Circular No 408

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

Caracas, 29 of August 2009 No. 408

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Dear Friends,

Here is nice story that gives insight of the musical talents, in this case Steelpan.

Few months ago we published articles on the Guitar talents.

Also about a proposed JAM reunion in Florida, which is still in the air, is it not true Glen??

If you are not getting the Circular, please contact me at, kertesz11@yahoo.com,

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Salah Wilson's story

Nigel P. Boos

Wednesday, April 22, 2009 10:33:35 PM

From: Glen Mckoy <mckoy43glen@hotmail.com>

Date: April 22, 2009 3:56:41 PM GMT-04:00

Salvador,

Oh Thank you very much for this, I remember Salah, he is older than me, I remember when he started with the pan side Gay Flamingo´s down the hill,

I also met him a good few years ago, when he came with a pan side from Montreal to Halifax, that guy still looks the same, he must be a good age now.

I never knew his mother was a matron on the mount, as she left a year or two before I came up on the mount.

This is so great as we fit parts of this great puzzle together, God bless you all for these surprises.

Best regards my brother,

Glen McKoy

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From: coscarartsalvador@hotmail.com

Subject: FW: Salah Wilson's story

Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:36:01 -0500

Hello guys ,

Howdy. Here is the matron that used to mend and attach buttons to our shirts, in the dormitory above the chemistry room was her work room .

Do you remember her, she was a very nice lady.

God bless

Salvador.

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From: nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca

Subject: Salah Wilson's story

Date: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:24:36 -0400

Dear Salah,

What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it with us. I can feel, in every line, the love that flowed, and still flows, between you and your mother, and now that it has been exposed, the affection between Matron Wilson and Kitty Marcus.

How fortunate that the two old ladies have ended up in the same retirement home in Trinidad. Life is so strange!

Thank you also for your lovely pictures of Kitty and your Mom, your wife and yourself.

These are quite special, and I'm sure that the OB's will be pleased to read your story, which I am definitely going to forward to Ladislao for his Circulars.

I must have been at the Mount myself during the time that your mother was the matron, and so I must have run into (figuratively) her more than once, but to be honest, I do not specifically recall her. I'm sure others will.

Please give her our best regards, from all the Old Boys of the Abbey School.

It would be helpful if we had a telephone number for Angel Da Silva, so that Salvador will be able to get in touch with him directly.

Can you let me have it?

Once again, thanks for your first class story.

Nigel P. Boos

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On 21-Apr-09, at 8:23 PM, Salah Wilson wrote:

Greetings Nigel,

I have some new information for you and perhaps it can be passed on to Ladislao.

I got in touch with Angel Da Silva who remembers Salvador Coscarart much better than I and he will also be willing to meet with him when he comes to Montreal in June.

The latest Circular about Miss Marcus and the intentions were very touching.

I have some personal revelations to share.

First of all I grew up in the village of St. John and attended the Elementary school in the Village. (Albert Ache and his brother attended this school for a little while before going to the Abbey).

Due to the fact that one of my cousins succeeded in passing his 'Common Entrance' exams to attend CIC (St Mary's College).

The following year Abbey school offered scholarships for three people to attend the school on the Mount.

The three people who qualified, by sitting and passing an exam were Franklin Chin, Anthony Cedeno and I.

(I already mentioned to you that Anthony Cedeno was my best friend and that he passed on in 1991 at a very young age ..may he Rest In Peace),

Deno, as we called him lived near the playing field you would have to pass in front of his house to go back up the hill to the Mount, Deno's father also worked at the Mount as a chef.

I have no idea where Franklin Chin is at. But he did visit my home in the village about 10-15 years ago.

My mother has had a long relationship with Miss Marcus.

I actually knew her before I attended Abbey school. At least every year around Christmas time Miss Marcus would visit our home in the village and bring my mother a Christmas gift and my mom would reciprocate with a Homemade Sponge Cake or Fruit Cake, it was an annual ritual.

My mom became friends with Miss Marcus because my Mom also worked at the Abbey School.

She worked there from before I was born until when I was in perhaps Form III...that would be sometime before 1952 until around 1966.

My mom was the Matron at the school.

She is now 90 years old and I spoke with her a few days ago and I mentioned about the "Old Boys' the "Boarders" and "Day Boys" and all what is happening on the internet, and the connections with everyone and about Miss Marcus, she was very excited.

I also told her that I wanted to speak about her employment at the Mount and she had no objections, she was very proud to have been a part of that experience.

She remembered how kind some of the students were to her ..one name that stuck out amongst the others was 'Azar' ..she clearly remembers him and his kindness to her

If he is on line also please let him know this, there were others also.

She gave me some beautiful stories they all called her Matron, so if you were there during that period you would have met or seen her also.

I am very proud of my Mom she worked so hard to raise her children.

As an author I may yet write a documentary book on my experiences at the Mount. It would make for a good story from a boy in the village to the Mount.

Abbey school was a very prestigious school, a school for the affluent.

About two or three years ago when I visited Trinidad I took my Mom to meet another "Old Friend" Father Cuthbert.

At first they had said that I may have to get an appointment because of his schedule ..

I told them that he would want to see too old Friends and I gave the names that he knew, Anthony Wilson and his mother Iris Wilson.

True to the person we know him to be, he came out almost instantly.

I took some picture... there was such a bright glow when they hugged.. anyone would smile when they see those pictures ...alas..

I am unable to find them at the moment they are probably on my computer in Trinidad.

However my mom who is now 90 years became ill a couple of years ago and because of some renovations at our home I was forced to take her out of our home for awhile , but as fate would have it.....I took her to the home for the aged on the mount where Miss Marcus is currently staying.

What a meeting of old Friends..... now..prior to this every time I returned home my mom always wanted to go look for her old friend Kitty Marcus, but this was the time it had to happen.

It was a great meeting Miss Marcus was very pleased to see me also, even though I had a big greying beard ..quite different from when I last saw her in my Chemistry class...but she still recognized me and of course her friend my Mom.

When Mother's Day came around I provided some entertainment for them by bringing up my Steelpans and back - up music along with my wife who does vocals.

It was a fun filled afternoon I gave her one of my autographed Steelpan text books and thanked her for all she had done and yes I told her that there was a lot of chemistry concepts in putting together suck a book.

She took the microphone and gave a speech where everyone present applauded ....She was still quite active.

I do have a couple of pictures from this event they are attached ... insert are my Mom ( the Matron), my wife (the vocalist), Miss Marcus ( the Chemistry teacher) and I ( the Pan-Man and Author).

Life is filled with all sorts of twist and turns but these moments are unforgettable.

As I said I may eventually write a book about this continuing Saga.

All for now Nigel, that's a lot of reading...there still is more information

Salah Anthony Wilson

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Nigel P. Boos

Friday, May 8, 2009 3:09:22 PM

Gentlemen,

I heard from Salah Wilson (MSB 1970) today.

He lives at D'do, close to Montreal and teaches steel-band, where he has a class of youngsters deeply involved in the art form.

He has also written a few books (5, I think) on steel-band, some of which are today used as text books in Trinidad and Tobago.

He's married and has at least 2 children, the youngest 22.

Salah's mother had worked for many years as the Matron at MSB and he had won a scholarship to study at the Abbey School.

Salah called to say that his town house had burned down 2 days ago, and that he had lost all of his worldly possessions, including 6 computers and all his hard drives, his photographs, his books, etc., but thankfully, no one was killed.

The fire is under police investigation and arson is suspected.

His spirit was strong, and he said he has been receiving telephone calls from all over the world, from people he never had heard of, but who knew of his work with the steel-band, through his books.

I suggested, and he agreed that I should let the MSB Old Boys know about his situation. In case anyone would like to contact Salah, you may be able to do so via his cell phone at 1(514) 924-7307

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On 9-Apr-09, at 9:15 PM, Salah Wilson wrote:

Hi Nigel,

Looking at the names of these 'old boys' really brings back a lot of beautiful memories.

I would like to maybe add a few things to my stuff.

First I would like to submit a name of one of my good friends who started with me.

We grew up together and was my best friend ...but he passed on...his name Anthony Cedeno 1963-1969...He passed on in 1991 (May he Rest in Peace)

Two other guys who started with me (Franklin Chin, Ronald Billouin) I would like to know their wherabouts.

No one knows D.D.O.( which is on the outskirts of Montreal), but my Steelpan business is in Montreal...so you may state that I am indeed from Montreal.

Secondly I am an author and proud Steelpan Activist ..."Salah" Wilson was not my actual name in school but it is the name that I prefer to be called and also my Pen name as an author.

Some of my steelpan text books are now being used in the public school's curriculum in Trinidad & Tobago.

Back in school I was called "Willy" short for Wilson ( my surname).

I will send more stuff of other guys who were there with me.

I am also going to try to get in touch with some of the guys I see on the list.......

Nigel you are doing a great job and service ...thanks

Salah Wilson

(Montreal)

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Salvador Coscarart

Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:18:44 AM

Hello Mr. Wilson.

My name is Salvador Coscarart I am from Cumana Venezuela.

I attended the abbey school in 1967 thru 1974.

So from seeing on the information that Nigel Boos send me I was there when you was there for three years so you was with Attila Gyuris, Fulvio Cantore, Cecil Camacho, Paul Quesnel, Rafael Echeverria, Ronnie Lew, Roberto Mezzana, Miguel Angel Luongo, Edgar and Eloy Moffie, Gonzalo Montiel, etc...

Well just to mention a few of your old class mates. I will be arriving in Montréal on June 2nd, be staying with some friends in Montréal and if possible will like to meet with you and some of the older guys that went to Mount.

Best wishes

Salvador Coscarart.

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Salvador Coscarart

Thursday, April 16, 2009 10:14:25 PM

Hello Ladislao,

as you can from this e-mail I have made contact with another student from my time at mount.

I will be meeting with him in June when I go visit Montréal and Toronto.

God bless and regards to all.

Hope things in Venezuela gets better. Adios.

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From: salah@steelpanplus.com

Date: Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:31:14 -0400

Greetings Salvador,

I remember your name 'Coscarart' ...difficult to put a face to the name after all of these years.

I could easily remember guys like Camacho and Paul Quesnel.

I have been living in Montreal since 1973.

I could get by in French not quite fluent because I live and work in the English Sector (I remember Father Augustine "rugged head" who taught French at the Abbey).

I never thought that I would end up in Montreal... I have met Peter Attong he owned a restaurant at one point and Angel Da Silva who was on the soccer team with me ...Angel teaches Martial Arts.

I became a musician and Teacher by doing a Degree at Concordia University , Jazz specialization but I used our Cultural instrument from Trinidad ( The Steelpan) as the principal instrument.

I have also introduced the Steelpan program to the public schools since 1991 where my kids and I are the Teachers in seven schools.

I have also become an author and have written six Steelpan Text books of which one is being currently in use at the Public schools of Trinidad & Tobago.

My family and I also run our own private Steelpan school and are responsible for putting on two major Festival.

If you are in Montreal for the last week end of June you can certainly be part of the Festival it is entitled "Montreal International Steelpan Festival".

Come by and visit me at my school when you get into Montreal, give me a call.

My Cell phone (514) 924-7307

Best wishes

Salah Wilson

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On goings of an Old boy:

Vernon De Lima (MSB 1950 ??) and a leading member of the recently-formed Congress of the People (COP) Party.

During the recent Summit of the Americas, held in Trinidad, Vernon, together with many others, was protesting outside the venue when they were confronted by armed riot-squad police.

Before a confrontation took place, he approached the police and pointed out that their protest was a legal one and that they had received a signed, official permit to protest, a fact that the police apparently were unaware of.

They withdrew and no one was arrested.

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Some Salah´s photos of the reunion at St. Joseph´s

Regards

Ladislao Kertesz, kertesz11@yahoo.com

So now you have all the exchange and photos.

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09SW0001SWIGRP, Wilson´s wife, Miss Kitty Marcus and Matron Wilson

09SW0118MKI, Matron Wilson, Wilson´s wife, Miss Kitty Marcus and Salah Wilson

56CJ0001FABBOT, Fr. Abbot Adelbert van Duin

09LK1775TTVISIT, Davis Pampellone, George Laquis and Jon Golding

Circular No 407

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

Caracas, 22 of August 2009 No. 407

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Dear Friends,

A little round up on Salvador´s trip to Montreal and Toronto.

An email from Humberto Luongo and Ian Gomes.

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Coming to Toronto

Nigel P. Boos

Thursday, April 16, 2009 8:02:50 AM

Salvador,

Welcome to Montreal.

According to our records, there are 5 Old Boys of MSB who live in Quebec, and to whom I'm copying this email.

If they are able to do so, perhaps they can try to get together with you to say "Hello" and have a beer.

I'm also attaching some notes which have been sent in over the last few years about them.

These notes will provide some useful early information about each one, to assist you, and them, in establishing links and in overcoming any early awkwardness which might otherwise occur through unfamiliarity with one another.

Although it would help to have the telephone numbers for everyone, I'm afraid that this is all I have.

Good luck to you in your effort to meet the OB's

Alain Devaux aldevaux@cgocable.ca St. Hyacinthe. (Ph: 450-773-4652)

1954 to 1959 - worked for banks as a teller in Martinique and in Canada (Montreal)

1959 to 1962 - Went to McGill University (Macdonald College) for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

1964 - Graduated for a degree of Master of Science with a specialisation in Plant Pathology.

1964 to 1966 - Worked for Agriculture Canada as a Plant Protection officer in Montreal.

1966 - Got married in Montreal

1966 to 1997 - Worked as a research scientist in plant pathology for the Department of Agriculture of Quebec (Canada) at Saint-Hyacinthe.

1997 up to date - I retired and still living at Saint-Hyacinthe, Qc.

I have three children:

Gilles, the eldest, is a priest for his 12th year;

Céline is a doctor specialising in haematology and finishing this year; and

Angèle is also a doctor specialising in ophthalmology finishing in about two years from now.

Raymond Devaux raydevaux@hotmail.com Montreal. Grad. 1950/51

Thank you very much for your card which I only received today because I did not open my e-mails since I left Florida for Montreal on December 18.

I also wish you a very happy year and a lot of good health.

I looked for my Cambridge certificate but I am unable to find it, however, I believe that I graduated in 1950 or 1951.

I do not remember too many of my classmates.

Some of them are: Dr Hamelin, Desmond Rostant (Died a few years ago), Phillip Nassief from Dominica, Leary & Richard O’Connor, now living in Australia, Crompton DuBoulay from St Lucia.

It was a small class of about 12.

Others who were also in form 5a or 5b were Arthur Knaggs, now living in Halifax, Phillip Scott (Also died),

Trevor Evelyn (who was a very fast short-run runner), Ronney Lambkin (now living in Halifax), Peter Ferguson.

As you can see we were among the first students at Mt St Benedict.

I remember I loved mathematics and therefore was very close to Fr Paul who taught maths, I was the first and only student at the time to take higher mathematics at school.

I also became a King scout under the guidance of Fr Ildephonse.

I saw my brother, Patrick, who told me that he was very happy to have received your news, he told me that he left in 1960 so he knows many of the people that are mentioned.

I do not have pictures since at that time cameras were not too common.

I do have one when we were in Tobago, sitting in the back of an open small jitney with Brother Anthony and a few students.

I will try to find it and send it to you.

John Miller mimi2330@hotmail.com Quebec City Grad. 1949

J.D.Miller was an old boy of MSB.

He was in the same class as John Darwent 1944/45 Do not remember much of the older students they did not associate much with us young Bucks.

Salah Wilson salah@steelpanplus.com Montreal Grad. 1970 (Ph: 514-696-7307)

First I would like to submit a name of one of my good friends who started with me.

We grew up together and was my best friend ...but he passed on...his name Anthony Cedeno 1963-1969...

He passed on in 1991 (May he Rest in Peace) Two other guys who started with me (Franklin Chin, Ronald Billouin) I would like to know their whereabouts.

No one knows D.D.O.( which is on the outskirts of Montreal), but my steelpan business is in Montreal...so you may state that I am indeed from Montréal. Secondly I am an author and proud Steelpan Activist ..."Salah" Wilson was not my actual name in school but it is the name that I prefer to be called and also my Pen name as an author.

Some of my steelpan text books are now being used in the public school's curriculum in Trinidad & Tobago.

Back in school I was called "Willy” short for Wilson (my surname).

I will send more stuff of other guys who were there with me.

I am also going to try to get in touch with some of the guys I see on the list.......

Geoffrey Xavier geoffxavier@hotmail.com Montreal Grad. 1958

I am Geoffrey Xavier Class of 1958 No 16 in Photo.

Thanks for getting in touch with me.

I never knew such an ALUMNI existed.

Congratulations and thanks for all the good work you have put into this.

I am now visiting the numerous circulars and enjoying them tremendously.

I have a photo of the Class of 1958 and could now put names to the familiar faces I see.

Sorry for not being able to help you with the 1980's ALUMNI.

This is way after my time at the Abbey. You can contact me at E-mail address geoffxavier@hotmail.com

Thanks once again.

Nigel P. Boos

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On 15-Apr-09, at 11:10 PM, Salvador Coscarart wrote:

Hello Nigel,

Yes I am going to arrive in Montréal on June the 2nd.

I will let you know with a date as to when I’ll be in Toronto but yes that will be very nice to meet with some of you guys over there and if you can give me some phone numbers of old boys in Montréal

I will call them as well to see if I can meet with them as well.

I am really looking forward on meeting some of them.

Best wishes and see you soon.

Salvador.

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From: nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca

Date: Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:02:16 -0400

Ola, Salvador.

I'm trying to plan a get-together for you to meet with some of the OB's from MSB, during your pending visit to Toronto.

Of course, this also will give us a chance t meet one another, since we so seldom get an opportunity to do so.

However, in order to make concrete plans, would you please let us have some definite idea as to when you plan to be here?

I look forward to meeting you.

Happy Easter.

Nigel

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On 17-Feb-09, at 1:34 PM,

You guys keep calling names and my ears prick up.

That's exactly what I was hoping would happen.

Some point of interest would spark a memory . . . and another . . . and another . . . and soon we'd have contacted every last living OB from MSB.

And then we could really try to draw people together. Fantastic!

Now, help me here:

Luis?

Jobie?

Richard Lawrence in Whitby? (That's next door to Ajax).

Tell me more? Any email addresses?

Now, let me introduce you fellas to another OB - but from my era this time.

Dr. Roger Lee Kam (Class of 1960) came to my attention in mid-2008, but I forgot to include him (mea culpa, me culpa, mea maxima culpa, Roj) in my Address Book as a member of the subset "Abbey School - Toronto".

I've corrected that oversight now, however, so allow me to introduce you to my friend and classmate, who I hope will grace us with his presence at the Friday "Roti Night" (details below, Roj) together with his wife.

ROTILICIOUS - 89 Commerce Ave., Ajax, @ 6.30 pm. (Ph: 905-686-8070)

Roger, please consider this a formal invitation to join a few of the Old Boys from MSB and their wives for a delicious roti and a drink in Ajax.

I sure would like to see you again, so do try to make it.

Nigel P. Boos

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From: Humberto Luongo (humbertoluongo@hotmail.com)

Sent: Sat 8/22/09 9:26 PM

Hola Ladislao,

He estado siempre pendiente de vernos pero desafortunadamente no se ha podido...

te felicito por el trabajo de integración que pretendes - y estas logrando -hacer con los ex-alumnos de the abbey school at mount saint benedict...

las disímiles ocupaciones que todos tenemos , las enormes distancias que nos separan , a veces o siempre ,y la faltas de sincronización o de tiempo para las reuniones conspiran contra la voluntad de acercarnos ...

Yo guardo, entre los tesoros de mi corazón, hermosos e inolvidables recuerdos de Mount.

Recibe mis saludos y un fuerte abrazo

Hello Ladislao,

I have been always pending to see us but it has unfortunately not been possible…

I congratulate you for the work of integration that you try - and these managing - to make with the ex--students of the abbey school at mount saint Benedict…

The dissimilar occupations that all we have, the enormous distances that separate to us, sometimes or always, and it lack of synchronization or time for the meetings conspire against the will to approach to us…

I keep, between the treasures of my heart, beautiful and unforgettable memories of mount.

He receives my greetings and a strong hug

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Ian, this is what, its all about, thanks for this email, you guys could not do no more, than bringing laughter to the brother's face,

Regards,

Glen.

Date: Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:29:12 -0700

From: gomesian@yahoo.com

Neil,

Just a little note to let you know that Keith (Puggy) Allen, Kieron Pierre, Desmond "Tucu" De Nobreiga, and I visited Michael (Chow) today.

We reached there at about 11.45 am and left at 5.30 pm. during the afternoon we were joined by Ray Assing.

He had an all fours session that went from about 12.30 and went on to around 4.00 pm or later.

The old talk was enough for another few months.

Tucu is a natural.

He says that Kieron's parents vaccinated him with a gramophone when he was a child that's why he talks so much. HEEE!

The reason I’m really writing was to say that Mike is improving.

The cancer was small and doctors say they removed all.

He now has to recover for the next 3 months before he can have chemotherapy.

Chemo will be for 6 months thereafter.

Mike played some all fours for a while and rested on a bed on the porch while we continued our old talk nonstop.

He never complained about the jokes although I'm sure after a while he wanted to stop laughing.

I hope we cheered him up.

Before we left we all said a prayer, lead by Ray, for mike.

He seemed very happy with the visit.

Laterz Bro

Ian

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Glen Mckoy

Wednesday, May 28, 1:33:58 PM

Hello Gangar,

How yuh doing man ?? Hope all is well, and is life treating you good.

All the guys you could remember is here and present.

Drop us a few lines, some stories you remember.

Last week Rico Beekhoo called me, he don't use the internet, that guy remember a lot of stuff, and had me laughing man, to funny.

We need to contact Nathaniel Sampath, and any other brothers you are in contact with.

I am sending this to Aziz, he lives in your area.

Best regards, and good to hear from yuh brother,

Glen McKoy

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Nigel P. Boos

Wednesday, May 28, 11:25:18 AM

Gangaram,

You do not know me, but we have a common connection as Old Boys of Mt. St. Benedict.

Krishna Toolsie has contacted you today and has given me your email address, and for that I am grateful.

We, the Old Boys, under the leadership of Ladislao Kertesz (Class of 60) in Venezuela, are trying to develop a database of the past students of the Abbey School, which we routinely publish via email, and month by month it is growing and improving.

I attach herewith the current database for your information, and I hope you will find it
useful in contacting any of your old friends from the Mount.

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Sent: Mon 9/29/08 9:33 PM

Estimado ladislao

Román ha fallecido y George también el miembro mas viejo de la familia seria la esposa de Román, Edelmira o mi padre Andrés Prypchan que tiene 61 años de edad"

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Sent: Sun 1/25/09 2:45 AM

Hi, this is Mary Gioannetti, Gerard's daughter.

He went to that boarding school for about 10 years and he's 65 years old but he has no clue about how to use the internet.

So if you have an questions about him I can help you out so you can contact him.

thanks"

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Till the next one.

Regards

Ladislao Kertesz, kertesz11@yahoo.com

So now you have all the exchange and photos.

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09SC2973SCOGRP, Alloy Garner, David Johnson, Salvador Coscarart and Paul Dewan.

09SC0001SCOGRP, Cornel de Freitas, Nigel Boos and Salvador Coscarart

56CJ0001TUGWAR, UNKNOWN and Csaba Jakobszen ready for Tug War

09LK1771TTVISIT, Roger Gioannetti, Christopher Knowles and Michael Howard.

Circular No 406

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

Caracas, 15 of August 2009 No. 406

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Dear Friends,

Here are the writings of a couple of good friends of the Circular.

Also for those that went down to the Sports field, either three times a week, Wednesday Saturday and Sunday or those that went down every day, yours truly.

I am enclosing the first four photos of the famous short cut (legal).

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Attila GYURIS

Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:18:48 PM

Hi Cornel:

I remember you as a "big boy" (compared to me) when you were at the Mount.

You were one of the boys engaged in building the dens in the bush weren't you?

You and I didn't hang out together at the Mount probably due to our age difference, so probably you don' t remember me, as a " small boy" from Venezuela.

I was good friends with Jan " Dutch" Koenraadt, a Dutch boy from Surinam, if you remember him.

I was there 5 years from 1964 to 1969.

I started in Prep "A" in 1964, and I left Form V in 1969.

So, as you can see much of my formative years were spend at the Mount also.

I remember all those names you mention below, plus Mr. Basanta, Spanish teacher, Mr Chow Fatt, Math Teacher and great ping-pong player, Mr Yip Chuck, always smoking, was my biology teacher.

Also Fr. Gregory's (the Duck) brother, who was Fr. Theo, Fr Augustine ("Rughead") my French teacher.

Bro. Rupert was in charge of our swim team the Aqualads.

Mr Carter was also my teacher, but I forget what subject.

I remember Cecil Camacho, and Phillip Laughlin, he ended up graduating with me in Form V, I think he had to repeat a year.

He was also the singer for the school rock-and-roll band.

Then I remember Rafael "Cheche" Echeverria, who was in your class.

I recently met up with him in Florida.

Strangely enough, I basically remember almost everybody in your class also (from that picture) , as I looked up to all of you guys as the" big boys" to learn all the tricks from.... and I learned well I think.

And a bunch of other names, too numerous to mention.

Since you asked, here is an updated copy of my short Bio That I had sent to Ladislao some time back.

If you do a search in the blog of the Circulars, you fill find a few of my pictures also.

This is my Bio I sent on request from Ladislao:

Bio of Attila N. GYURIS (updated as of March 2009).

- I attended The Abbey School from Sep 1964 till June 1969. I went though all the grades from Prep “A” to Form V. (I did both Form II and Form III in one year, that’s why the years don’t match).

During my 5 years at MSB I was active in athletics in the House of St. Anthony, in the “Aqualads” swimming Team, and in the Scout Troop, where I earned my Queen's Scout award.

I was also a drummer in the MSB marching Band.

I remember my favourite activity during weekends at MSB was to hike up the hill up to the “white stones” or escape into the “bush” behind the Refectory and build a “den” (stick house).

I had a pellet gun hidden in the bush with which I had many adventures.

After graduating Form V at the Abbey School in 1969, I returned home to Caracas, Venezuela, where I had to redo all my Venezuelan “Bachillerato” equivalencies in order to be admitted into a Venezuelan University.

That took me a whole year in the Liceo San Jose in Los Teques.

After graduating a second time from this Venezuelan High School in 1970, I got admitted in 1971 into the “Universidad Simon Bolivar” in Sartenejas, Caracas.

I graduated there with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

After graduation, I worked for a while as an Industrial Engineer/ Building Inspector for the Cuerpo de Bomberos del DF (Caracas Fire Dept.)

Then I immigrated in 1978 to the USA (California), where I attended UCLA graduate school for my Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 1981.

During this time I also attended Flight School at Long Beach City College in Calif. where I got all my professional aviation FAA Commercial Pilot licenses (ATP and CFII in both airplanes and helicopters) and aviation FAA Mechanic license A&P (Airframe and Powerplant.)

I worked as a flight instructor and charter pilot to help pay for my graduate school tuition and the rent.

After finishing my M.B.A. at UCLA in 1981, a Venezuelan oil company head hunter found me in and gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse, so I returned to Venezuela to work in 1982.

I worked for Maraven/Shell in Caracas and at the refinery in Cardon.

Then, in short order, got transferred to the New York City area to work as one of the Managing Project Engineers for a multi-billion Shell-Maraven-Lagoven project ("DSMA project") for 2 years (1982-1983).

But I was not loving my engineering career, besides, the Venezuelan oil industry and economy was by then in disarray and had begun its long slide downhill.

During my engineering career I kept moonlighting as a pilot and flight instructor during my free time. I realized that my true calling was in aviation. I had to make a career-change decision while I was still young, single, mobile and was not yet saddled with any family responsibilities.

So, while still working in NYC, I resigned from Maraven for good in 1983 and embarked fully on my commercial aviation pilot career. I have been in that field since then. Along the years I have worked as a commercial pilot and flight instructor for several companies and airlines, among them: Petroleum Helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico flying Bell helicopters (1984-85). And flying the Boeing 737 for the airline USAir out of NY (1985-86).

Finally, I got hired by the US Federal Government as a Law Enforcement Agent / Pilot. I graduated from the US Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre as a Special Agent / Criminal Investigator in the beginning of 1986. This is where I made my definite career.

Initially I began working and flying for Federal Officer / Pilot for The US Dept of Treasury-US Customs, conducting counternarcotics interdiction and strategic smuggling investigations. I also spent 4 years deep undercover missions in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia and Peru.

Recently, (8 years ago, after the 9/11/2001 terrorist attack), I got transferred to the newly formed US Dept of Homeland Security (D.H.S.) as an Air Interdiction Agent / Pilot at a grade equivalent to Lt. Colonel, (0-5). There, I conduct, coordinate and supervise all kinds of federal police tactical work, undercover, instructor and liaison / intelligence assignments to several US Embassies overseas and antiterrorism investigations. I am also a member of the DHS SWAT team as a Tactical Paramedic. I am also an US State Dept and DoD accredited translator / interpreter with a federal top secret /SCI security clearance.

Currently I am a designated aircraft commander / captain in 4 aircraft types: the jet C-550 Citation , turboprop B-200 King Air, the following 2 helicopters AS350 Astar and the UH60 Blackhawk. I pilot these aircraft for personnel and VIP transport, disaster rescue and tactical missions in criminal investigations, both in domestic and overseas environments. I also serve as top cover from the air for the Secret Service in presidential movements when the President is visiting our region in Southern California.

I will be retiring from federal service at full 25-year retirement at the end of 2010, then I will probably look for civilian commercial pilot adventures (such as a Helicopter Medical Services pilot) in the private sector and teach as a University Professor. Or maybe just stay doing honey-dos' at home and travel, who knows?

I am happily married to my wife Susy (from Quito, Ecuador) and I have a 9 yr-old son, Alex.

My long-standing hobbies include sport skydiving, scuba-diving, practical pistol shooting, and long distance motorcycle touring.

I have run and finished the LA Marathon recently in 4.5 hours, (never doing that again!)

I own a house on 5 acres in the mountains of Lake Mathews, Southern California, so you’ all can come an’ visit, there is plenty of room.

My home ph: is 951-780-4197.

My email address: gyuris@yahoo.com.

snail-mail address: 20525 Emelita St.

Lake Mathews Estates, CA 92570-9571

Attila Gyuris

The Abbey School 1964-1969

**************************************************

From: Cornel de Freitas corneldefreitas@hotmail.com

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 9:29 AM

Hi "Attila":

I guess it is safe to 'assume' that you were not in 'my class' -[for me see class picture of 1964 - Circular #186 - #29].

I have been privileged to read many of your emails and also in the "Circulars" ( I have a lot of catching up to do).

It would make me particularly happy to read about yourself.

I have noticed in your writings you are a 'straight up' guy, and I can identify with that.

It is always a really good feeling when one can reach out and touch a chord in someone else's heart especially when that chord is filled with great harmonics.

Could you take a moment and enlighten me with a little bit about yourself?

Like, when was your 'jail' time (just kidding); when did you graduate; any special experiences; ......(I still have a few to share)

During My time we had Fr.Eugene as the "Dean", Fr. Cuthbert took over later; Fr.Bernard was the Principal; Ms.Kitty Marcus; Bro.Vincent (purser); Fr. Augustine (Latin); Fr. Benedict Science/Class photographs/events photographer/entertainment, (and a few others I can't list them all).

I participated in sports events.

I believe I won the school sports trophy 2X (my name was put on a shield a fixed to the trophy).

Do you reside in Trinidad?

A lot of queries, hope you don't mind.

GOD bless you and your loved ones,

Cornel de freitas ...

========================================================= !

Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:17:51 -0700

From: gyuris@yahoo.com

That was very nice. It gives a whole new expanded meaning to the word "brother".

I never thought of that way until now.

Attila Gyuris

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Glen Mckoy mckoy43glen@hotmail.com

Date: Friday, April 24, 2009, 1:52 AM

My dear brother,

My father passed away 2 years ago, I just got out of that depression, it effected my life with my family also, as I kept my hurt inside, now I am trying to mend these emotions with my family who do care.

You are not alone, you only expressed yourself, and in expressing yourself, it will slowly release the hurt.

I love you my brother and God bless you for having feelings, many brothers have told me stories that I cannot repeat, it was hard on us all, after leaving our security blanket, the Mount.

Thank you for this email, I do hope you will start feeling good about you, because we feel good having you on board, my brother,

Best Regards Glen McKoy.

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From: corneldefreitas@hotmail.com

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:50:36 -0400

Hi Glen:

Sorry if I am being a pain in the butt ... but I am not attempting to be one.

I do however like to keep in touch with those I can phone once in awhile if just to 'chat' for a few minutes if they are within reach.

Sometimes it is easier to express oneself on a certain topics better by the spoken word.

I even call Ladislao once in awhile (I don't want to get him jealous you know, just because you guys live close by).

I do not know if I ever told you this, but for a long time I always felt something was missing in my life.

I did express these thoughts to Ladislao, but I don't know whether or not I ever mentioned this to you.

This period of time actually began right after life at the Abbey School suddenly stopped and I began the transition into this new mode of life trying to adjust or readjust myself in surroundings that I was no longer used to.

I was the eldest of five.

There was Marcella my sister, two years younger and she did 'know' me.

Then there was Carlos after her. ( Carlos is the brother who passed away 28th March)

Carlos and I got along quite well, since he did know that he had an older brother that was away in Trinidad at school.

He understood me and even new I was trying to adjust to living at home again when I had two younger siblings that started as babies - as they usually do, but did not know who this strange guy was that came to their home at different times in their little lives especially at Christmas time.

Carlos was the 'big' brother I had that I could relate to.

I am missing being able to call Aruba and chat with him about anything.

Can you imagine what being rediscovered meant to me.

I am not saying my life was bad.

I've had my share of ups and downs, and I also got a gift ~ ~ no two gifts from GOD. My two grandsons. Lorenzo and Christian.

I cannot express or put to words the emotions that went through me, nor could I express how really happy it made me.

I was bursting, exploding with feelings of joy.

Kinda similar like a reverse prodigal 'brother'.

I know that you could certainly translate those kind of feelings into words after receiving this message from Ladislao.

When I left The Abbey School Mount St. Benedict it was tantamount to being ripped away from those I lived with for a very important period in my life. (I never realized that those boys were my brothers.)

I am sure that you being an Abbey School boy yourself you can identify realistically with what I am attempting (perhaps even struggling ) to express.

Now I have been reconnected to my "family" of brothers - to me it doesn't matter whether older or younger - we share a common bond of brotherhood.

It doesn't matter if you went to the Mount in the Forties or Fifties or Sixties, you are all my brothers and I (I can say) I am very proud to be your (all of you) brother and will act as such, because that is the way I feel.

I mean, think about what I am saying.

Even if your real maternal brother hurts or offends you, can you truly 'hate' him?

I can't - and to me that also applies to me naturally with any Mount brother.

Sure I may "not like what you did" but I will still care about them, just like you would for your natural brother.

After about forty years, I get a message from Ladislao saying "Cornel, thank God we've found you" was like reopening a part of my life I thought was lost forever, and I thank the Lord you found me.

I am so sorry for rambling, but since Carlos died unexpectedly, I have been running a gambit of emotions that I am not familiar with or used to.

So please forgive my 'ramblings'

Hope we get to talk soon

GOD bless you and yours,

Cornel ...

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For those that went down to the Sports field, here are some memoires on the small down hill asphalted track.

Regards,

Ladislao Kertesz, kertesz11@yahoo.com

So now you have all the exchanges and photos.

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09LK0095TTVISITPAX, Tucupita´s house and of others on the way down to the field

09LK0098TTVISITPAXT, Start of the downhill road.

09LK0099TTVISITTRA, The downhill track

09LK0097TTVISITBEN, The bench that was the first milestone towards the sports field.