story & photos by Maren Schober

Her life is full of adventure and achievements. She is a woman always on the go, starting from her early childhood as a daughter of a navy man.

Carolyn was born to William and Ethel Hoffeins in 1935 at the Home Memorial Hospital in New London.

"A navy family moved around a lot more in those days than they do now," Carolyn comments. Along with my parents and three sisters, Mimi, Louanne and Mary Stuart, I lived in Washington, California, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, New York, Virginia, Mexico, Washington, D.C. and Hawaii as I was growing up. I believe I attended a total of 36 schools throughout my growing years! I have been to every state in the country."

"I remember being in Panama in 1941. Air raid sirens were going off and practice war drills were taking place...it was very exciting to be a kid at that time."

While in Hawaii Carolyn had a big surprise.

"I met a girl who was born in the same hospital in New London that I was and on the same day!"

Aunt Mimi and Uncle Freddy were favorite relatives of Carolyn's.

"My sisters and I were sent to live with them every summer on Long Island Sound. During the war I remember the "black out" days. It was so exciting! One day on the beach we found dozens and dozens of fresh water bottles washed up on the sand. They must have come from a destroyed ship."

Carolyn went to school in Hawaii, and attended Connecticut College.

"I was so fortunate to attend Punahou Private School in Hawaii. They had the finest of teachers."

While at Conn College Carolyn met Bruce Talcott Beal on a blind date and they were married in 1955. Bruce was in the army and once again Carolyn was on the move.

"With our three daughters, Libby, Katie and Hannah, we lived in Texas, Alabama, Groton Long Point, CT, Oklahoma, Germany, New Jersey and Vietnam."

After a divorce, Bill Leuze came on the scene and they were married in 1972. At the same time Carolyn took teacher training courses and graduated 1st in her class at Eastern Conn. State University!

"I taught 3rd and 4th grades in Ledyard Center School for 25 years. I loved my work, but my real joy was sailing. This came from my husband Bill. We raced in our Ensign "Yankee" at the Thames Yacht Club. The "Bill Leuze Trophy" is given out for racing each year."

Carolyn's great love of sailing and her desire for city children to be able to learn to sail led up to her founding the New London Community Boating program. This she did with 3 other founders, Judy Gibbs, Beth Robinson and her daughter, Katie. Starting out in 1999 with only 8 New London city children, the sailing education program has grown to 376 children! Carolyn is the program director and her grant writing has paid off in local grants from the Frank L. Palmer Fund, the Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation and others as well as private donations.

"The New London Community Boating program takes place at Greens Harbor Beach each summer with children ages 9-17. Free sailing lessons are given for beginners level, advanced beginners, intermediate level and a racing clinic. Each year we go into the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School. In the gym a JY 15 sailboat is set up and the kids get to try out the boat, fully rigged with sails. We have also built two sailboats with students and these are used in our sailing program."

Carolyn has been presented with a community service award for her efforts in bringing free sailing education to New London's youth. Children who might never have such an opportunity are now growing in self confidence and self esteem as they learn the skills of sailing and all its benefits of physical, mental and emotional health, as well as intellectual growth.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program can call the New London Recreation Dept. at 447-5230.

Carolyn Leuze, you inspire us with your service to the community.

May our youth grow to appreciate your love and efforts on their behalf.