Re: Fwd: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-26-0847Hrs

Thanks Errol For doing a great Job.

Maureen Taylor-Ryan 71

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-25-0948Hrs

Hi Mausicans

I was not surprised to find Trinis involved in the Boston marathon and glad to know they were unhurt when last heard of.  Today's Express is also full of news of the policeman who actually arrested the younger "bomber'... another Trini.

Can't wait to find out what Randolph Karamath has among his musical goodies... hope he has what I'm looking for and will get back to me soon. re Sando Gov't: Ben, I remembered Mrs Jones, a tall imposing figure, but I think you passed through well after my time there.

Interesting Boston note: the pews in our Parish Church of St Patrick's ( replacing the one that was lost to the volcano in Plymouth ,and now located at Lookout in the safe North of Montserrat) came to us from Watertown... location of the "bomber's" last stand.  The world is getting smaller by the minute.

Be safe everyone.

Pat Ryan 65

RE: Re: blog

2013-Apr-24-2046Hrs

ATTENTION

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE REUNION 2013?

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE 

 

1.    All payments for catered events will close on April 30, 2013. NO MONIES will be collected or payable after that date.

 

2.    Registrants are asked to submit their Trinidad and Tobago I.D card number and shirt size (sm, med, lge, xlge etc) by May 03, 2013.

 

3.    Registrants are also asked to submit their mode of travel to Tobago e.g air or sea by May 03, 2013. The ferry to Tobago sails early on the morning of July 19, 2013.

 

The above information should be forwarded as soon as possible to ccreedley@yahoo.com

 

With thanks

The Committee

Clare Creese-Woodley 72

RE:

2013-Apr-23-0829Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Yesterday evening, I had an enjoyable visit with our dear Ms Cuffie at the Gordon Home on Marli Street. What a time!

For about forty-five minutes, Ms Cuffie and I chatted, laughed and reminisced about MTC.  We sang folk songs and hymns. I would start the song and Ms. Cuffie would join. I  held her hands as we sang "Is a long, long time dat I eh see yuh", Zeela, Itanami, Boca Chimes, Lead kindly Light,  and a few others. I read some pieces from my book, "Remember Wen?"  It was an evening well spent.

Ms. Cuffie is in good spirits. Bright eyed and and engaging.

When you visit,  you will be greeted by a beautiful, caring staff in a pleasant facility. It is a humbling experience; a look into the future. Be prepared to sing and read with her. There are some inspirational books on her night stand. Perhaps you may have an impromptu sing along  or reading with other residents of the home present.

So long for now.

As usual,

Rodney Foster 68

RE: condolences

2013-Apr-20-2108Hrs

Dear Selwyn,

It is with shock that I write. Joan was such a warm, wonderful person. My family and I remember the graciousness with which you both received us in Vancouver. Then we were at Marriot and shared Carl's car to the 2011 Reunion. It was a blessing meeting her. May her soul rest in peace and may God grant you the strength to cope with the separation. But you will meet again. God bless.

Barbara and Winston Mellowes.

Barbara Mellowes 66

RE: hyatt

2013-Apr-20-1622Hrs

HEAR YE, HEARt YE,

To all persons who have indicated their intention to attend the Gala Dinner this is your last chance to  be included in the arrangements for overnighting at the hotel. April 30, 2013 is the deadline for submission of names. Names submitted ater that date will not be considered. thanks

Clare

for Organising Cmmittee

Clare Creese-Woodley 72

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-19-1854Hrs

This piece brought many memories. Nice to see Gabby Als and Joy Marshall mentioned. My condolences to Jacob ( we at Kirkendale called him Yacob). God bless you and console you in your hours of grief. My your wife's soul rest in peace.

Bernice Stephens 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-19-1618Hrs

i would like to extend my condolences to Selwyn Jacob on the death of his wife, Joan. I will always remember her as a gentle and welcoming person. On the occasions that I visited them she always treated me almost as if I were her son she was so caring. I know that it will be a great loss for Selwyn and I ask all to join me in prayers for the repose of her soul and for the comfort of Selwyn,

. "Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted,

Felix Edinborough 65

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-19-0846Hrs

I was listening a few weeks ago to a CD of Mausica singing at Queen's Hall. In the build up to the actual singing, the dignitaries attending the concert were mentioned. Then it struck me. Clearly, Mausica Teachers Choir at that time was THE group that was on the scene. Listening to the music decades later, two names strike me. Mr. Williams, and Mrs Cuffie. They took a group of young people, and moulded them into a choir that had the respect of all of Trinidad as well as the Southern Caribbean. If it has not been done before, I think it is about time that we honour these two people who gave so much to our development when we were young, and also to the country by extension.

Garth Nicholas. '69 to '71. Sunset Villa.

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-19-0711Hrs

I am Jasper Joefield('72-'74) and I'll like to have my colleague Victoria Mitchell of the same year group included in the mailing list. Her address is: patriciavlmitchell@live.com.

Jasper Joefield 74

RE:

2013-Apr-19-0039Hrs

Dear Mausicans,

On Wednesday, April 17th, Selwyn's family, friends and colleagues gathered in loving memory of Selwyn's beloved wife Joan. It was the perfect day to a perfect celebration of her life.

Tribute to Joan Jacob

The side of Joan that I saw and knew was that of a remarkable human being with strong ethics. She possessed a beautiful spirit; one that was kind, and compassionate.  When in her company, I felt at ease, comfortable and at home.

To begin with, Joan was an independent, tenacious, highly intelligent and intuitive individual who spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed to be right and just.

Her keen mathematical mind and highly organized skills were undeniable in the meticulous manner in which she managed her household. From her spotless home with the utmost attention to detail, to her hosting ability, Joan deserves the highest credit.

 Joan once described herself as a minimalist and this was so evident in the simple and unpretentious yet sophisticated lifestyle she led. She once jokingly said, “I have champagne taste but lemonade money.” I laughed because this kind of humor resonates with me.

 I will always remember the wonderful shopping and fine dining experiences I enjoyed with both Joan and Selwyn over the years. In particular, 2011 Christmas dinner at the Jacobs was a real treat for me and an unforgettable celebration. Peace, grace, beauty and wisdom united the seven of us gathered that evening in sharing our gifts.

Joan and I had mutual respect and understanding for each other on a personal level. We listened and heard each other’s views and opinions on different aspects of life without judgment. Somehow it seemed as though we mirrored qualities of kinship that surpass both words and outward appearances. I will forever remember her as a true and genuine friend.

 I admire the relationship that Joan had with her husband Selwyn. They partnered each other well while allowing the other space to pursue individual interests. Needless to say, I would miss her dearly.

In the end, like she lived, she died with dignity. She always knew who she was and in the end where she was going.

 Alas, I bid you farewell my dear friend. You have touched my life and will be forever etched in my heart. Be at peace and keep smiling down on us from on high until we meet again….

 Love and Peace,

Bernadette

Bernadette Pierre 66

RE: Urgent Call

2013-Apr-18-2036Hrs

Urgent call to Arthur Small.

Dear Arthur, please get in touch with me asap.  I lost your email address when my email was hacked into recently.

Please email me at tiaga.san@gmail.com  Need to clarify your  registration.

If anyone is in touch with Arthur and thinks that he did not see this, please give him a call and ask him to get in touch with me.

Maria  Mausica50 2013 Reunion Committee.

Anna Maria Mora 70

RE: Reunion Fever

2013-Apr-18-0845Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

According to Shadow, " Are you feeling the feeling?"

Reunion 2013 is just ahead. The countdown has begun.

Ah driving meh wife crazy singing Mausica folk songs and relating stories of de good ole days in  MTC.

By de way, I'll be in TNT for Bocas Lit. 4/25- 4/28. I'll be arriving on Sunday night, 4/21. I look forward to seeing you all at the festival. My contact tel. # is 640-6040.

Maria, Joan lets plan a visit to WACK or one of the TV stations and newspapers.

Have a blessed day.

As usual,

Rodney Foster. 68

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-17-1130Hrs

On behalf of the Mausica Reunion 2013 Committee, I would like to extend condolences to Selwyn Jacob on  the passing of his wife, Joan. May she rest in peace.

May God's love bring you comfort, Selwyn.

Gabrielle Als-duBoulet. 65

RE: The Passing of Joan Eleanor Jacob

2013-Apr-16-1801Hrs

Hi Errol and Fellow Mausicans:

Some of you may already have heard of the passing of Joan Eleanor Jacob, wife of Selwyn Jacob.

I read the announcement in our Edmonton Journal Obituaries this afternoon. A Funeral Service will be held at 2: p.m. on Wednesday April 17 at Celebration Hall, Mountain View Cemetery, 54455 Fraser Street, vancouver.

My sincere condolences go out to you Selwyn. Joan was one of the most beautiful, gentle and sincere persons that I have ever met. Selwyn, those in my family who met Joan are very sorry to hear of your loss.

Heather Ratsoy 68

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-16-1726Hrs

Hi Errol,

Please add Nola Hinds to the distribution list for the blog. Also please send her the link to the web site. Her e-mail address is:

Phyllishinds22@gmail.com

Conrad Thomas 65

RE: Condolences

2013-Apr-13-0903Hrs

Our deepest sympathy to our brother Selwyn Jacob (Jakie) whose wife Joan passed away in Vancouver, BC, a few days ago.  Many of us met Joan at the 2011 reunion in Long Island and had long inspiring conversations with her.  May she rest in peace as we remember how lively and confident she was.

Selwyn, our prayers are that you are comforted in the beautiful memories you and Joan created.

The Canadian Connection

Brenda

"and this too will pass"

Brenda Alexander-Perez 65

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-12-0933Hrs
Errol:
Someone requested a tape (CD) of Mausica Choir. I have 2 Mausica Folk  LPs  and will be willing to share them. As you know, I collect ALL music records from T&T and do have probably the largest collection of Steel Band Music from everywhere, including the other genres, calypso, parang, east indian, folk, christmas, big band/combo and pop. I am still missing a few eg Dutchy Bros-Rhythm, Norm Tex Williams.- Fiesta, Lennox Gray-Xmas LP; Maestro- Live Recording Mr. Trinidad and some others. Thanks.
Randolph Karamath
1972-74 S-Villa

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-12-0842Hrs

Fellow Mausicans

I have a " suggestment" ( Pioneers will know the reference) to make.   Some people already do this , I do not usually remember... could you attach your year group to your blogmails?  I am seeing Linda Heywood's name and I believe she was a member of the '64 intake.  I can even see a face but am not certain.   Like her, I would like to have everything the Choir ever recorded.   Thanks to Selwyn J, I have the Queen's Hall concert which we got at the Toronto Reunion.

Here's an idea based on something friends of mine have been doing to celebrate important events ( especially as photos may not all arrive in time for the printing:

Do a collage of the photos in A4 or larger format... could be back to back depending on the number.  These could be acquired separately or as part of the History package.  The collage would be a great souvenir for family members and friends. I am looking at  70th Birthday  and  40th Wedding Anniversary collages as I write... events in the lives of friends at a glance.   Just laminated for better keeping.

Joy Marshall... I was at San F'do Gov't in the days when Mr Goberdhan was Head.   I remember a Miss Thompson and Mrs Ivy Dingwall clearly... the latter never taught me, but she kept an eye on me and gave me little pep talks when it seemed that I believed that " cute" ( I had Shirley Temple curls in those days) was a pass to less than perfect behaviour.   I loved that lady.

Well, we are coming down to the Reunion wire so let us all be true Mausicans and DO THE RIGHT THING!

Pat (Allum) Ryan  Kirkendale 63-65

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-12-0714Hrs

It is good to see the name of a former San Fernando Government School student. I am one too as are all other members of my family. I am Ben Alleyne and my sisters Cris, Jerry, Jennifer, Andy, and Eon, along with brother Steve all attended. During my time Mr Simmons, Mr White, and Mr Webb were head masters. Yes, I lovingly remember Ms Hoyt as much for her excellent teaching as for her fastidious dressing. Never was she without matching stockings, shoes, or purse. My best experience was with Ms. Thompson a "kindergarten" teacher who discovered my ability to read and add and moved me from my first year, through second year, into first standard within one year. I ended up in Miss Guichard's class at age 6. I then got "skipped" to Mr. London in standard 3. My Lord, what a teacher. I had Ms. Hoyt in standard 4 and Mr. London again in standard 5. I also remember Miss Curry who played the piano, Mr. Samuel who used a major guava whip on his stubborn students, and Miss Patrick a wonderful singer. What great memories I had of my time at SG. I met some people I know up to this day: Winston Yallery who came from Teacher Bailey, the Whitemans, The Gangerdeens, The Leacocks, The Sheperds, and others. The trip down memory lane is worth it.

Bernice Stephens 65

RE: What next?

2013-Apr-09-2345Hrs

Dear Mausicans,

I am seeing the corner in the distance.  We now have to attend to:

• Finalizing reservations for The Hyatt (80% completed); and Mt. Irvine ( 5% completed)
• Reservations for Ferry to Tobago.  N.B. In my next email to you all, we will have to find out who are those who have TT IDs and forgot to include it in the registration form, and those who do not.   IN MY NEXT EMAIL (Stay Calm)
• Those not going to Tobago and have to collect registration package. Where and When?
• Number of participants for each activitiy
• Chits for the activities
• Catering for the activities
• T'shirts, bags,memorabalia (Registration Desk)
• Collect Info. re: where participants will be located in Trinidad and in Tobago
• Transportation for all events to be arranged
• Lliasing with printer for logo on all memorabalia
• Lliasing with printer for Commemorative Magazine. (Still to be discussed: the HOW? the NUMBER TO B PRINTED? and the COST?)
• and of course what ah forget dat other members of committee will remember.

Thank you so much Pat for putting a voice to the feeling of the Committee.

We are really trying to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.  We can only try our best.  

I also want to thank Linda, Joy and Pat for all the work they did to put the submissions for the magazine together.  We are asking for those who have pictures to get them together.  We will discuss with the printer how we can include them.  I will let you all know if you have to email the pics. directly to the printer.  Please DO NOT SEND US any pics yet.  WIll let you know when and to whom.  Those who have submitted pics already, thank you so much. I will forward to printer when we begin to discuss this magazine.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th April 2013.  Please continue to keep the committee in your prayers.

Anna Maria Mora

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-09-1158Hrs

The Thora Best who was principal of Rose Hill, I do believe, is the one who attended Mausica Teachers College 1972 or so.

Pat

Patricia Scott-Phelps

RE: mausicans scrabble team?

2013-Apr-07-1551Hrs

This is an invitation to all Mausicans who play scrabble or want to learn the game.

Call Daniel Gay at 783-9844 [Ashton Villa  73-75] or email.... dgay1952@yahoo.com

There are 8 scrabble clubs in T&T. Lets have fun and win some $ prizes also.

Daniel Gay

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-05-1520Hrs

I think you are mistaking one Thora for another.

Thora Denyse Best is a Mausican '72-'74 ,F10,Wingate 18.

I have enjoyed reading all the comments on "do the right thing",but please lets not get carried away.

The words are the last 2 lines of  a poem ,'A Little Test' by  another Mausican,Zennie De Silva.

Thora D Best

Just do the right thing!

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-05-1448Hrs

Hello All!  Pat, it's a delight to read that you also attended San Fernando Government, as did my brother and 3 sisters. Did you have Ms. Hoyt, now Dr. Hoyt, and Hilton White deceased, also having had become a reading specialist, after earning his doctorate, and continuing to teach in the U.S. Of course, he was one of the principals at San  Fernando Government as well. The Walkers were also students there.  And it was there that I first made the acquaintance of Rick Yallery-Arthur.  Well, what do ya know!  There was none better  Gave me my foundation even in singing.   I had gone from Teacher Bailey's there @ age 3.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the organizers of yet another reunion - a very important one at that. Hope it's memorable and enjoyable for every one in attendance.  Oh, I am up to two grand sons now - one just turned 4, and the other not quite 3 months old  God Bless!!!  Much love as always.

Joy Marshall - Barnes  Wingate.

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-05-1124Hrs

Over the years I’ve regaled my American husband and my two daughters (one a doctor who is completing her residency in internal medicine and will specialize in infectious diseases and the other a Ph.D. who is living in London) with stories about our famous Mausica Choir, but could never play them a recording because after I left Trinidad in 1970 for the States my Mausica collection disappeared from my aunt’s house. I wish I could purchase one of the tapes so that I can play it when I see then next-perhaps at Christmas when the whole family might get together. Can anyone write and let me know where I can purchase a Mausica recording? Only by listening to it would they believe their boasting Mom.

Thanks so much!

Linda Heywood

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-05-0812Hrs

Dear Errol:

Those documenting the history should be sure not to leave out "initiation" as one of the defining aspects of the Mausica experience, endured by all groups except the first one, with Felix, Jack Warner and others who introduced it (with no doubt the approval of Fitzy). I am wondering if members of that pioneering group are truly Mausicans,on account of this, but I am not going to push that too far since some of them might find out where I am living. Besides, they could take credit for doing the heavy lifting that is always the lot of pioneers. Indeed, the truth is that the group is on evidence exemplary.

Back to initiation, which remains bitter-sweet. I apologise to all of the first years who came in in August 1968, especially the girls in the lines on the tennis court, who had to place their hands in a paper bag, grab a frog,and pass it down the line.

But the year before in Haven, Sto, my roomate had also come down a line of us first years, with a bowl of medicine and a spoon in hand, and we each, roomate included, had to endure a teaspoon of gum of aloes.

That year Anna of Grenada destroyed the hair of my future bride, by soaking it with a good helping of old time starch that you used to boil. Some needless cruelty there, that has left some anger. There are other cases.

But initiation was essential, bar the excesses. I have vivid memories. I saw Ian Paul running across Fair Haven square with fear on his face, and second year Sahadeo from the Villa in pursuit with his famous cutlass.

Irma Clark had a sign that said "nobody died last year", and I spent much time that first week wondering about those words. They came from a bright mind.

Should courtships have been prohibited during the first week--until after the candle light procession on Friday? Some second year men (and maybe women) could not wait. There indeed were sub texts to initiation.

My roommate Sto re-christened me the very first evening I landed at Mausica. My marabella identity changed just like that. Nobody called me by name at Mausica, nor after, with one exception. And that is a span of 46 years. In Mausica cicrles, and rippling out to intersect with others I came to belong to, I remain Scratchie, or Scratchy. For efficiency I kept the name when I sang calypso there. But I spend some time back in Marabella these days, and when I lime in the pan yard or on any bar, I hear my original name, or another one that was associated with my football playing exploits there.

But there were other Mausicans who cant walk away from names they got there....Django, Horse, Pecos, Dum Dum, Paddy, among others.

Sto and I remain very close friends. He built my house three years ago when I returned to the country. I was at the wedding of his daughter short years ago...My daughter and his reconnected recently... He and Linda have brought son and daughter over to visit, plus a splendid grand.

The daughter, to whom I have over her life been "Uncle" Scratchie, is making this inter-generational. Now the grand is being taught to say "uncle Scratchie". And I say yes, give Uncle Scratchie a kiss.

But my name is Theodore Lewis.

Theodore Lewis

Re: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Apr-05-0656Hrs

Dear Errol:

It was good to see the name and contribution of Ivan Ragoonanan, Haven Brother, in your mail of April 4. In my first year he lived in the room right down stairs of me. Hostel name was "Mice". A good man, quiet, choir member, and roommate of the late great Martin Brathwaite. Rodney I am happy you were able to catch up with him and to chat.

Now his email address is Ivanbrag@gmail.com, and I am curious about the "brag" part of that, and racking my brain trying to work out if he used to frequent Mayfair, especially on nights before exams.

The brag players would have a better feel for that. Men like McDonald Rodney and Sto.

Brag (a card game for the uninitiated) needs a higher profile in our history as the game (along with the radio station) that made Mayfair the central hostel among men, at least in the 66-69 period, when Beck, Andre, Gregory, KB, were there.

Night before exams, and a large group of men, first and second years, are in a room, playing brag, always for money, and people taking turns talking about concepts in sociology, or 3P's, or whatever, as we wade through the night, straight into the exam rooms next day...men like Mcky Rodney, Roy Jagroopsingh, Sto, Beck, Gregory Byrne, Horse. Everybody slumming in Mayfair, playing brag, while we "studying".

Scratchy

Haven Forever

Theodore Lewis

RE:

2013-Apr-04-0249Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

Dis blog is someting else, oui. It bringin de past into de present. Jus yesterday ah oletalk wit meh Havenite brother, Ivan Ragoonanan. Over forty years I eh see meh pardnah. We talk fuh about ah hour. We call names like bush. Like ah lentil peas soup. We talk bout Braf, Efebo, Andre, Sweet Face, Ralphie, Caton, Gerry,Taitt,Grell, Heather, Irma, Linda, Ms Cuffie, Mr. Douglas, Fitzy, de Joe, Harrison an many others.

Ivan doing well in Connecticut. He is ah big time horticulturist, gardner, landscaper, at  one ah de best Botanic Gardens in de world. In de Bronx.

We Mausicans in everyting and everywhere.

Aye Felix, Pierrot Grenade, ah want yuh tuh spell Connecticut and Horticulturist fuh we in July.

Aye, hear nah man, is 2:40 a.m. By de way, Ivan order meh book, 'Remember Wen?' an ah CD. Order yuh copy today.

Errol, yuh see wat dis blog doin meh? Keep up de good work, Big Brother.

As usual,

Rodney Foster

Aye Joan, get yuh nice dan dan and sequins. Bring yuh hushand and Alisford will supply all de music we need tuh "Dance down memory Lane".

By de way, call Wack Radio and request some Mausica folk songs. Last year July, ah give dem ah  Mausica CD. Better yet,  go an interview wit dem. Dey treat meh real nice.

Rodney Foster

RE: Mausica!

2013-Mar-31-1728Hrs

My Fellow Mausicans,

I was watching a program on Georgia Public Broadcasting hosted Henry Louis Gates Jr. and was led to a very haunting question.

Who created our beloved MTC and why was it closed?

As we approach our 50th anniversary, I believe that we should provide answers to that question.

Looking forward to reading your responses.

Let's live our legacy.

Rodney Foster

RE: MAUSICA WEEKLY EMAILS

2013-Mar-31-1418Hrs

CULTURE AND SERVICE was The Motto of my second Primary School, Fyzabad Intermediate EC ( starting in a Community Centre on the Southern Main Road and then moving to a purpose built school near to the then Apex Sports ground.)   I do not remember if  the Government School on Rushworth St. Where I started out at age 4, had a Motto, and SJC San Fernando gave us SAPIENTIA ET SCIENTIA(  Wisdom and Knowledge.)
I was pleased to find  echoes of Fyzabad  Inter.  in the Mausica Motto:  MOLDING A NATION THROUGH SERVICE, and both those institutions helped us to walk that talk.
Am I to understand that there is a Reunion2013 BLOG which grabs any message containing the buzz word  REUNION and kidnaps it to that space?   If that is so, this may very well be my last contribution as one who deliberately avoids social media, finding too much nuisance value in same.   So Hasta la vista Mausicans until we meet in T and T in July DV.
Pat Ryan