Weddings
Billington — Norman
Sarah Elizabeth Billington was married to Matthew Jeremy Mitchell Norman on September 8, 2012 at the Gale Mansion in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Rev. Doctor George Martin, a retired Episcopal priest, officiated.
The bride, 29, is a Web content specialist for Healthcare Partners in Bloomington, Minnesota. She graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in English.
She is the daughter of Charles and Cynthia Billington of Glencoe, Illinois. Her father is an administrator at the Illinois Center for Rehabilitation and Education in Chicago. A baseball historian, he is the author of “Wrigley Field’s Last World Series” and lectures widely on Chicago sports history. Her mother retired from teaching high school English at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois, and currently is a tutor in the New Trier Homebound program in Winnetka.
The groom, 26, is a customer service manager for U.S. Bank in St. Paul. He graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
He is the son of Stephen and Jacqueline Norman of Rye. His mother is a volunteer Chaplain at White Plains Hospital. His father is retired from his position as Corporate Secretary and Chief Governance Officer at American Express Company, where he worked for almost 40 years, and is currently president of SPNorman & Co LLC, Corporate Governance Advisors. He is also Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Berkshire School in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
After a honeymoon trip to Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico, the couple settled in Lilydale, Minnesota, a suburb of St. Paul.
Engagements
Bates — Jovanovich
William and Jo Ann Bates of Albany, Georgia, announce the engagement of their daughter, Bronwyn Georgia Bates, to Nicholas Peter Jovanovich, the son of Robin and Peter Jovanovich of Rye.
The future bride graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She is a sales representative with Cengage Learning.
The future groom graduated from Washington College with a B.A. in History. He also works at Cengage Learning, where he is an executive sales representative.
The couple met on a college campus, while they were working on an educational publishing project.
A spring wedding in Georgia is planned.
Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
There were tables laden with gift possibilities ranging from $2 stuffed animals for the very young to $80 handwoven scarves for mom at the Resurrection Grammar School Magic of Christmas festival December 1 and 2.
For adults there were plenty of temptations. About 25 tables featured items such as vintage jewelry, beaded bracelets, hand-knitted hats and scarves, novelty alarm clocks, and a variety of brightly colored furbelows.
“It’s a wonderful tradition for the kids,” said one Resurrection parent. The kids themselves were most enthusiastic about activities such as Secret Santa. “I’m looking forward to winning my second cake,” admitted one fourth-grade boy right before he posed angelically in front of an artificial Christmas tree. No word on whether he had already scarfed down the first cake.
The Elf Shop offered up reindeer antlers, penny whistles, and other plastic goodies. For more energetic kids there was face painting, tie dying T-shirts and the always-popular Cake Walk. For younger kids, there were ceramic holiday ornaments eager for painting.
Excited kids, toddlers pining for stuffed animals, middle schoolers affecting blasé faces — it was definitely looking a lot like Christmas at the Resurrection festival.
A Well-Booked Event
School of the Holy Child’s third annual Luncheon and Boutique for the Maureen Alison McGrath ’78 Memorial Library was a big success, drawing nearly 240 guests to the Apawamis Club November 28.
“The event brought together alumnae, current parents, and parents of alumnae, as well as current and former trustees for a very good cause,” said Head of School Ann Sullivan. “We are pleased with the generous support received and thrilled to have the biggest turnout we’ve ever seen from this event.”
The featured keynote speaker was Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore, who spoke about women’s leadership — and the important roles that parents, teachers and community members play in promoting and encouraging its development in girls. “The principles that drive the mission of School of the Holy Child — in partnerships with the wonderful family experiences and environment you all work so hard to create in your homes — offer your children precisely what they need to develop into accomplished, committed, and effective leaders.”
Proceeds from the event will help purchase new library resources and support the Maureen Alison McGrath ’78 Speaker Series.