Circular No 129

Newsletter for past alumni of The Abbey School, Mt. St. Benedict, Trinidad and Tobago, W.I.
Caracas, 24 of April 2004. Circular No. 129

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Dear Friends,
And now for the splendid news, the O.A.S.I.S. files. Here is the exchange on how the files changed hands. But what about the MOUNT INSIDE Bulletin??? Are there any copies at MSB? Or has anyone a few copies at hand after so many years??? And would like me to resend to your friends???
But to the matter at hand, here is the story on how the O.A.S.I.S. files got to Venezuela. ****I would like to apologize if the emails sometimes have possible grammatical faults (I read and re-read the emails but sometimes these have sensitive and sensible information which I might not recognize and so cannot correct or eliminate) but be sure that I always strive to send out the information just as I get it.****

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From: "Nigel P. Boos" <nigelboos@eagles-wings.ca>
Date: 31 Mar 10:15 (PST)
To: Art & Val Knaggs <av_knaggs@hotmail.com>

Art,
Thank you for your kind note.
I'm sure that Ladislao will be thrilled to receive your package of O.A.S.I.S file info, as it'll give him years of reading matter with which to compile his stories. All the guys will benefit from it as well, so, on behalf of everyone who had been privileged to pass through the halls of MSB, thank you for preserving the memories for us. Las, please note that Art does not intend to cash Bernard Stone's cheque, so there's no need to seek any form of reimbursement from the fellas. As you will note, the cheque will not be cashed. Maybe Arthur is going to frame it - I would! But thanks anyway. The gesture was well appreciated.
Best wishes,
Nigel
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On Mar 31, 2004, at 12:17 PM, Art & Val Knaggs wrote:

Dear Nigel,
Just a little note to let you know that I received your letter re O.A.S.I.S. and thank you for your kind words and great wishes.
I had already mailed the package to Ladislao, as Val & I decided that it would be a tribute to the marvellous efforts of those who picked up the "ball" and ran with it. I hope that Ladislao has received the package, and we will not be processing the enclosed cheque. My days at "The Mount" were and are a host of tremendous memories (especially spiritual) and it accounts for me being still here today. The great "Man" upstairs must have some plan for me yet, so here am I, still hanging in there for whatever is put on my plate. You have played a great part in my efforts for always encouraging me over the latter years of the newsletter and I thank you for that. Keep in touch, and when we drop in to Toronto around the end of June I will give you a call so that we can get together.
In the meantime, all the very best, may The Good Lord continue to influence you.
Sincerely,
Art
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From: "Art & Val Knaggs" <av_knaggs@hotmail.com>
Date: 4 Mar 16:21 (PST)
Subject: OASIS Files

Ladislao,
Hopefully you should have gotten the OASIS Files which I posted, so let me know when they arrive please.
All else is fine and I am still trying to get a few more addresses for you of the "Older Group".
Do you have an e-mail for Fr. Cuthbert or The Abbey? Would love to get it.
You and your group are doing a marvellous job at keeping the ship from sinking, and sharing all these wonderful memories.
Art
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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2004 4:45AM

Ladislao,
I am quite unable at this time to offer Arthur the help you have suggested. I can still go through Bernard Stone, but I doubt that this will save much time. Please advise me how you'd like me to proceed. Re. my own OASIS files, I have been unable to find them as yet, but in any case, Arthur's originals are the BEST source for all this information. If I do ever find them and you still want them, you can certainly have them.
Nigel
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On Jan 14, 2004, at 11:33 AM, Ladislao Kertesz wrote:

Dear Nigel,
The reason is that since Arthur has had difficulties with getting hold of a computer, etc. I do not want him to spend the amount which might unbalance his budget, while I mail him my check. I know that one of you could afford the wait of time while the transaction, the mailing and my sending the check. This necessary lapse of time should not be a burden to him, for the above reasons. The idea is that he mails the package and next day he is reimbursed locally, an easy transaction within Canada.
I know that you would like to cooperate so that is why I am asking you, I do not know Bernard Stone. Also it would be nice if you could include your archives, that you offered me some time ago.

God bless
Ladislao
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From : Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 3:24 PM

Las,
I got to thinking. Why not just send a US$ cheque to Art Knaggs directly, rather than have to reimburse Bernard Stone? Surely, that is easier and eliminates duplication? What do you think?
By the way the US equivalent is US$125.00 at this time.
Wish I could be of more help to you.
Regards,
Nigel
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On Jan 13, 2004, at 7:14 AM, Ladislao Kertesz wrote:

Dear Nigel,
Now that the deal is on, please tell me how much the cost in USD is?
My bank is Bank of America and it is not in CAD.
Thank you for your diligence.
God Bless
Ladislao
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From: Nigel Boos
Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2004 11:20:11 -0500

Las,
I've asked Bernard Stone to cover the cost at approx CAD $165.00, understanding that he will be reimbursed.
He has agreed to do so, and I have contacted Arthur to advise him.
Arthur's address, to which you can send a replacement cheque, is: 2 Dubonnet Drive, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2X 2V3, Canada and his phone number is 902-462-6749.
Keep up the good work.
Nigel
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On Jan 10, 2004, at 9:03 AM, Ladislao Kertesz wrote:

Dear Nigel,
From the email that I sent Art on the famous box of OASIS files, you can perceive that the problem might be
1) Weight and size
2) Costs.
I would like to propose to you that since you are closer to Art, you can help me in forwarding the money to him for the shipment. I can then reimburse you with a check of the Bank of America that I will make out in your name. The check would be in USD. Would you trust me, in this transaction? I do not want Art to scan the paper and photos, as this takes time ( I know this
from experience) and then maybe the scanning is not detailed enough for me to use?,when I repair, improve, etc. the material in Photoshop.
Please your suggestions??
God Bless
Ladislao
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From: "Art & Val Knaggs"
Date: Fri, 09 Jan 2004 13:36:24 -0400

Ladislao,
Great to be in touch again, and here is the scoop. The package is 16 x 10 x 2.25 inches and weighs app 4.5 lbs. 40 x 25 x 6 centimetres app 2 kilos. By regular mail it would be $32, by air it would be $45. Checked Fed-Ex and they want $165. All above in Can $s, a lot of moulers for an ancient, retired, scrunting, senior like me. It is one of the reasons I went out of mailing the OASIS all over the world (the cost) before e-mail. I will try and see if I can find someone to send them as attachments (photographed) or such, as I am still quite electronically challenged. I did get a computer update, but do not have internet, so am using the Library. Toss me some ideas and I will see what I can come up with.
Art
P.S. will try and get some e-mails of oldies I know wh may be competent at this game.
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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Friday, January 2, 2004 10:23 PM

Hey Las,
Guess what! We've got 'em. Art Knaggs must have got hold of a computer at last, and so he can participate in all the wonderful goings-on of our rowdy bunch. As I'd said long ago, Arthur is a mine of information for just about anything to do with the old school and the guys who passed through those hallowed halls. Arthur was also President of the Old Boys Association of long ago, and took upon himself the awesome responsibility of keeping us all in touch with one another, long before the advent of e-mail. He used Photostat copies, business cards, photographs, news items from just about anywhere, and did a fantastic job all around. His O.A.S.I.S. reports, which came through roughly 2-3 times a year, carry within them a whole lot of information about our friends and predecessors at MSB, and he has now prepared them for shipping to you. I'm not going to tell him where to ship them, in light of the state of things in Venezuela today, but I'm going to leave that up to you entirely. I'm sure that you are going to get a heck of a kick out of all this paper, and I'm sure that Arthur believes, as I do myself, that these precious documents will find a happy home in the offices and filing cabinet of one Ladislao Kertesz. I believe that you will be receiving a treasure trove of information about so many old MSB alumni, that you're going to wish you'd never started this project. But cheer up. With God all things are possible.
Let me take this opportunity to wish you and all the guys a very happy New Year.
May God bless us all.
Nigel

P.S. Arthur : Thank you for getting this file together, ol' man. You've done a wonderful job over the years, and on behalf of all the old boys of the Mount, thank you so much for your undying interest. Please give me a call sometime at (905) 426-8999, and if you're ever in Ajax, let's get together for a drink and to shoot some blag. By the way, I need a recipe for sorrel wine. Got any?
Note to Ladislao: Bernard Stone (married to Maggie Mosca) celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary about 4 weeks ago. A great time was had by all.
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From: "Art & Val Knaggs" <av_knaggs@hotmail.com>
Date: January 2, 2004 12:50:47 PM EST

Happy New Year and all the very Best for 2004.
I have all my "Old Abbey School Interested Student" files all bundled up and ready for posting, all I need is an address?!?!
I have some writing addresses of some of the real original Mount "Oldies", but most of them are computer challenged, so no e-mail addresses. You guys are doing a magnificent and worthwhile adventure into the History and Past of 'Our Old School", and don't forget our Priests and Teachers who can contribute a great deal as well. Fr Cuthbert may like to help.
As Ever,
Art
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From: Ladislao Kertesz <ladislaokertesz@hotmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 3, 2004 2:06 AM

Dear Val and Art,
I have just read your email. I am glad that you got hold of a computer. Remember that if you do not receive a Circular or are missing one, please give a line to Don Mitchell, idmitch@anguillanet.com my dear friend Boxhead.
Thank you for bundling up the OASIS files, and sending me notification. How much does it weigh??? and what dimensions does it have. Since it is paper, I presume that it does weigh. I believe that the best way would be by Courier, but please send me the approximate weight so that I may make a quick calculation, as there is also the way by Air Parcel Post. Can you get an estimate by FEDEX or similar to Caracas Venezuela.
The address by the way is:
Kertesz & Kertesz C.A.,
Atn. Ladislao Kertesz
Av. San Juan Bosco
Edif. Dumas, Apto. 11, piso 2
Altamira Sur.
Caracas - Venezuela
Telf 263.5346, 267.2416
You can send it Collect which is more expensive or I can send you a check for the amount, my Bank is Bank of America. As Nigel said, things are a bit unsettled but courier is the best way. Now that we are in touch, we can exchange information readily. I would like you to inform me of your graduation date Form V so that I may place you with your classmates. I shall write you longer latter but I am all excited with the prospect of keeping the Circular for another year. Hope that we would have the same luck with the Web page this coming year.
I wish you and your family a prosperous healthy new year.
God Bless
Ladislao
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Dear Art
Thank you for your inquiries!
From the above I would like you to send it Air Parcel Post if possible, and since it is weight and size limited. If actual packaged is out of the limits then please break it down to two boxes. The problem of scanning the material is that for me to use it adequately, the per page archives can be very large, for me to manipulate the photos, writing, etc. which then I bring to a adequate size for mailing in the circular. I shall talk to Nigel about the costs, as I do not want this to be a burden to you. You are doing us a great favour.
Hope to give you good news.
God Bless
Ladislao
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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2003 07:42:28 -0400 (EDT)

Dear Ladislao,
I've received your last e-mail concerning the future of the web-site and must say I felt saddened by the news of the impending end to all the great memories. I'm also saddened to find that Gabby apparently does not wish to be bothered by our telephone calls or e-mail messages any longer. I believe he's simply over-worked, like myself. I had sent him an e-mail within the last 3 weeks and got no response either. Ah well. As for Arthur Knaggs, I did speak to him many months ago and found out that he does not own a computer. He can therefore access messages only when he visits his children's homes elsewhere in Nova Scotia. I do have a little suggestion, though. I happen to have preserved a number of Arthur's old O.A.S.I.S. files, which he had been accustomed to send out to the old boys years ago, (O.A.S.I.S. meant, "Overseas Abbey Students in Suspense" or something like that.) I'd be very happy to send you these records, so I'm going to see what I can do about that. With the current stat of things in Venezuela today, however, I'd be concerned whether they'd even get to you. What do you think? Also, if you'd want to receive them, please let me have your mailing address.
Keep up the good work. You're doing a fine job, and thanks for doing it.
Nigel
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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Monday, October 6, 2003 5:36PM

THANK YOU, LAS. I'M SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT GABBY.

Dear Nigel,
I am sorry to report that Gabby has lost the initial enthusiasm about a year ago.
Don has been trying:
1) To get someone of us to do the job.
2) To have his web manager to do it.
His offer is to pay for the first year, and then we would take care the subsequent years.
I suppose each of us would sponsor a year. I would gladly place the name of the sponsor in my Circulars.
God Bless
Ladislao
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Caracas. 6 of October 2003.

Dear Nigel
Thank you for the bundle of information. You can send the OASIS information and what ever you feel like through courier mail like DHL, or what ever, COD I shall pay for shipping. I can scan office size paper, etc. I can then return it to you or as you wish. But I presume it would be better to return it to you in a CD disk.
God bless
Ladislao
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From: Nigel Boos <nigelboos@yahoo.ca>
Sent: Monday, October 6, 2003 3:29 AM

Las,
I'm gonna post the lot to you. Please archive them. There's no need to return them either. I just think that this could be a gold mine of information for you.
Good luck and God bless your efforts.
Nigel
P.S. No news from Gabby as yet? What's going on with him, eh?
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From: Nigel Boos
Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 07:10:44 -0400

Las,
1. No news yet on Ian Smart. I've asked Robbie Huggins to let me have some news about him, but nothing so far.
2. O.A.S.I.S. ---- Thanks for reminding me. I'll see what I can do. Part of the problem is that they were originally printed onto "foolscap" paper - which is much larger than an 8 1/2 x 10 sheet, so each page may have to be scanned twice, to get the whole lot. Alternatively, I could just SEND you the bundle, and you can use it as you see fit. Please advise.
3. Robbie Huggins' mother died last Tuesday in Trinidad and she was buried on Saturday, September 20th. Robbie also lost his dad in October 2002. He is now the head of his family.

4. No, I've not spoken to Arthur for a LONG time. I'll let you know when I do.
5. Re Gordon and Jack Knaggs - no info, but I know Jack had retired in Trinidad from Amoco, and might have moved to Barbados, to be closer to his wife's family.
Love always,
Nigel
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On Sunday, September 21, 2003, at 03:58 PM,

Nothing new on Ian Smart? I still get the email returned. 403 616 5788, should have been his telf number.
Also nothing new on the O.A.S.I.S. documents?
Have you spoken to Arthur???
Do you know the email to Gregory Knaggs and Jack???
Are you getting the Circulars????
God Bless
Ladislao
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From: Nigel Boos
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2003 09:14:40 -0400

Ladislao is trying to contact Ian Smart. Can you please send Ian's contact info directly to him in Venezuela, please?
Thanks, Rob.
Nigel
P.S. No news from Gabby as yet? What's going on with him, eh?
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So that is the story, thank God I have the complete O.A.S.I.S. files and now I need your help in locating some of the alumni that is mentioned in the O.A.S.I.S. files.
God Bless
Ladislao

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Photos: by Robeto Bodington File0001c1 150 15 s129, file0001a13 150 15 s129
Wayne Vincent Brown's column can be seen at www.Jamaicaobserver.com,
Column: dbratt , Child Abuse

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