Sunday, January 25, 2009

So, we're in a recession . . . .

Over the last week or so, I have heard from a number of people with whom we went to college -- both in our class and in other classes -- who have lost their jobs. The tough times have spared no one. This raises a question: do we want to figure out a way to help each other out? A job posting network? Something like that?

Please let me know what you think.

A Class of 1987 Cause to Support

Betsy Nix wrote in the following:

"Were you addicted to The Wire? Have you read The Corner? Those stories were set in inner-city Baltimore, the place where Andy Imparato and I live. Five years ago I helped to start a K-8 public charter school to serve the kids in our neighborhood, and I am happy to report that it is thriving. One visit will show you engaged kids who love learning and are excited to come to school every day -- lots of hope in the middle of problems that often seems intractable. We have occupied the third floor of a conventional public school since we opened, and next year we are moving into our own building -- a repurposed printing factory. We are looking for creative thinkers in the Mid-Atlantic region -- architects with expertise in school design, people who might like to serve on our board, enthusiastic fundraisers and event planners, and, of course, donors for our capital campaign. Please email me if you would like to find out more."

For more information, here is Betsy's contact information:

Elizabeth M. Nix, Ph.D.
Program Director, Community Studies and Civic Engagement
University of Baltimore
410-837-5296
enix@ubalt.edu

News from Sara Unrue Koulen

Sara (Unrue, MC '87) Koulen and her family have moved their dog and pony show from Fort Worth, TX, to Kansas City, MO. She writes: "Actually, we've landed in nearby Leawood, KS. Husband Peter is starting a new eye and brain research program at UM-KC and Sara is scoping out the new place. Would love to hear from Yalies and especially would love to know where the nearest Feb Club party will be. "

News from Hugh Schoolman

I heard from Hugh Schoolman, who is now working in St. Petersburg, Florida. Hugh writes:

After reconnecting with Franci Diniz and marrying her in Costa Rica (and in Brazil as well...por que no?), we relocated in July of 2006 to St. Petersburg, Florida. Costa Rica was great (except for the roads) and Franci's transition to life in the US has gone reallynicely. The biggest news occurred this past year, however. On August 8th, 2008, (that's 8-8-08), our little Ana Julia was born. She weighed exactly 8 pounds to boot! She's taken to eating quite well (a Schoolman family characteristic, and a Diniz characteristicas well) and is big and smiley and, most importantly, healthy. We couldn't be happier.

We've been in St. Petersburg, Florida for two-and-a-half years now. We really like it. St. Pete is more like Franci's native Recife, Brazil, than most areas of the US. It's normally hot (cold yesterday...it was 60), it's on the coast with pretty great beaches, andit's urban. All good. We have a house (green and yellow, the colors of Brazil) that's less than ten minutes from my school (Shorecrest Prep). There are parks nearby as well as a great walking and running area called Coffee Pot Bayou where you can see manatee anddolphins. I've been serving as Middle Division Head (Principal) at Shorecrest, an independent school. I work with 5th through 8th graders and a great team of teachers and administrators. We are building a new 7th and 8th Grade Center--started before the economywent south--and it's an exciting time to be here.

Nellie Shipley Goes Green

The latest news from Nellie Shipley:

Womble Carlyle attorney Nellie Shipley has earned LEED Professional Accreditation, the leading professional accreditation in the green, or sustainable, construction and development industry.

LEED Accredited Professionals must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the construction and development industry in general, with a particular focus on environmentally friendly building, development and operation practices. Typically, LEED accreditation is sought by architects and contractors, but Shipley believed the knowledge gained through the accreditation process would aid her clients and thus her legal practice.

“Many of my clients are actively involved in green construction and development,” Shipley said. “In order to give these clients the best possible service, I feel I need to know as much as possible about these topics. Attaining LEED accreditation isn’t as significant as the process it took to earn that accreditation. It really helped me understand green development from the developer’s perspective and the perspectives of the developer’s other service providers (like architects and engineers).”

In order to become a LEED Accredited Professional, candidates must pass a comprehensive written exam, which includes green construction and development topics such as:

Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills;
Environmentally sensitive site selection and development;
Conserving energy and water;
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions; and
Qualifying for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other state and local incentives.

Shipley’s practice focuses on real estate development throughout North Carolina, including the rapidly growing Cary region of western Wake County, where Shipley lives. She’s played a role in developing many major residential, retail and business projects throughout North Carolina, however.

Shipley has particular experience with “green development,” including energy-efficient buildings and developments that use less processed water. She also is heading Womble Carlyle’s Green Initiative from the Raleigh office, which is working to help the firm itself adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

In addition to her work as a real estate attorney, Shipley is active in numerous community and economic development organizations in western Wake County. She is the chair of the Cary Economic Development Commission, and has served as chair of the Cary Chamber of Commerce and president of Triangle Commercial Real Estate Women. She is a founding member of the Triangle District Council of the Urban Land Institute and volunteers in local schools. Shipley can be seen driving around town from time to time with her younger daughter in their new Smart car, which qualifies for preferred parking in projects that earned a LEED point for providing preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles under Credit 4.3 of the Sustainable Sites point category.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

In memory of Becky (Bowser) Lowenthal

The friends and family of Becky (Bowser) Lowenthal have created a Facebook group in her memory.

Please note that the location of the viewing has changed.


Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Time: :00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Pumphrey's Funeral Home
Street: 7557 Wisconsin Ave
City/Town: Bethesda, MD


Also, the family has indicated that in lieu of flowers, please donate to Metro TeenAids: PO Box 15577 Washington DC 20003-5577202-543-8246 metroteenaids.org

An announcement from the Family of Rebecca Bowser Lownethal

Rebecca Bowser Lowenthal , Yale Class of 1987, passed away suddenly in Potomac, MD on Jan 20, 2009. She was born and raised in Montclair,NJ. Becky leaves behind husband Andrew, and three beautiful children Nicholas, Julia and Jonathan.

Public viewing Saturday January 24 at River Road Unitarian Church Bethesda, MD. 3-5pm

Memorial Service Sunday January 25 at 4 pm at River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesda. Arrive by 3 p.m.

Please send condolences to bowserjennifer@gmail.com. A public facebook page is being set up.

Monday, January 5, 2009

News from Anne-Marie Fink

Anne-Marie Fink writes in with the following news: "I’m looking forward to the publication of my first book, “The Moneymakers: How Extraordinary Managers Win in a World Turned Upside Down” (Crown, 2009), on January 27th. In the vein of “Good to Great” or “Execution”, the book shares the management practices that really work, drawing on what shareowners have learned over years of investing with corporate leaders. I hope the book's insights will aid businesspeople in overcoming all the challenges they face these days."