The Albany Academy
Commencement
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