Becoming 2014 The Commons Blog
April 2015

Michael Tomb '72 recently won an award for his short documentary, "Epiphany" at Rochester's Inaugural 2015 Fast Forward Film Festival. The  Fast Forward Film Festival invited local Rochester filmmakers to make a five minute short film to "convey the urgency of our environmental problems." Michael's film was the runner up for the "Strongest Call to Action" category. Take a look at this outstanding film.

Epiphany at Fast Forward Film Festival

Michael is an artist of many disciplines. If you live in the Rochester area,  he invites you to visit his art studio, Studio Michaelino, during any of the First Friday events. His studio is located at 137 East Avenue above the main ROCO galleries. 

If you wish to learn more about Michael's artwork, read this article in last July's Upstate Gardening Journal
Harley Taught Me How To Write
wire-bound-pad.jpg  
 
In my many conversations with Harley alumni, one statement seems to always come up: Harley taught me how to write. For any of you who may have wondered about today's Harley education, it still rings true.  Larry Frye, Head of the Upper School, recently wrote this in his Upper School Weekly: 

 

"Boy, there are so many great writers at Harley right now...Next up: a pair of our young writers have been selected for the Geva Young Writer's Showcase: Dom Liotti for "Tacos, Tacos, Tacos" (a play he first wrote for the 24-hour Theater Marathon) and Elijah Hale for "Zach and Isaiah Return Me" (a one-act he wrote for Patricia Malone's Playwriting class here at Harley). The plays in the Young Writer's Showcase are stage-read by professional actors, so it's a tremendous opportunity for insight into one's work. I haven't gotten all the details yet, but in most years there are only 5-6 plays chosen, so quite a showing by the Harley students!"


 

Below are two more samples of Harley's extraordinary alumni writers. First we have Jevon Allen '92. He is currently living in Japan and is a "musician, teacher, writer, chef, surfing enthusiast, and world traveler." Next we have Harmony Button '99. Harmony is currently living in Salt Lake City, Utah and is a "poet and a teacher." Please click on the images below to read a sample of their work.

 

Click the picture to read
An Early Spring for Alex
by Jevon Allen '92


Click the picture to read
Writing Across The Curriculum
by Harmony Button '99

 
If you wish to share your story in an upcoming Harley Alumni Happenings, please contact me at [email protected] or (585) 442-1770 ext. 3030.
Alumni Visitors and Updates
Peter Ewell '66 and Len Wilcox

Peter Ewell '66 was in town from Colorado visiting his parents, Bud '44 and Ruth Ewell. He stopped into School for an interview with Alex DeSantis and a tour of "Bud's Basement" in The Commons with Len Wilcox.
Walker Zupan '14 and Alex DeSantis

Walker Zupan '14 was home for spring break and we invited him to speak with us over coffee and snacks about his Alumni Cup win last year. Walker is currently a freshman at Northwestern University.

Charlie Stuard '82 and Howie McCain '82
together at the premier

Film director, Howie McCain '82's, A Boys Life, recently premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival Shorts Program in New York City.

Birthday Celebration!

Former physical education teacher,  Dick Chapman, celebrated his 80th birthday in style! Thank you to everyone who sent him cards and well wishes. His wife said he was delighted to receive notes, cards, and emails from his former students and colleagues.
Reunion Weekend is Coming

Please join us for Reunion Weekend 2015 on June 11, 12, and 13. Here is what we have planned:
June 11
Commencement at 7:00 pm
June 12 
Cocktail Reception at City Grill from 7:00-9:00 pm
June 13
Edna Deutsch Memorial Service at 10:00 am
HAC Alumni Soccer Game at Allendale Columbia at 10:30 am
Brunch and Tours of School at 11:00 am
Commons Speaker Series with John Voelcker '77 at 3:30 pm
Alumni Reception at 5:00 pm

All events are free of charge. RSVP today!
Karen Saludo, Associate Director of Development | (585) 442-1770 ext. 3030 | [email protected] |