Circular No 949

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 11 of January 2020 No. 949

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Dear Friends,

Another old boy has appeared, Kamal Khan, welcome.

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Chat conversation start

You're friends on Facebook

Odasis at Rutgers University

23/11/2019, 11:59

Hi Kamal,

I am the Editor of the Abbey School Mt.St. Benedict Newslettter and saw a short article by Kazim Abalasi and that you were a prefect at the school??

If it is so, please send me your email address so that I may send you Circular No. 940 the latest weekly issue.

God bless,

Ladislao Kertesz

https://2019circulars.blogspot.com/

Abbey School, Mt St Benedict, Tunapuna, Trinidad - 2019 Circulars

Ladislao Kertesz's Circulars for the Old Boys of the Abbey School, Mt St Benedict, a long-closed Benedictine College for boys at Tunapuna in Trinidad in the West Indies.

I would like you to read some of the issues, maybe look up some of the friends that you left behind and would like to contact.

Please could you send me your CV that you would like to be published in the newsletter. my address is kertesz11@yahoo.com

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24/11/2019, 14:22

Ladislao, it is a pleasure to see the Abbey BOYS clicking after all these years.

The ABBEY gave me strength to carry on and strive in my educational path.

Please keep in touch my email is Kkhanv @gmail.com

Thank you

Kamal.

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IN 2009 - THE INTERNATIONAL LIME BEGINS.

Hello Jerry,

My wife went to England, to visit her mother and brothers for 3 weeks during the reunion time, it made it difficult for me to attend, also I love to travel with my wife, now we can come to the states soon, how about Jan. around the 1st - 9th, any time in Jan, or Feb.

If you want, we can take the 3 days cruise as Neil suggest, if it’s good for others.

In 2009, the International Lime begins, but you are in San Diego, I can do that also, I must make contact soon, I am very glad to put my 2 cents in.

So many brothers to see.

This is a personal mount trip for me.

As it saddens me, to hear of corrosion of the hills, which can be repaired, we don't need millions, we can use trees, wire mesh cages packed with crushed gravel, steel and concrete in some places, and drainage, must be the best or it will all come tumbling down. 

We have engineers all over this club, if not I have friends here, engineers, some of the best they build all over the world. 

So, if we in run in to any bullshit, along the way. 

Where there is a will, there is a way, and God is our side. 

These concerns must be addressed in the most logical way. 

Sorry, but this is real business, a tax-free account for supplies, could be shipped in, we will call on our best minds. 

I will put money where my mouth is, my priority is still, the Abbey school buildings, and the immediate hills that surround them.

In Haiti they cut all the trees for firewood, now everything is mud. Poor management can destroy anything.

We must be able to have a return of any investments that are made, a must stop for tourist.  A nature tour of the Holy sites.  Come, clear your mind from all worries. 

Can we be silent investors in the biggest Yogurt business in Trinidad, I can send the best Blue Berries in the world from right here in Nova Scotia, to the mount, if we don't pay import tax etc. most of the profits could go for the reconstruction of the castle and its surroundings. 

Now all this is possible, but who the hell will upkeep our investments??

We need a source to the man himself, The Abbot, we need some input, directly or indirectly, without the Abbot's blessings, and our Scout Leader/ The Trusted Mount guidance, it's only a pipe dream. 

If we cannot see success, in our plans, we will not proceed, we do not believe in failure.

Ladislao, Nigel we all walk with the light, so we walk with the Abbot, we need to hear his voice, why are we not talking if we are all going in the same direction??

Welcome to the Sacred Emerald Forrest of Mt. St. Benedict.

Visit the Legends of the Tales and Stories of the Knights of "White Stones."  Is it true?  Well, pay, and find out. Ha! Ha!  This is no joke.

We can create a mystery, that will dazzle the young minds, with a place to eat and relax, on a Sunday evening. 

Never forget, only a few wise monks, made all that you see, that stands on that mountain, did man become dumb as time went on?? 

That we cannot see the meaning of our History.

That we can help to retain what is already there, are we to selfish to help, because there are no personal gains and profits, no, we know that this is bigger than us, and whatever we do, is to help our aged Fathers/Monks, who have done so much, for so long, for absolutely nothing, but for food and shelter, and will only be rewarded when, the chosen one comes, and open that door to heaven.

No one said this was going to be easy, for we want your blood, sweat and tears, the small price you pay, as you entered The Club of Our Lives. 

May God Bless and protect these Knights, as they take on, only missions that are impossible, where no others attempt to go, they walk with the Light,  they see, they smell, they taste only the Glory of Success, whatever they decide to do as One. 

For we talk, but if only 1% of all we say, is accomplished, I know the Angels will dance in the heavens, on that day.

As Knights, we only seek to keep alive the castle, we now call home, a place only in our minds.

Thanking all for their time. 

Glen.

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From: krishnatoolsie@hotmail.com

Hey Glen: 

Many asked about you and Hudson at the Reunion; perhaps you can make one of the upcoming events. 

I liked some of your earlier ideas about the Mount's future and I have a few of my own.

Perhaps we can share those sometime soon,

regards,

Jerry

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From: mckoy43glen@hotmail.com

Date: Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:03:22 +0000

Jerry,

Thank you very much for all the kind words, and this wonderful letter you have sent to so many, I have read it, and will write to you on certain observations I made, through your eyes, more of your letter,

Later, my friend,

Glen.

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De: Ian de Verteuil [irdev@shaw.ca]

Fecha: 20/09/2004 00:11:08

Hi Ladislao,

I have been meaning to do this for quite a while and finally got down to it.

I was in the class of '58 with Csaba and Azier Atela et al.

After I left Mount in 1958 I went to St Mary's University in Halifax.

Didn't graduate and eventually moved to Toronto and worked for Pittsburgh Paints in the development lab.

After 10 years there I couldn't see any great future and I have always liked working with my hands so I took the plunge and went to work for a truck repair company as an apprentice mechanic (age 32).

I am still at it and have been an Auto Technician for the local Ford dealer for the past 23 years.

In Ford National Technician competitions I placed first in BC in 1984, 85 and 86 and 2nd in Canada in 1985.

I also helped coach five Provincial winning teams in the Ford High School Auto Skills Contest, one of which went on to win the Canadian Championship.

I plan to retire later next year.

I married Joan Galt in 1968 (she is Swami and Turtle Back's cousin) and we lived in Toronto and Mississauga, Ontario until we moved out to Vancouver Island, BC, in 1980.

We now live in Duncan on Vancouver Island.

We have three kids - Peter (33) and his wife, Jennifer, have a 20 month old daughter and they live in Duncan; Suzanne (29) and her husband, Andrew, live in Vancouver; and our youngest son Andrew (25), single and also lives in Vancouver.

As far as I am concerned Vancouver Island is the place to live in Canada.

The weather is milder than the rest of the country, not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter.

We really like it here; the only downside is that we don't have any other family close by. Joan's family still live in Trinidad and mine are scattered, three brothers and my mom in Toronto, two sisters and a brother in England and a brother in Australia.

Peter joined Cubs in February 1981 and I became a Cub leader in April of that year.

Two years as a Cub leader, 15 years as a scout leader and 5 years on the Group Committee - the last four as Group Chair.

This is fabulous country for camping and we were out almost every other month for most of that time.

I retired from scouting a couple of years ago but I still go to the annual banquet in February as it was a big part of my life for so long - its hard to let go.

We bought a 17.5 ft runabout in 1989 and I took the Power Squadron Boating course and started on another of my loves.

The fishing here can be great in the lakes, rivers and in the ocean.

We did a lot of fishing from that boat and had a great time water skiing on Shawnigan Lake as well.

In June of 1997 we bought a 25 ft Sea Ray Sundancer and started to go cruising.

We have spent as much as two weeks on her at one time but most trips are just weekenders.

We can go out pretty much all year and have been out for New Years.

We even woke up to 3 inches of snow on the deck once but as long as the heater keeps working life is good.

I hope this hasn't been too long winded - feel free to edit if you wish.

I really appreciate your efforts in keeping us posted as to who is where and doing what.

Take care,

Ian

Ian & Joan de Verteuil

2010 Andemere Way

Duncan, BC, V9L 5M1

250-748-6506

irdev@shaw.ca

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Michael,

Wow! Those photos are really a flash from the past.

My memory is also fading because I cannot remember all the names.

I recognize the faces but I cannot put a name to all.

If you see Allan again tell him his e-mail address is bouncing back.

Perhaps, I have an incorrect e-mail.

How is you son doing in Canada?

You were going to put him in touch with me.

I was elected to the education committee of Factors Chain International last week.

I will be able to travel to Europe 4 times during the year and at least once to the Orient.

The committee of four has a mandate to write 2 manuals this year.

One is on running a finance company in the early stages and another on dispute prevention. This should be fun with a Brit, Turk and a Czech on the committee.

PJ my actor son finally got his mug on the silver screen for a couple of seconds in the opening scenes of Denzell Washington movie, John Q.

He recently did a solo commercial with a speaking role for “String Cheese” on YTV.

Baseball season is fast approaching.

Robert Lee

PS> Tony did a fabulous job with the Mount web-site!

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EDITED by Ladislao Kertesz,  kertesz11@yahoo.com,  if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list or any old boy that you would like to include.

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Photos:

19SW1846SWIGRP, Birthday left to right (Salah, Adiylah, matron Wilson, Patrick)

19LK9212FBKKH, Kamal Kahn

67LK0001SWIMMING, UNKNOWNS

Who was the owner???

Circular No 948

Newsletter for alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.

Caracas, 4 January 2020 No. 948

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Dear Friends,

Here is an interesting report that appeared in a local newspaper on an illustrious Oldboy, Don Luis Cubillan Fonseca.

He is believed to have gone to the Mount in the years 1952 to 1953, maybe some of you might remember him??

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A man-made heart June 19, 2018

A man-made heart smiles like a child who searches the sea and its waves in his eyes and sleep.

A man with a heart caresses the bronze deer of his paternal house and trembles when he remembers the murmur of the fountain that wet the silent but chanting legs of the deer.

A man-made heart collects in silence the recognition of an institution, as mature coffee beans are collected in the branches.

On Thursday, June 14, 2018, Luis Cubillán Fonseca received from the magnificent rector of the University of Carabobo a well-deserved tribute, the medal of the order of the institution in its only class, for having been elected corresponding member by the Carabobo state of the Venezuelan Academy of Language.

Former rectors, the director and the secretary of the Academy of History of the Carabobo State, a good part of the Valencian intelligentsia, family and friends who were honoured with the invitation, we were there, in the hall of the University Council, accompanying Luis in his house

For many years, an old railway station that still serves as a railway for knowledge and ideas, dreams and projects, for a possible country, broad, inclusive, memorable from its past.

My eyes not only saw Luis or rector Jessy Divo de Chacón, Elys Mercado or Carlos Cruz, the vice chancellors of the university, Mrs. Irma and her daughters, Mr. Asdrúbal González and Mrs. Cora de Páez, Mr. Germán Fleitas Núñez and his illustrious progeny, to Dr. César Peña Vigas or to a young man with blue-colored hair that applauded with carelessness, my eyes trembling with emotion almost as much as those of Luis saw, of course, what we all saw or thought we saw, but they also contemplated a potential based on tradition, a country fed and enriched by the presence of the so-called “province” despised by centralism, although the province has defined history, as the Orinoco and the Tacarigua lagoon have done, the Andes and Guayana, Cariaco and Casacoima, Carabobo and the old Valencia, not only of the King but also of Venezuela, of that country filled with nascent Venezuelanity before the convulsions of 1830.

Luis Cubillán Fonseca, stunned writer, rigorous historian, discoverer of figures such as Nicolás Romualdo de Ascanio y Herrera who may have been the first writer born in the province of Venezuela, art curator, conservation expert, collector and bibliographer, chronicler of With a strong vocation and expertise, he was there to teach us a lesson in what is called patriotism, integrity, dignity and intellectual greatness.

Later, at a family lunch, under the benevolent and beautifying look of Mrs. Irma Mijares de Cubillán, at her home in Guaparo, at the foot of a tall mirror, next to colonial paintings and figures, between the voices of distinguished friends and relatives, the presence of Luis Cubillán Fonseca presiding over that invitation together with the archbishop and the rector, filled me with faith in the future of the country.

A man-made heart for Valencia, a love city, a city made of love, thought again.

A city blessed by the Virgen del Socorro, a story and stories that in the pen of Luis Cubillán Fonseca can help as a chronicle, as a timely reminder, the memory of the Valencians and Venezuela as a whole.

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From: Salah Wilson <sal_wils@hotmail.com>

Sent: Monday, 23 December 2019 12:47

Greetings, everyone,

I feel obligated to make a small contribution to the editorial and to thank everyone responsible for keeping this conversation and re-union alive.

I am now called Salah Wilson, but when I attended Abbey School (1963-1970), I was known as Anthony “Tony” Wilson or “Willy”.

I was a day-student living in the village- St. John’s village.

The year before I began at the Abbey School, I was attending the elementary school in the village St. Benedict RC. Fr. Gregory (Duck) was the parish priest.

My cousin Mervyn Theroulde had passed the Common Entrance Examination to attend St. Mary’s College in Port of Spain, that was a big thing.

Apparently, Abbey School thought that they might have a few more smart guys, so the following year offered scholarships.

A few of us were selected to do the exam, Abbey School retained three of us Franklin Chin, Anthony Cedeno and me.

My good friend, Anthony Cedeno lived just above the field so everyone would have had to pass in front of his house to go to the playing field.

Unfortunately Cedeno passed, way back in 1991 (R.I.P.).

I have no present knowledge of Franklin Chin, neither has he signed into this Alumni program.

Anyways, more interestingly was the fact that my mother was working at the Abbey School from around 1950 or before.

I just asked her, but she just could not remember exactly when.

It was however before my birth in 1952, because she said that after two-three months she had to go back to work.

My mom has been the matron since that time to the mid-sixties.

She can still re-call some students’ names and their kindness shown to her.

I want to thank those students.

I am humbled and happy to announce that I returned to Trinidad to celebrate my mom’s 101^st birthday on December 1^st, 2019.

So technically speaking my mother (Matron Wilson) is probably the oldest living person connected to the Abbey School.

I just could not resist sharing that information.

I have just shown her some photos of her good friend Kitty Marcus (R.I.P.) when we visited her at the St. Peters home quite a few years ago.

I did a steelpan performance for the assembly and I was introduced by Miss Marcus, who expressed to the audience that I was one of her chemistry students.

Today, December 23^rd, 2019, I am still in Trinidad, my wife Adiylah, and I went up to the old playing field, I said a prayer for my old friend Tony Cedeno as we walked and jogged around the field.

Reminiscing on how it used to be… all my school mates … all the goals I scored for St. Lawrence and the college (LOL).

On the other side there are some renovations for the swimming pool, but alas the lawn tennis is just an empty looking pitch.

But the scenery is still beautiful, come back home and visit guys, it is just wonderful.

It inspired me to share this information.

I am attaching some photos of my mother, (Matron Wilson) 101^st birthday and some photos of our visit to Miss Kitty Marcus.

Only if you were part of that Abbey School experience would you understand.

I am still a student, completing my PHD in musicology/ethnomusicology at York University in Toronto.

I am presently writing my dissertation and of course the topic is on steelpan development.

(Feliz Navidades to my Venezuelan amigos) …will try to send a steelpan recording

Please listen to the recording that is attached

Best regards to all

Salah Wilson

(The picture of Salah will be posted in a future issue, EDITOR)

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Peter Gittens <peter.gittens@bell.net>

Sun, 29 Dec 2019, 17:59 (6 days ago)

Dear Nigel,

In response to your query in the latest blog about Leo de Gale, I reached out to his son, Fr. Simon de Gale, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Toronto, whom I know very well,

He confirmed that his father Leo de Gale never attended the Abbey School, instead attended GBSS (Grenada Boys Secondary School).

On a sideline, maybe of interest to you, Fr. Simon’s mother (or grandmother) was a Salles-Miquelle from St. Lucia.

Best wishes for a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Peter.

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GEORGE MICKIEWICZ <amickiew@att.net>

Dec 31, 2019 at 9:18 AM

Hi Joe,

Thanks so much for continuing to lead this effort; am very proud of you for doing it and for all those who are helping you.

Sharing the year end status of the Team George fund raising effort over the last 2.5 months.  A time of the year when folks are very appreciative and thankful for the gifts that God has blessed us with. 

Some thoughts:

What is the 2020 fund raising goal?

When and how do we plan to share the funds collected?

Are there any other fund raising activities currently taking place?

How many alums will be supported in 2020?

Will we continue to use the USA $35/alum/month factor = USA $420/alum/year

The $1500 collected so far represents donations made by 8 families; some of whom have contributed 3 times.  

It would be great if the ASAA and those alums receiving the assistance could share a thank you note with the donors to create a personal link. 

I do it every time that I receive a donation but it would be more meaningful and effective coming from the ASAA and/or an alum. 

Developing another idea for 2020 which I will share shortly when it is completed; we can all probably use it among our family and friends.

A Blessed 2020 to all,

George

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idmitch@anguillanet.com

Sun, 22 Dec 2019, 18:51

Hi, Ladislao,

Thanks, I must be going blind.  I missed the number on the Circular.

We were hoping to have a quiet Christmas just by ourselves. 

But, an old friend is having visitors (nine persons) from Canada, and we have agreed to host a Christmas dinner for him at our home on Christmas night, so he can entertain them properly. 

It will be exhausting. 

I have bought a seven-pound tenderloin which I will cook on my Bar-b-q and pretend it is a turkey. 

Maggie is a vegetarian and does not allow any meat in her kitchen. 

All I know how to cook is a tenderloin on the Bar-b-q.

I know you will be much more comfortable in Spain than in Venezuela. 

It will not be too expensive if you know where to live and where to shop, and if you are not too demanding 

Best,

Don

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Terrence Ferreira July 1965, See Photo 65LK2871FBPTATFE

Peter Tang 

Years should not be published on FB.

Lol

Peter Tang 

Are you sure?

That was a month after my father's death

Terrence Ferreira 

We left in 1965 didn't we?

I took shots of the entire class, which I still have.

Terrence Ferreira 

May your parents rest in peace.

Do you recall I was with you and at your lunch table the day your Dad fell ill?

I'll never forget.

Peter Tang

Yes. We had gone to play cricket on Taylor St.

It seems like yesterday Terry

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E D Lloyd

Don, Ladislao

Please continue to keep Nigel in your prayers. 

Yours Sincerely 

Edward Lloyd

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From: John Boos [mailto: jaysyd60@gmail.com]

Sent: January 10, 2020 8:55 PM

Dear ones,

This is the latest from Nigel, who thanks each and everyone for the prayers and wishes for his recovery.

Thanks for your interest, and please keep up the prayers, the good Lord will certainly hear them, and may His will be done.

JB

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Nigel Boos

Fri, 10 Jan, 22:31 (12 hours ago)

Dear family and friends,

First, thank you so much for all your emails, cards, phone calls, prayers and visits. It’s very nice to know I’m still remembered. 

Next, I want to wish you all a very happy New Year, filled with many blessings from Almighty God. 

OK, so I’ve got my biopsy report now.

I’ve now found out I’ve got Stage 3 Stomach Cancer. I’ll be meeting with chemo and radiation oncologists in the next few days to assess my situation, and to see whether, in the opinion of the doctors, I’m strong enough to begin chemo and/or radiation therapy, with a view to beginning a few months (6??) of treatment. Please say one for the old man, and with your help, I’m going to do my best fight this thing.

With love, always,

Nigel

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GEORGE MICKIEWICZ <amickiew@att.net>

Jan 11 at 8:50 AM

Dearest Nigel,

Sharing with you our love and our great concern for your well-being as you continue to bravely deal and permanently recover from your health challenges. 

Good thoughts and strong prayers are being raised to Our Lord for your permanent recovery, for Jackie and for your family. 

Stay strong….. beloved brother, leader and great friend.

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EDITED by Ladislao Kertesz,  kertesz11@yahoo.com,  if you would like to be in the circular’s mailing list or any old boy that you would like to include.

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Photos:

18LK0001FBLCU, Luis Cubillan

18LK0002FBLCU, Luis Cubillan

15LK4425FBAFRDAU, Andres Freytez and daughter

65LK2871FBPTATFE, Peter Tang and Terrence Ferreira

MP· recording by Salah Wilson