President's Message August 2019

Message from Bob Sansone, LSAA President:

Almost 3 years ago, I wrote the following in one of the P&S editions:

The Dash (---) is that space one finds on tombstones between the date of birth and the date of death. It is the shortest of shorthand representations for the life one lives. But for the observer, it leaves a story untold …

And while Lenox School is represented by a beginning (1926); the dash on our flag is replaced by our school crest. In a sense, the school completed working on its dash and turned the responsibility for extending it through the LSAA.

Paraphrasing Sir Terry Pratchett: “Nothing is actually gone until the ripples it caused in the world die away...”

The Lenox School ripples continue as we again assemble in OCT for our annual reunion to celebrate the legacy years for the classes of 1969, 1964, 1959, 1954 and 1949. This is a celebration of a shared experience as well as a pivotal year for us to undertake a number of important initiatives, which we need to decide upon to determine how to reasonably maintain the ripples that Lenox School created.

The reunion also serves as a unique opportunity for us to connect with old friends, welcome back and profoundly thank Lenox masters, family and staff who mentored, guided, and in many ways launched us onto the next formative phase of our lives. The impact and benefit they bestowed upon us remains as an example of the fact that some debts just can’t be repaid; we can only nod and affirm each year our appreciation for their selflessness.

“If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.” Mark Twain

While there is no frog eating involved, a number of board members have been diligently trying to accomplish some jobs they accepted and have been actively assessing some specific initiatives that the members need to ultimately approve on how to reasonably keep these Lenox School ripples going.

That makes this particular business meeting on 19 OCT a critical session, as we plan to put forth motions for a vote by dues paying members present at that meeting that will chart the future course of the LSAA.

Here is a distillation of the motions that will be put to a vote at the business meeting by dues paying members (please see the actual wording in the accompanying article in this P&S):

• That the LSAA proceed to engage a fiduciary entity to create a fund whereby the financial assets of the LSAA are ultimately managed to continue supporting scholarships and other alumni activities now or in the future to perpetuate the spirit of Lenox School (such as fund an existing website, which includes digitized information on the important papers, yearbook, documents, history, and other memorabilia of Lenox School as directed by the LSAA);

• That the LSAA proceed to engage qualified entities to digitize (scan/photograph) important documents, history, and other memorabilia for ultimate inclusion via a Website and archival CDs/DVDs;

• That the LSAA provide matching funds of $12,500 to meet the endowment challenge by an alum who supports the trust engagement but who wishes to remain anonymous; and

• That the LSAA proceed with efforts to arrange for an orderly disposal of physical memorabilia by:

a) seeking opportunities to have other entities afford space for permanent care/display of some items (historical societies, Lenox Library, Trinity Church, S&Co, etc.)

b) returning items to donors if identifiable, desired and where reasonably possible;

c) holding a sale/auction exclusively for the LSAA members of memorabilia; and/or

d) offering items for sale to the general public via online sales (eBay, etc.)

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

Part of the LSAA’s raison d'être is striving to fulfill the service motto of Lenox School. In this regard, I am pleased to share with you that he LSAA was actively engaged in scholarship donations again this year, bestowing 3 of these for deserving young ladies of need at Miss Hall’s in May. Representing the LSAA were Don Foster, John Schneiter, Paul Denzel and Bob Sansone. Sed Ministrare.

Following this, I had a brief meeting with our good friends and hosts at S&Co for this upcoming reunion. I know that I have stated this before, but we are fortunate beyond words that S&Co ended up in possession of the campus. We need to find a way to help them in more significant ways.

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” Søren Kierkegaard

A little backward reflection by me is in order: When I stepped into the LSAA role I currently have, I was not thinking whatsoever about the somewhat distant future of the LSAA and what we would do when the inexorable march of time progressed (and one started to think about exactly how many trips around the sun one would be allowed).

Fast forward to today and here we are; celebrating another reunion with the class of ’69 celebrating their 50^th; yet recognizing that we have a point of departure at some time in the future where the last class to graduate (’71) will be celebrating their 50^th in 2021.

Then what? Never in my early days did I think I’d have to figure out with the approval of the members and the board how to find an elegant solution to sun-set the LSAA while transitioning the mission to an as yet un-named trust entity to carry on or spread the LSAA mission, message, history and legacy of our school.

We actually did start that process several years ago with the LSAA board, and we’re now at a point where we have to chart the course for this. In my estimation, we owe this to the masters and headmasters that created Lenox School into what we remember.

What to do with the incredible memorabilia we have cherished for our annual displays, the ephemera of Lenox School including important founding documents, etc.? The good news is that the dedicated efforts of our board members may offer us a path forward to resolving these issues with options for elegant solutions.

As previously indicated, we will be placing all of this before the dues paying members at the business meeting for consideration and approval. We are indeed living forward.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson

I would urge members to submit nominees for consideration to be inducted into the LSAA Hall of Fame, which we’ll do at the dinner on Saturday evening. We have a long list of alums that have enriched the lives of others and we take great pride in recognizing and honoring them.

I look forward to seeing everyone back at school!

Save the date, and be there:  OCT 18 – OCT 19

President's Message August 2018

“…. Friends… The key is to keep them in your heart, and when the time is right, you can pick up the friendship right where you left off. Even lost friends find their way home when you leave the light on”

Amy Marie Walz

OK, the light is on!! Find your way back as the reunion is upon us! OCT 12 & 13 – mark the calendar! 

Legacy classes for this reunion -  43’, 48’, 53’, 58’, 63’, and 68’. However, as we know by now, we have all class years thunder back, along with Masters, family and friends for what has become THE EVENT in Lenox. 

 

Every year I reflect upon how fortunate we are to have Shakespeare and Company as owners and stewards of the property. Each year they warmly welcome us back as family; kindred members of a shared history regarding the grounds. They afford us use of the Tina Packer Playhouse (formerly our theater and gymnasium) and host us for campus tours. We can’t thank them enough.

Did I mention that this is the 50th legacy year for the class of ’68?

2018 has brought forth both the bitter and the sweet. 

The bitter: 

Recently, we sadly experienced the passing of one of our Masters, David Lowry. Ed Miller and I were able to attend the service in Williamstown and represent the LSAA. 

David’s obituary is in this edition. 

Geoff Greenshields, class of ’68, was planning on attending his first reunion this year since graduation. Sadly, “Goff” passed away suddenly and expectedly in FEB 2018. 

Time has a relentless impact on all of us; all the more reason to make the effort to attend this reunion. We’ll remember David, Goff and all the others during our missing persons ceremony at the Lenox Club dinner on Saturday. 

The sweet:

We were able to surprise two students at Miss Hall’s by providing two Mansfield Pickett scholarships. John Schneiter, Paul Denzel and Don Foster (along with Don’s wife Carole) represented the LSAA at a full school meeting where the scholarships were announced. Of all the things that the LSAA does, providing these scholarships to students of need is perhaps the closest we come to honoring our motto. 

We also had a meeting set up through the efforts of John Schneiter with the Lenox Historical Society to continue the work of John’s committee on the future disposition of the memorabilia. We remain grateful as well for Carole Foster’s expert advice and consultation regarding the challenges we face in this effort.

 Here is a distilled preview of what to expect at this year’s reunion:

Friday 12 OCT – 

The LSAA Charlie McGee Memorial Golf Tournament (see response form for more details)

Informal pay-on-your-own cocktails and dinner at the Cork and Hearth

Saturday 13 OCT -  

LSAA Business meeting  (9:30 -11:30)

Lenox School Flag Raising Ceremony (~11:45)

Luncheon in The Tina Packer Playhouse (~noon)

2:45 - 4:45 p.m. – Campus Tour courtesy of Shakespeare & Company

5:00  – 5:45 p.m. – Hymn Sing: Trinity Church.  

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail Reception at The Lenox Club (pay as you go).

6:30  – ~ 9:00 p.m. - Lenox School prayer, missing person ceremony, comments by Masters and Dinner at The Lenox Club ($35 each, payable in advance), recognition of legacy classes, LSAA Hall Of Fame ceremony. 

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – 

Winston Churchill

We are in the home stretch for our challenge grant fundraising campaign. We have a very generous $10,000 challenge grant from an anonymous LSAA member that was increased by a generous additional $5,000 challenge grant from another anonymous LSAA member; thus totaling $15,000 in challenge grants.

As of this writing, LSAA members already donated $5,000, thus allowing us to achieving the $5,000 challenge grant. We have received an additional $4,000 toward the $10,000 challenge grant, meaning we have to raise about $6,000 more to achieve this $10,000 challenge.

We are deeply grateful for the donations received to date from LSAA members as we are for the generosity of these two alumni benefactors. The deadline for us to raise the approximately $6,000 (and therefore meet and capture the $10,000 matching challenge grant) is the upcoming reunion. 

I would ask if you are in a position to help us achieve this final goal, to please do so by sending your donation (identified for the LSAA challenge grant) to the attention of either Ed Miller or Bob Sansone at the following addresses:

Ed Miller

147 Spring Hollow Lane

Montpelier, VT 05602-8445

Bob Sansone

69 Mount Sumner Drive

Bolton, CT 06043

“Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio.” 

Hunter S. Thompson

Wow, a Hunter Thompson quote in the P&S. Who’d have ever thought?!?!

Some believe songs are reflections of the mood and culture in the timeframe within which they were produced. Perhaps this is true. The following represent the opening lyric from the #1 song on Billboard Magazine just about the time that each of the legacy classes listed was walking between the masters for graduation in June.

I’ll let you be the judge (and we can ask the alums from these years at the reunion) as to whether these somehow reflected the contemporaneous mood and culture in place for them during their matriculation from Lenox:

1943 – “I’ve Heard That Song Before”; Harry James

“It seems to me I've heard that song before

It's from an old familiar score

I know it well, that melody

It's funny how a theme

Recalls a favorite dream”

1948 – “Nature Boy”; Nat King Cole

“There was a boy

A very strange, enchanted boy

They say he wandered very far

Very far, over land and sea

A little shy and sad of eye

But very wise was he”

1953 – The Song From Moulin Rouge” (Where is Your Heart?); Percy Faith

“When ever we kiss,

I worry and wonder.

Your lips may be near,

but where is your heart?”

1958 – “The Purple People Eater”; Sheb Wooley

“Well, I saw the thing comin' out of the sky

It had the one long horn, one big eye

I commenced to shakin' and I said "ooh-eee

It looks like a purple eater to me.

It was a one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater”

1963 – “It’s My Party” Lesley Gore

“Nobody knows where my Johnny has gone

Judy left the same time

Why was he holding her hand

When he's supposed to be mine”

1968 – “Mrs. Robinson” Simon & Garfunkel

“And here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

Jesus loves you more than you will know 

Wo wo wo

God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson

Heaven holds a place for those who pray 

Hey hey hey, hey hey hey”

No matter what song stirs memories of the time you experienced while at Lenox School, come join us again for the camaraderie of classmates and fellow alumni and friends and pay homage to the school, the Masters, staff and their families. These selfless, dedicated people helped launch us on our life journey; and we use the opportunity of the reunion to honor their service to the school and to us. 

Join with the Lenox School Band of Brothers as we meet again in thanks, remembrance, reunion and fellowship. 

October 12 and 13 - Be there!

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!

Summer 2017 and October Reunion

“Sometimes you have to lose your way to get back home.” Tagline from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”

A perfect segue for asking the classes of ‘47, ‘52, ‘57, ‘62, and ’67 – “O Brothers, Where Art Thou!?!”  The reunion looms large in Oct (13 and 14 OCT) and it is time to get back home to Lenox for your legacy reunion!

“Nothing in life is so exhilarating as to be shot at without result.” Winston Churchill. I want to respectfully present the following corollary:

 “There is nothing in life that is as exhilarating as going under your first overpass in a new RV without result.” R. J. Sansone.

Let me explain – for some years my wife and I have discussed getting an RV and visiting the national parks. Well, that bucket list item came to fruition this May as we traveled from CT to CA and back, hitting as many National Parks as possible on the way.

Seven thousand + miles later and over 40+ days on the road allows one time to reflect on many things. To be honest, it did not dominate my thoughts, but during the rare, quiet times, the prospect of the upcoming reunion surfaced, along with reflections on the stunning attendance we experience and enjoy every year (all for a school that has been closed longer than it was open!). 

I have heard many descriptions by attendees over the years for this turnout – gratifying, joyful, inexplicable, stunning, improbable, reconnecting, mystifying, spectacular, resolving, closure, tremendous, cleansing, etc. One thing is certain; it has become “the event” in Lenox now for that particular weekend. 

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” Alfred North Whitehead.

We owe a great and continuing debt of gratitude to our friends at Shakespeare & Co for allowing us the use of their facilities, as well as allowing us to revisit the campus we called home while at Lenox for our reunions. Can you imagine a reunion anywhere else  but on our old campus?

 

I say this every year but it bears repeating – we could not be more fortunate than to have them as stewards of what was our campus. They welcome us warmly every year, facilitate and participate in our events, and feel a shared connection with us to the grounds we once walked as students. Our history is part of their history.

“It's a thing to see when a boy comes home.” John Steinbeck, “The Grapes of Wrath”.

The Lenox reunion is like coming home for the boys of Lenox. With that in mind, we try to ensure that the reunion is filled with as many meaningful events for everyone - returning masters, staff, alums, family, and friends of Lenox School. 

Every year we end up with an absolutely full house, so please send in your response form as soon as possible so we can arrange the necessary logistics to ensure a great reunion for you. 

While the following is covered in more detail in the response form, here is a brief review: 

We start with the yearly McGee golf tournament on Friday; which is followed by an informal pay as you go dinner at the Cork and Hearth. 

Saturday will commence with the business meeting in the morning; followed by our ceremonial Lenox School flag-raising and a luncheon in Tina Packer Playhouse (formerly our old gym). The early afternoon is open for a campus tour and update courtesy of our good friends at Shakespeare & Co.

How could you have a reunion without reprising our shared experience of the hymn sing at Trinity!?! The answer is you can’t. And thus we trod up the hill yet again at 5:00 PM (for those of us still able to trod) after 45+, 50+ 55+ ??+ years or so to see how our voices have held up.  And yes, we still stomp our feet if hymn 562 is selected.

The hymn sing is followed by a short cocktail reception at the Lenox Club from 6:00 – 6:30, which is then followed by a reading of the Lenox School prayer, the missing person ceremony, comments by masters, dinner, announcement of the golf winners, and the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

One of the things that gets asked at nearly every reunion (and frankly has been fairly well answered through the White Paper we have on the website thanks to Randy Harris ‘68) is how did our school go out of business.

Every time I hear this, I am reminded of a quote attributed to one of the characters in Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” when asked how he went bankrupt, he replied – “Two ways - gradually and then suddenly.

” 

There are a number of things that impinged upon the school’s closure. While it may be interesting to understand the specifics of the issues involved; rather than dwell on that part of our history, I think we’re better served to celebrate the fact that the Lenox School Band of Brothers returns each year (in numbers quite astounding) to honor that school, the selfless masters and staff and what it meant to attend.

 

 

My suggestion is that you plan early and get your arrangements made. Come see the incredible memorabilia displays we have in two buildings on the grounds; the historical marker about Lenox School placed near St Martin’s and join us for the camaraderie and fellowship that exists every year.

Lenox School Reunion - Oct 13 and 14 – save the dates!!!

Christmas 2016

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing”. Walt Disney

That is precisely what the classes of 1961 and 1966 did during our incredible reunion in OCT. The weather? Suffice it to say that nature seems to have read our Lenox School prayer as the sun shined brilliantly on all of us through the reunion. It was another record attendance as we filled the Lenox Club (yet again!) to capacity.

This all came about as a result of the advance work done by members of both ’61 & ‘66 to achieve such an outstanding turnout. So now we’re heading into the Christmas season and the time to start the “doing” is at hand for the Lenox School legacy classes of 1967, 1962, 1957 and 1952. The next reunion is (as always, the weekend following Columbus Day) on 13 and 14 October, 2017.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” Winnie the Pooh

The events of the 2016 reunion included (for the first time!) the raising of a Lenox School flag, as well as the introduction of a meaningful and symbolic LSAA missing persons table ceremony at the beginning of dinner at the Lenox Club. We raised our glasses in tribute to those that could not be with us and among those that we remembered were Mr. Southworth, Mr. Terwilliger and Mr. Rutledge and Mr. Robert Clark (a class of ‘60 alum and recent benefactor to LSAA).

Class of ’48 Kline and Daniell along with Bob Sansone and Bud Wells ready the Lenox School flag while Allyn Burrows Prepares the Halyard

 

LSAA Missing Persons Table

“We make a living by what we get; but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

 As usual, we were blessed to receive the warm and generous help from Shakespeare and Co. by affording us the use of their campus. We owe S&Co a great deal of gratitude, for without their allowing us to assemble for part of our reunion on the old school grounds, one wonders where a Lenox School reunion could be held and have as much relevancy and significance to alumni, masters, staff, family and friends. Steve Ball, S&Co’s Acting Managing Director, has been a sustained and continual source of this tremendous support and assistance throughout the years, and we remain profoundly grateful to him for this.

“We want to be his favorite hello and his hardest goodbye.” Author unknown

We were privileged to meet S&Co’s new artistic director Allyn Burrows who gave us an insight as to the path ahead for S&Co. Allyn also ceremoniously became the latest member of our Lenox School little band of brothers as we bestowed upon him the Lenox T-shirt and new Lenox School lapel pin. Following the business meeting, Allyn graciously assisted us by raising our Lenox School flag on S&Co’s flagpole. Allyn finished the flag raising with a flourish, by quoting from Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day Speech as our flag unfurled in the Berkshire autumn breeze- We few, we happy few, we band of brothers ......”

“It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Albert Einstein 

We made two very special donations this year, which benefitted not only the recipients but appropriately honored and recalled the incredible and selfless service of those in whose name these donations were made. We provided Shakespeare and Co. a substantial scholarship donation in the name of David Wood who not only served the school for so many years but who also established and led Lenox School in the artistic production of so many plays through the years.

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Albert Einstein 

Our second substantial donation was to Trinity Church. While we have always donated to Trinity each year as a reflection of the role that the chapel experience played in our matriculation from Lenox; we concluded that this donation needed to be in honor of two men who served not only Lenox School but also were instrumental in Trinity Church through the years as well (Rev Whitman as rector and Rev Curry as a vestryman). The Lenox School Rev Whitman and Rev Curry donation was enhanced by comments made at the chapel by Rev Whitman’s daughters Romi and Sally and by Rev Curry’s son David. Aside from Revs Thayer, Griswold and Monks essential roles in the founding of Lenox School, it is an understatement to assert that without Rev Whitman or Rev Curry, Lenox School would not have existed for us as it did.

The dates for the reunion are October 13 and 14. See you back at school!

Bob Sansone, ‘68 

President's Message, Summer 2016

“If this man should fall, who will lift the flag and carry it on?” Brigadier General George C. Strong’s demanding question of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at the battle for Fort Wagner in SC.

The reunion is upon us (October 14 and 15). So what could the quote above possibly have to do with our yearly sojourn back to campus to welcome the legacy classes of ’61 and ’66 (and all other classes) back to school?

Every year I have felt that there has been something missing as we enter the grounds for the reunion. Then it hit me – no Lenox School Flag. The truth is, there never was a Lenox School flag, but there is one now. Pete Baker ’61 took a rough initial draft and provided the following for our design review:

In a sense, the school fell in 1971 when it graduated its last class; but here we are, 45 years later, and in a response reminiscent of the one given by Colonel Robert Shaw to a question raised by General Strong – the LSAA will lift the Lenox School flag and carry it on.

To accomplish this, we’re going to have a formal flag raising ceremony on Saturday, at the flagpole in front of St. Martin’s, right before our annual luncheon. In this way, we can announce to the world (or at least those driving by on Kemble Street) that Lenox School is back in session (albeit for 2 days!). We’ll have the flag in use for all future reunions and events.

None of this of course would be possible without the wonderful support we receive from S&Co. I met briefly with Steve Ball during the scholarship trip to Lenox. Steve reports that they are in good shape both financially and organizationally and their season ahead looks to be a success. S&Co continues to be warm and generous hosts for our annual invasion onto their grounds. We are grateful for their support.

“For scholarship - if it is to be scholarship - requires, in addition to liberty, that the truth take precedence over all sectarian interests, including self-interest.” John Charles Polanyi

We had another wonderful visit to both Miss Hall’s and Berkshire Country Day School to bestow the Pickett and Fawcett scholarships. I accompanied Ed and Sarah Miller and Paul Denzel to represent the LSAA. We now provide a certificate to the recipient, which includes a brief history of Lenox School as well as encouraging them to reflect on the Lenox School motto that influenced us through the years.

We may have some additional entertainment this year at the reunion! We are trying to arrange the opportunity for the Miss Hall’s choral group to sing at one of our venues.

The classes of ’61 and ’66 look like they are earnestly competing to break the turnout established by ’65. I am hoping for the class of ’71 (the last class) to assemble as well for this, their legacy 45th.

Randy Harris has been busy customizing the memorabilia display plans to reflect emphasis on the legacy classes along with other general memorabilia which will be on display. It is incredible what he has accomplished for us over the years.

“All non RSVP guests will be set on fire. That is all.” Wedding-Day-Bliss.com

Coupled with the ever growing ranks of alums, masters, staff and friends that join us, we will likely fill the Lenox Club to capacity once again, so getting your 2016 response form in soon (located at the back of this P&S) will help us ensure the necessary logistics and room to accommodate everyone are made available.

“Say not in grief: “He is no more”, but live in thankfulness that he was.” Hebrew Proverb

We are incorporating a brief but moving “LSAA Missing Person” ceremony at the beginning of our Lenox Club annual dinner. This is to honor and remember all those that have passed and are not able to be with us during the reunion. We will set up a symbolic table to honor those in absence. The story of this ceremony is further explained in the “LSAA Missing Person Ceremony” article elsewhere in this P&S.

“Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.” Henry Drummond

The individuals we’re going to install this year in the LSAA Hall of fame represent the triumph of being shining examples of the Lenox School motto, having served and achieved in innumerable ways. In a room full of outstanding people, these people stand out. Join us at the reunion as we honor those that have honored us through their life’s work.

The dates for the reunion are October 14 and 15. The schedule of events is also enclosed in this edition. See you back at school!

Bob Sansone, ‘68

Sample of the LSAA Scholarship Certificate:

President's Message - Spring 2016

Message from Bob Sansone, LSAA President:

“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” ~ Douglas Adams

Every year Ed Miller and I start to fret as the response deadline for the reunion approaches. Then we end up marveling at the turnouts we get; to the point that in recent reunions, we have record numbers of alums returning such that we are at the limit of the Lenox Club’s capacity to hold us. In addition, we are enhanced by the increasing turnout of the Masters and their families who seem to come in increasing numbers; and we have accumulated many friends of the school that we thankfully host as guests for the annual pilgrimage. All for this little school that closed but just will not die.

I guess what I am getting at here is an appeal to mark your calendars now (OCT 14 and 15) and contact us early. We have become rather The Event in Lenox of sorts for that weekend, with the press now writing stories about this incredible Lenox band of brothers that assembles each year. All this, for a school that has been closed now longer than it was open. Incredible.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” ~ Hunter S. Thompson

We have a tendency to focus on the legacy class years for these reunions (those that are celebrating their 40^th, 45^th, 50^th, 55^th, 60^th, etc. That said, we are always the beneficiaries of all other class years that ‘skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke’ to enrich the event immeasurably.

To this point - I ended my last President’s message with the following:

“The class of ’66 has already begun the preparation and conversation of how to meet the challenge that ‘65 has created. The opportunity is before them and us for another inspiring, improbable and magical reunion for this school that just won’t die.”

There is a debate between ’61 and ’66 as to who held the record for the greatest reunion turn out.. Then the class of ’65 thundered in to unseat them both last year. Which prompts me to paraphrase the title to that wonderful TV sitcom, which preceded ’66’s graduation by about 3 years but started about the time ’61 graduated:

Class of ’61 and ’66, Where Are You?!?

Full disclosure - I’d be accused of sandbagging if I didn’t disclose that I have already been contacted by several ’61 and ’66 folks making sure they had the dates down properly. This is, after all, the golden 50^th for ‘66. Then again, perhaps ’61 is planning to upstage ’66 with their own uprising for what will be their 55^th? And lest we forget, the class of ’56 has a 70^th this year. Then we have the youngsters of the crew from ’71 who will mark their 45^th. The one thing we can count on these past few years - a full house.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Looking back, we should all recognize how fortunate we were to have our lives intersect with Lenox School. Yes, the school’s active mission is long over. But it is impossible not to see to see the smiles at the reunions because Lenox School happened, and we were the lucky ones to be there during its time.

As one gets older, the tendency is to look back and try to figure out if the spot you currently occupy came as a result of careful planning or from a series external forces or even random, haphazard, sometimes impetuous decisions.

One thing to me is clear – that Lenox School intersection, for however long it was for any grad or attendee, in large measure made all the difference in the world for us. I have in the past referred to our collective experience as Lenox School being the Hotel California of schools – you could check out, but you could never leave.

I think that is why, in Howard Prestwich’s (’61) moving “Prayer For A Lenox Reunion” (which we read every year), the two paragraphs that become emotionally poignant to all in attendance seem to be:

“In Western Massachusetts,

nestled in the Berkshire Hills,

she was but a small school.

But on many a day,

The golden sun shines on her

And it shines on me, and it shines on you

And it shone so brightly that day in June

When we walked between the masters there.

So let us recall those days,

But only those days when the sun was shining

And our school mates were smiling

Thank you for the gracious gift of memory.

Don’t cry for us, Lenox School.

The truth is, we never left you.”

Please join us OCT 14 and 15, and let the sun shine on you yet again during the Lenox School reunion; and see the smiles that abound. As Howard so eloquently phrased it ”..the truth is, we really never left.”

President's Message July 2015

Message from the LSAA President:

“Enthusiasm is the mother of effort, and without it nothing great was ever achieved.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

If Emerson was correct, then the Class of 1965 might just be the poster child for this quote. As I write this, they already have over 50% of their class committed to returning for their 50^th reunion. They started their planning after last year’s reunion (motivated no doubt by the stellar example provided by the class of 1964) and ‘65 has been relentless in finding and contacting their classmates across the globe ever since. As a result, it looks like we’re headed for another record turnout.

Each year I marvel at the incredible (yet concurrently improbable) overflow gathering of alums, masters, staff and family members who assemble to recall their respective time. Why improbable? Because after all, we’re having a reunion at a school that ceased to exist over 40 years ago. The school has now been closed longer than it was open!

“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family ... in another city.”

― George Burns

Maybe that is what we have become as a result of our Lenox experience: a large family, albeit in different cities, who are seldom in contact. And yet, we have this annual gathering that in many ways represents a more active alumni than some schools that still exist to this day. What gives here? I’m sure there are many opinions on what is at work that compels us to sustain this connection.

“The real threat to society is darkness. 

Humanity is our common lot. All men are made of the same clay. There is no difference, at least here on earth, in the fate assigned to us.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Perhaps our continued connection to the Lenox experience stems from the school being an academic analog for a pottery enterprise: the masters were entrusted with the clay of our youth. Their mission was to throw this clay on the Lenox wheel and form it into something that they would be willing to pass along with a “Made in Lenox School” sticker affixed. In the process, their selfless dedication served as a life lesson to us to live in accordance with our motto.

Some may think the connection is akin to the Lost Boys – “(Lost Boys) are the children who fall out of their perambulators when the nurse is looking the other way. If they are not claimed in seven days they are sent far away to the Neverland to defray expenses. Are none of the others girls? Oh no; girls, you know, are much too clever to fall out of their prams.” ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan

No! We weren’t the Lost Boys and Lenox was not Neverland! In a sense we were the Found Boys. After all, it was at Lenox that Rev. Curry’s “Miracle of Growability” was practiced. We developed camaraderie during these formative years of our youth that remains to this day.

No doubt, Lenox memories vary for each of us – for some it is in the classroom; for others on the playing field (gilded no doubt by the passage of time). One thing is consistent however - age has brought us the wisdom and perspective we probably lacked as self-absorbed adolescents to better appreciate the unique experience we were privileged to have by attending Lenox School. No, it wasn’t all roses, but the thorns probably served us as well.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” – Dr. Seuss, Oh the Places You Will Go

I had the great privilege of joining Paul Denzel and Ed Miller in representing LSAA at the end of May for our annual scholarship trip to Miss Hall’s and Berkshire Country Day School. At Miss Hall’s we conferred the LSAA Pickett Scholarship to two deserving young women - Ifunanya (Nanya) Okeke and Emma Bullock. At BCD, we conferred the LSAA Fawcett scholarship to two deserving students - Ruby Merritt and Nicolas Adams.

It was especially meaningful for us to have Mr. Fawcett at BCD to provide his comments and to present the scholarships. This year we created a certificate to go along with the scholarship, which briefly tells the story of Lenox School and relates the motto and meaning. A copy of the template we used for the Fawcett certificate is in this edition.

“If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going.” - Professor Irwin Corey

As many of you may already know, our good friends at Shakespeare & Co (S&Co) have undergone some leadership and organizational changes. I met briefly with some of the new leadership team in May, and while it was understandable that anxiety existed (internal and external) when change like this occurred; it appeared that this was dissipating.

I expect that this will smooth out and afford them the opportunity to continue the wonderful work S&Co has accomplished thus far. In addition, their financial strength appears to be sound and they are well into their performance season without disruption to any production.

S&Co have become not only wonderful custodians of the property, but we have made enduring friendships with them through our relationship. They have always been warm and gracious hosts to us during our annual October reunion, and I look forward to seeing them again this fall for our get-together.

“Good times and bum times,

I’ve seen them all and, my dear,

I’m still here.

Plush velvet sometimes,

Sometimes just pretzels and beer,

But I’m here.”

Lyric from the song “I’m Still Here” written by Stephen Sondheim for the 1971 musical Follies.

Here’s the thing: We’re still here! If we change a few of the words, this could be the Lenox School theme song! I have described Lenox as the “Hotel California” of boarding schools (You can check out, but you can never leave.). The question is, will you be with us for this annual celebration of endurance, survival, friendship, remembrance and homage to the school and people that connected us?

The Lenox School Class of 1965 will lead us to another incredible reunion. Lenox School Classes of ‘60, ‘55, ‘50 and ‘45 will likely be there as well, along with a myriad of other classes that simply enjoy coming back to school while their legacy years approach.

Please join us and witness what that “Miracle of Growability” produced!

President's Message Spring 2015

“Weather forecast for tonight: dark.” George Carlin 

Having endured record low temperatures and snowfalls this past winter in the northeast, we now get this cheerful headline from the Weather Channel as I write this on the 14th of March:  “First Day of Spring to Disappoint as Cold Weather Pattern Returns Next Week” Really? More cold weather? Why not have some more snow while you’re at it? Apparently the lion that is supposed to give way to the lamb in March has decided to extend its stay just a bit longer. Apparently the memo never reached the wild turkeys in my backyard on the delayed spring weather as they have already started their pecking order and mating rituals on the top of what are now only 2 foot snow drifts. Perfect. Spring Equinox around the corner and more winter ahead.  As they go, equinoxes have their own unique science (and it turns out history and meaning as well!). The science of it is rather simple - the spring equinox (or vernal equinox if you prefer) marks the moment the sun crosses an imaginary line in the sky above the Earth’s equator. Thus the amount of daylight and night are roughly equally divided from north to south.  The history and meaning of this time period on the calendar is colorfully littered with some interesting (and some frankly unsavory) practices, which run from harmless ritual to Mayan sacrifice.

Message from the LSAA President: Dec 2014

As I write this, it is 23 NOV (4 more days to Thanksgiving) and the Christmas season is already being thrust at us (witnessed by the trees which were already for sale in early November). Who buys a tree in early NOV?!?

However, I must admit that my reflections are less on the holidays that approach and more on the recent, incredible Lenox reunion. Thus, with respectful deference to the holidays, I’d like to devote this message to reflect back on our recent reunion (which was a holiday of sorts in its own regard).

“May the good Lord be with you

Down every road that you roam

And may sunshine and happiness

Surround you when you're far from home

And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true

And do unto others as you'd have done to you

Be courageous and be brave

And in my heart you'll always stay

Forever young, forever young
” 

“Forever Young” – Rod Stewart  by way of Bob Dylan 

As the Lenox School Class of 1964 was about to graduate and depart the Berkshires, the number one song on the national Billboard was “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups. Frankly, other than some loose connection about going to a chapel (which we seemingly did every day at Trinity Church) I don’t think the song accurately captures or reflects the Lenox ’64 spirit.

 

However, 10 years after the class of ’64 graduated, “Forever Young” was written and released by Bob Dylan; and then a version of Dylan’s song was recorded and released by Rod Stewart in 1988.  If any class reunion deserves “Forever Young” as their signature song, it is the 2014 Lenox School reunion and the class of ‘64. What an incredible event we had this year!! The advance planning/ organizing efforts of Pom Pomeroy and a few others from ’64 certainly paid dividends! In short, the class of 1964 arrived in phenomenal numbers (and forever young) to celebrate their 50th - They even had picture nametags made up, and created a 50th year reunion prayer. The class of ’48 anchored the reunion with Bob Kline and Charlie Daniell in attendance; classes from many years in between were also represented; and we got to see some folks who had not been back in a while.

Paul Denzel’s untiring efforts yielded another success for the reunion by setting up the golf tournament at Cranwell (John Schneiter managed the event for us this year) and for coordinating and arranging the business meeting and luncheon catering at the Tina Packer Playhouse (our old gym) with S&Co. 

At our business meeting, we introduced Rick Dildine (the new executive director of Shakespeare & Co.). Rick gave us an overview of S&Co along with the facilities renovations that were being undertaken. We were pleased to be able to present Rick with a $1,000 scholarship for S&Co’s youth program. Also at the business meeting, in the process of installing the officer and board slate, Cal Smith ’64 agreed to place his name into nomination to fill one of our vacant LSAA Board of Director slots. Cal received unanimous support and approval from the voting members and was installed (along with the existing members) as part of the 2015 LSAA Board of Directors.

Following the business meeting, we hosted over 60 alumni and guests for the luncheon in the foyer of the Tina Packer playhouse, where Randy Harris had assembled a truly impressive memorabilia display. A special thanks go to Cal Smith and Jody Hart for their assistance in setting up and moving the displays.  Among other guests, we were joined at the luncheon by Dennis Mallon of Berkshire Legacy (representing the new owners of the Springlawn Mansion and surrounding property, better known to us as Schemerhorn Hall and the Annex), who arranged for folks to have a tour inside to see Schermerhorn and learn about the plans for the property.

 

Attendees were treated to a vocal reprise of portions of the “Lenox Mass” written by John Davies ’64 who directed an assemblage of alums from ’64,  a few other classes (and even a master) at both the Hymn Sing (where we gratefully acknowledge Steve Lowry’s accompaniment not only on the organ but the piano as well this year) and at the Lenox Club.  Speaking of Steve, he indicated he is retiring to Florida and we may be looking for someone to fill his organist shoes. His support through the years has been invaluable and we thank him for the selfless and dedicated service he has provided for LSAA.  

At the Lenox Club (where we had a full house) we had the following masters also in attendance: Mr. Blanchard (inducted this year into the LSAA Hall of Fame), Mr. Braim, Mr. Dostourian (also inducted this year into the LSAA Hall of Fame), Mr. Fawcett, Mr. Kline, Mr. Lowry and Mr. Southworth. Mr. Rutledge and his wife were represented by their son Norman and daughter Marian Rutledge.

 

Honored Guests included Rev and Mrs. Tuck from Trinity Church, Beryl Wells and her daughter Kris Warfield (Bud joined us at lunch), Mary Lou Dumont (Gene St Jean’s sister), Wendy McGee and her Mom, David Curry and his wife (representing the Curry family) and Ute DeFarlo of Shakespeare & Co.

We have to give special thanks to Rick Dildine, Steve Ball, Ute DeFarlo and all the folks at Shakespeare and Company (especially Tom Rindge) for the warm hospitality and tremendous support they provide to us in accommodating our yearly arrival in ways that are too numerous to list entirely, but include: affording us a spot for those arriving with RV’s to set up, supporting us with AV equipment, catering and supporting our business meeting and luncheon, providing guided tours throughout the old campus, allowing us to store our LSAA memorabilia and boards, affording us locations for the permanent memorabilia displays, etc. We are extremely fortunate to have them as the owners of the property, as they have not only been wonderful custodians of our former campus, they have also become close friends of the LSAA.

 

The memorabilia displays set up in both the Tina Packer Playhouse and the Lenox Club by Randy Harris were both customized to reflect not only the history of Lenox School but also had some very specific items relevant to the class of ’64 and attending masters. In addition, Randy was able to display the enduring theatrical effort and the long standing artistic endeavors that Lenox School was known for by showcasing many of the timeless aspects of theater life, as well as plays and production numbers that Lenox put on through the years. This was especially appropriate given that the property is now dedicated to the pursuit of performance art. As Mark Gottsegen used to sign off on most of his correspondence: “Ars longa, vita brevis” (“Art is long, life is short”). Indeed.

“In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukkah' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukkah!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!” Dave Barry

Mr. Barry’s humor aside, one enriching aspect of a school like Lenox (which was founded by Episcopalians) was that we were actually exposed to all types of religions &beliefs through the outreach the school provided to students from across the globe. As such, I want to wish everyone a safe, peaceful and joyful time with family and friends. We have much to be thankful for, and notable among those things is the support we receive from LSAA members and others as we continue to keep the legacy of our little school alive. It is nearly impossible for me to recall the holiday and winter season while a student at Lenox without remembering this iconic picture: 

The last stanza of “Forever Young” is particularly poignant given our alumni 

demographic:

“And when you finally fly away

I'll be hoping that I served you well

For all the wisdom of a lifetime

No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose

I'm right behind you, win or lose

Forever young, forever young”

Don’t fly away! Vow instead to be forever young; attend the next reunion (OCT 16 & 17 2015) where the class of ’65 will strive to top the incredible response just displayed by the class of ’64. Other legacy classes for OCT 2015 –’60, ’55,’50 & ’45. I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful, and I wish you all (pick one):

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

 

Other

Bob