Christmas 2017

Message from Bob Sansone, LSAA President:

Please note:

We have a tremendous fund raising opportunity placed before us by a challenge grant from two generous alums. They have pledged a total of $15,000 if we can match that amount by the next business meeting. Details are covered below, but we’ll be sending out updates as the months go by.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Albert Einstein

The Lenox School Little Band of Brothers keeps moving and gathered yet again! Another incredible reunion with the class of ’67 thundering in!!

This now sets the stage for the following classes to start the planning for their legacy reunion on 12 – 13 OCT 2018: 1968 (50th), 1963 (55th), 1958 (60th), 1953 (65th) and 1948 (70th). 

We again were the beneficiaries of the generosity and warm support of our friends at Shakespeare & Co. who afforded us the use of the Packer Playhouse (our old gym) for the business meeting, luncheon and display of our memorabilia. 

We also were treated yet again to a reprise of the St. Crispin's Day speech from William Shakespeare's play, Henry V, in Act IV by Allyn Burrows, S&Co Artistic Director “….From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered - We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;…”as we raised the Lenox School flag: 

 

We welcomed back all the alums, the guests, masters and families to the luncheon at S&Co, the hymn sing at Trinity Church (where Geoff Simpson ’67 also led a trio of gospel songs for us) and dinner at the Lenox Club. 

Included in the honored guest list at dinner were Rev. Tuck and his wife Annie; Tina Packer, Founding Director of Shakespeare & Co; Dennis Krausnick, Director of Training Shakespeare & Co; Julia Heaton, Miss Hall’s Head of School; Sandy Moon, Miss Hall’s; Shane Burgett, Assistant Technical Director, S&Co (who was invaluable in helping us to set up the memorabilia displays) along with his wife Sara; Wendy McGee (who awarded the Charlie McGee Memorial Golf Tournament trophy); Judith Mitchell who was part of the Lenox staff and faculty; and of course, our returning Masters who provided their insights and comments: Mr. Blanchard, Mr. Lowry, Mr. Dostourian, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Kline, Mr. Selkowitz, and Mr. Fawcett.

At the beginning of the dinner, we conducted our annual missing person ceremony after the reading of the Lenox School Prayer by Mr. Blanchard. We also had the great pleasure of installing Don Foster toward the end of the evening into the LSAA Hall of Fame. Don’s contributions to society, industry, academia (where he still actively contributes) and to the LSAA as our P&S editor have enriched all of us. 

 

“If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.”  Milton Berle

“To remain indifferent to the challenges we face is indefensible. If the goal is noble, whether or not it is realized within our lifetime is largely irrelevant. What we must do therefore is to strive and persevere and never give up.”  Dalai Lama XIV

Opportunity and challenge often present themselves as kindred spirits. Two very important developments emerged this year for the LSAA, which represent both of these. 

The first development - we have received a very generous challenge grant from two alumni (who wish to remain anonymous) to donate $15,000 to the LSAA. The challenge is for the LSAA to raise the matching funds from the members before the next reunion business meeting (did I mention that would be by 9:30AM October 13, 2018?!?). 

To accomplish this, as well as advise the LSAA Board of Directors on how future donations and bequeaths should be administered, Jeff Smith has agreed to chair a committee on this. Please see his article “Giving for LSAA Future” in this edition of the P&S. 

However, we encourage those of you so inclined to start your tax-deductible donation effort in this regard in 2017 by sending your check (made out to “LSAA” & annotated as LSAA Challenge Grant) to Ed Miller at the following address:

Ed Miller, LSAA Treasurer

147 Spring Hollow Lane

Montpelier, VT 05602

“I don't collect any memorabilia. I wish I'd have kept everything I had. But who knew you had to keep it. Just gave it away. And we lost so much and we didn't look after a lot of it.” Ringo Starr

The second development – The LSAA has been established for a number of reasons, not the least of which was maintaining/spreading the history, legacy and spirit of the school and its motto. A major part of this includes the role that the LSAA memorabilia plays.

Perhaps this development is more of a continuation of something that the board started addressing some years ago. However, the time has come to focus more carefully on this as we reach the time where our youngest alum is going to be 70 years old in the years ahead! 

To determine and recommend viable options for the future use and disposition of LSAA memorabilia, we are grateful for the service of John Schneiter who has stepped up to head the committee to address this for the LSAA board. John is seeking LSAA members who wish to join this committee in their mission to advise the board. Please see the article in this edition of the P&S, which provides John’s contact info regarding this.  

“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

The next reunion looms ahead and provides the opportunity to reconnect, say those unsaid words, perform those undone deeds and offer a reprieve from regret at not having attended. Don’t be like those Englishmen in Shakespeare’s play that would “…think themselves accurs'd they were not here …”. 

Instead, join us for the next Lenox School reunion and be part of the “…few, we happy few, we band of brothers…” who gather back in the Berkshires.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Christmas/holiday period and a Happy New Year. I also want to urge my fellow classmates from ’68 to gear up and get ready; this is our 50th!  

OCTOBER 12 – 13, 2018 – Be There!