What follows are 23 brief, fun-loving descriptions of the individuals that
set out each day to do good works and change the world for the better.
Meet anyone of the people below and you've met a work in progress that
is truly remarkable. The listing is in no particular order:
Richie If ever there was a guy who thinks of others nonstop and works nonstop to get things done, it's this workhorse from Onset. Go ahead, ask him to help you do a task, then be prepared to get out of his way 'cuz this guy means business. Thoughtful beyond belief, ask him to remind you to do something and you better plan on doing it 'cause he's not going to let you change your mind. Going to Home Depot, mucking stalls, mowing the lawn and caring for the farm animals at the Peace Abbey are among his favorite jobs, though anything that pleases another person is his delight. But more than any other, it is Sandra he pays closest attention to as they have been an item going on 21 years. True love it is. And oh yes, there was one other girl in his life; he had the distinction of being the personal attendant to Emily the Cow for over 8 years.
Kerri This smile is what we live for. She loves to bake and listen to soft rock on the radio and spending overnights with Lizzy. When Kerri is excited about something, her joy fills the building and makes everyone happy too. Her newest project is establishing the Kabuki Association of Massachusetts so those with this syndrome can meet one another, share stories, pool resources and support each other. This girl is on a mission.
Bobby Everyone would agree that this guy is a blast to be around and can be counted on to over see any task. He especially loves yoga and going to Human Rights meetings. Bobby works at the animal shelter where he cares for dogs and cats, is the manager of the Peace Abbey Gift Shop, works at Marinho's Pizza Parlor and is the Human Rights representative for the School. Of all the people here, Bobby ranks at the top for being the most heart-felt and gentle-spirited. To sit next to him during Morning Meeting at the Peace Abbey is to get as close to St. Francis as one is allowed in this lifetime. Being with Bobby is a form of therapy if you're having a less than perfect day. His gentleness and loving nature make you believe peace in the world is possible.
Cal He is a master baker and can be found at the stove each morning baking horse treats called Cupid's Cookies by the dozens with his business partner Lizzy. He is also quite a culinary instructor as he can teach
the fine art of baking to anyone interested in paying close attention
to his choreographed moves around the school kitchen center island. With a key chain replete with meaningful symbols and keys dangling from his belt, Cal makes a fashion statement for various causes with what he wears. Cal also loves to ride Cupid the 11 year old pony at August Farm. When it comes to caring for horses, Cal can really be counted on. He is also the "go to" tech guy for wii games system and video/dvd programming. He has a knack for figuring out how to connect things to the TV. Good thing, 'cause during the day, no one else has a clue but Cal.
Ruthanne Always calm, collected and instructive, she is there each day to help everyone better understand how best to handle an issue or cunundrum -- and is fast with great ideas for projects, possessing a knack for coming up with terrific student-run business concepts. Baking and cooking with our group are among her greatest joys -- and making sure everything falls into place with relationships, jobs in the community and Special Peace Corps projects (and anything in between) define her trademark. A first-time Grandmother, Ruthanne shares her loving energy, skills and talents with everyone equally and consistently, each and every day. Her involvement at the School dates back to 1975 at the farm on Brush Hill Road in Sherborn. Together with Meg, she handles the duties and responsibilities of working with state agencies and with the families of our individuals. Bringing out the best in this little extended-family is what she is all about ... and so much more.
Jeff Never without his guitar in hand, Jeff is a consummate kidder who never leaves a conversation without putting in his 2 or 3 or 10 cents worth of spin that is reminiscent of the Smothers Brothers. He is always concerned about all his friends and making sure that each and every day goes smoothly. He is often referred to as the "hall monitor" as he always updates everyone as to what's going on around the corner. Jeff is also the handyman and loves to work with Lewis and Richie at the Peace Abbey. He offers a presence that is unique and extraordinary in ways that are bionic, yet whimsical. Go ahead and try to get a straight answer out of this guy. He's at least five steps ahead of everyone ... but pretends he's not as his sense of humor is quick, rapid fire and "back at cha". Everyone loves everything about Jeff, which in itself attests to his bionic nature.
Ian When he
joined us in December, Ian injected a heightened level of appreciation
for music and sports and, get this, wrestling. That's right, he even
got Lewis to watch a few matches on Youtube which no one thought was
possible. His father is a rock and roll star (with Max Creek) and as
they say, the apple doesn't fall far from tree. Ian's voice and style
of singing comes through on special occasions like at Boston College,
Holliston High and when ever he is called upon to set the mood for an
event. His first visit to a school activity was when he participated in
a protest at the entrance of the Boston offices of Goldman Sachs where
he helped stuff a 9
foot statue of Gandhi in the revolving doors
in protest to what Wall Street did to the economy. Having sampled what
the School is all about, he then applied to attend. A fan of John
Lennon, Ian and his buddy Phil went to see Sean Lennon and his girl
friend
perform in Boston as seen in the photo. He now sports around in his new
blue power chair that has given him a new sense of freedom. Check him
out on facebook. He is gem in every respect.
Elisabeth Our star equestrian and Special Olympian has won a wall full of medals and received the special blessing of Tommy Smith, '68 Mexico City Gold Medalist. She also bakes Cupid's Cookies with Cal and enjoys singing lessons with Ted. Her smile and wonderfully positive energy brightens our days. She works at Temple Emannuel in Newton and the Clothes Closet in Holliston. She loves overnights at the Lavender House and going out to dinner at Victory Lanes across the street. Always smiling and happy-go-lucky, Lizzy is the sweet spot here at the Life Experience School. Ask anyone and that's what they will tell you. It's all about Lizzy and her spunky energy and whimsical way. She is joy personified.
Paul It all started in1972 with Paul. When his mother Neita decided to send her son to a brand new school on a nearly condemned, dilapidated chicken farm 20 miles from their home in Roslindale, the Life Experience School seed was planted. Riding to and from school in a late model ford pickup truck driven by Lewis, Paul got hooked on being free ... it was our version of Woodstock. He loved getting out of that stuffy special ed classroom and into nature with farm animals and people who knew how to learn by doing things important to them. Over a period of 39 years, this guy has been beyond belief. He is known affectionately as "the ladies man" -- just ask Meg or
Ruthanne. Paul lives with his brothers and his loving dad George who tends to Paul like his late mother Neita did for so many years. If you ask who is the most important person at the Life Experience School, Paul's name would roll off your tongue without giving it a second thought. He is pictured here with Meg because, now blind, she is who he thinks of constantly.
Hillary Our wonderful Yoga Intern comes in each week with Nancy to show us all the yoga positions that stretch and pull and bend and turn our bodies every which way. Ooch! She loves getting down on the floor to help everyone and demonstrates just how it's done. Her wonderful energy and commitment to sharing yoga is one of the things about Wednesday Yoga class that is so terrific. We've made a wonderful friend in Hillary. She's like an angel to us and lots of other people that need TLC.
Corty If you haven't seen Corty around, you must have your head in the sand. From Quincy to Sherborn to Millis and beyond, there are Corty sightings and legions of Corty Fans. And how could it be otherwise as this guy's personality is so magnetic that people will drop what they're doing to touch base with him, then leave the conversation with a smile both on their face and in their heart. Being one of the first students at the School in 1972, along with his spiritual brother Paul, Corty is living proof that the Life Experience School nurtures and celebrates and embraces those qualities of heart and mind that matter most. He is charming, kind, smart as they come, and loves telling stories about his life that seem impossible. For those who don't live in the area, you may have seen him on the evening news or in the Boston Globe when he, along with others at the School, handcuffed himself to a chain that blocked off the front entrance of the Statehouse in an attempt to get the name of the agency DMR changed. Well, 10 years later, the name got changed and Corty was honored at the very Statehouse where he was busted. This guy is definitely the coolest criminal around. Ask his friends at the restaurant/pub across the street what they think of him and you'll see a twinkle in their eye, a grin on their face and a slight nod of the head that suggests they know something -- and they're not talking. Gotta love Corty: the unofficial Mayor of the Town of Sherborn.
Meg The joy, vitality and
creativity that has come to characterize the Life Experience School
require the involvement of everyone, but especially Meg who for 3
decades awakens each morning with her husband Lewis to co-create the
dream of a place we call the Life Experience School. With the care a
mother bear gives her cubs, Meg looks after everyone as though they were
family. And rarely seen without the School's mascots, Journey the
Golden Retriever and Chester the Collie, Meg's love of animals is ever
present. Like her daughter Abbey, her love of horses has created the
School's equestrian program which is centered at August Farm in
Holliston where Cupid our pony lives. Meg is the touchstone for parents
and state agencies as she and Ruthanne work collaboratively to meet the
ever-changing needs of each person and animal at the School and
Abbey. She is, as everyone would agree, the heart and soul of the
place as she has devoted well over half her life to keeping the dream
alive with a level of devotion and love that serves as a halo around the
place.
Jim When visitors arrive at either the Life Experience School or the Peace Abbey they are likely, if they are lucky, to meet up with Jim who will give their first tour. Through Jimmy's eyes, one not only gets an understanding of the people and activities that go on daily, but also a political interpretation as well. He is a walking encyclopedia with a built in GPS, standing 6'5" with a gentleness as great as his size. Always there to drive people when they need to get places, make deliveries or assist in any way, Jimmy is central to the full and efficient operation of the School and Abbey. Jim looks after everyone like a big, very big, brother who truly cares. He is ever so bright; a person of enormous integrity, genuine kindness and honesty who can claim the distinction of being the only person around that never gets lost when behind the wheel of an automobile. Need to drive somewhere and want directions, short cuts or a heads-up on speed traps? Just ask Jim.
Phil For this guy, it's sports, sports, sports. Ask him anything about the Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots and he'll recite statistics with accuracy and give you a blow by blow account of the latest game. He won the "Golden Ticket Give-A-Way" at the Boston Garden last year and has tickets to all the games that most people only dream of. He works as a cashier at the Clothes Closet in Holliston, receptionist at a gym as well as the local senior center. Phil is the President of the Sigma Pi Chi frasority at the school and the general spokesperson at events. He is patriotic from head to toe and even sang the National Anthem at a Red Sox Game as well as at a conscientious objector's Mass prior to the soldier turning himself in at Hanscom Air Force Base for going AWOL from the war in Iraq. Phil is a real presence around the place with an ornery side that just won't let up. He adds real pizazz to the day in unexpected ways.
Dot Wearing more hats than fit comfortably, Dot is our chaplain, social worker, Abbey program coordinator and friend of everyone at the School. Gotta problem, go see Dot. She knows just how to put things in perspective and empower you to solve your own problems. Want to keep up on what's going on around the world and what you can do about it? Dot is who you want to talk to as she has projects, programs and literature about everything that needs our attention. When not counseling or advising interns from theological schools or leading a tour or speaking to a group about
the power of nonviolence and love, you'll find her in her small office with papers, posters, books strewn about, as she makes things happen in a wonderful way. Those in the know, know that Dot is the Peace Abbey ... as she "walks her talk" which embodies the principles of compassion, understanding, love and service that are the cornerstones of the Peace Abbey. And to think, Dot came into our lives 22 years ago through Mother Teresa's visit to the School. Birds of a feather ....
Mike If you're looking for a good time,
find time to be with this guy and attach your wagon to his as there is
something about Mikey, as he is affectionately called, that attracts everyone at the School. A lifelong
member, he is now the "go to" person for all computer questions and
problems, a lover of animals, a musician with guitars and drums and
organs sharing his living space, an avid sports fan and Phil's
apartment buddy / PCA. Mikey has more
things going on in more places with more people under more pretenses
than the rest of us combined. He takes first time skiers on down hill
adventures of a lifetime in Vermont, only to jet them out to LA to
actor's camp and back again before they barely have time to catch their
breath. Keeping up with Mikey is a must as a whirlwind of
good-time-blessings are sure to follow. And word has it that he and his
brother Chris plan to take over the School and take it in new and
wonderful directions. Stay tuned.
Sheila Though she primarily works with Phil, she has a special relationship with everyone and is the Human Rights Officer at the School. To be with Sheila is to appreciate a person of boundless energy that is focused on helping more people in more places than any one person can wrap their head around. Her straight talking, no nonsense approach to problem-solving at the School, coupled with her commitment to achieving the goals of the program make it easy to understand why she was chosen to be honored by the Metrowest Daily Newspaper with "Distinction" as a public servant. With her late son Matthew never far from her thoughts, she is drawn to service like a bee to honey as she defines her days by how much good she has done.
Nancy Our Yoga Guru who arrives each Wednesday to lead the most wonderful classes on the floor of the living room of the school. Her knowledge, skill and love for yoga, and all things wholesome and healthy, remind us to be patient and kind and mindful of our friends. She not only leads the Yoga classes, but so loves us all that we feel blessed when she's here. Nancy's devotion to the individuals at the School and the principles of health and love and kindness upon which the school was founded are found in her very being. She is yoga personified for those fortunate enough to benefit from her teachings, guidance and love. Below is the website for the studio in Holliston where she offers yoga classes to the public.
Sandra She was the first girl in the School which makes her Queen Mother to all of us here ... and the heart throb of Richie, her devoted sweetie going on 21 years. Now that's love! Sandra is the banner maker, cookie baker, cat fight faker and dancing mover and shaker. She also loves to deliver bread to the homeless, serve lunch to the elders at Pilgrim Church in Sherborn and work on the world map machine when time allows. And as for her wardrobe, all her clothes are handmade with love by her mum Joyce, who just happens to be one of the founding mothers who taught pottery at the School for decades. Sandra's sisters Annette and Ronnie look after her with TLC, as does Rob, Annette's husband who is like a father to her. It's often been said, if you had to trade places with anyone, it would be Sandra, as even the Angels crave for the love she is surrounded by.
Mary Everyone loves the days when our bookkeeper comes to work in the back office in the recreation building. She always finds time to talk to everyone and find out what's been happening since she was here last. Mary keeps a handle on all the bills and sees to it that the billion little receipts are in order and ready for the audit and maintains the books with utmost care. Rarely do you have a person so good with numbers, equally as good with people. Her uplifting personality and genuine interest in the lives of everyone makes her the ultimate bookkeeper this side of heaven.
Ted Teacher, singer, tap dancer and all around music man, Ted not only gives singing lessons to Lizzy and tunes Jeff's guitar, he tap dances like Mr. Bojangles himself. When it comes to performances and special events, Ted adds those awesome personal elements with our students that help everyone appreciate their musical talents and gifts which everyone has ... but just need nurturing. He and his wife Pamela are awesome performers and dear friends of the School and Abbey.
Abbey and Cupid Like her two brothers, Abbey has been a part of the Life Experience School since her birth as she grew up with the students as her caretakers and friends. A junior at the University of Delaware, Abbey's love of horses finds expression on the equestrian team at UDEL and as assistant riding instructor here. Both at LES and UDEL, she is never far from horses, or without horses on her mind or is simply horsing around with the gang. She does overnights with the girls at Lavender House and enjoys finding time to pitch in at the School during spring, fall break and summer vacations. Her fun-loving style of relating to everyone is contagious, so needless to say, everyone loves it when Abbey is back from college.
Lewis The lives and message of peace and
nonviolence of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to
motivate his every move ... and he never stops moving. The words
of RFK during the '68 presidential campaign sum up his modus operandi -
"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that
never were and say why not." Lewis can be found both at the Peace Abbey
and School dreaming up projects that have never been done before and
participating, with Dot and members of the School, in vigils and protests against war and social injustice. His
kids say he can't help himself. Bobby calls him "Loudog", but no one
else is allowed to. Spend the day with Lewis and you'll cover more ground
and idea territory than you're normally accustomed to. With Meg, he rises each morning with the Life Experience School dream on his mind. That's what gives him that spring in his step.
Richie If ever there was a guy who thinks of others nonstop and works nonstop to get things done, it's this workhorse from Onset. Go ahead, ask him to help you do a task, then be prepared to get out of his way 'cuz this guy means business. Thoughtful beyond belief, ask him to remind you to do something and you better plan on doing it 'cause he's not going to let you change your mind. Going to Home Depot, mucking stalls, mowing the lawn and caring for the farm animals at the Peace Abbey are among his favorite jobs, though anything that pleases another person is his delight. But more than any other, it is Sandra he pays closest attention to as they have been an item going on 21 years. True love it is. And oh yes, there was one other girl in his life; he had the distinction of being the personal attendant to Emily the Cow for over 8 years.
Kerri This smile is what we live for. She loves to bake and listen to soft rock on the radio and spending overnights with Lizzy. When Kerri is excited about something, her joy fills the building and makes everyone happy too. Her newest project is establishing the Kabuki Association of Massachusetts so those with this syndrome can meet one another, share stories, pool resources and support each other. This girl is on a mission.
Bobby Everyone would agree that this guy is a blast to be around and can be counted on to over see any task. He especially loves yoga and going to Human Rights meetings. Bobby works at the animal shelter where he cares for dogs and cats, is the manager of the Peace Abbey Gift Shop, works at Marinho's Pizza Parlor and is the Human Rights representative for the School. Of all the people here, Bobby ranks at the top for being the most heart-felt and gentle-spirited. To sit next to him during Morning Meeting at the Peace Abbey is to get as close to St. Francis as one is allowed in this lifetime. Being with Bobby is a form of therapy if you're having a less than perfect day. His gentleness and loving nature make you believe peace in the world is possible.
Cal He is a master baker and can be found at the stove each morning baking horse treats called Cupid's Cookies by the dozens with his business partner Lizzy. He is also quite a culinary instructor as he can teach
the fine art of baking to anyone interested in paying close attention
to his choreographed moves around the school kitchen center island. With a key chain replete with meaningful symbols and keys dangling from his belt, Cal makes a fashion statement for various causes with what he wears. Cal also loves to ride Cupid the 11 year old pony at August Farm. When it comes to caring for horses, Cal can really be counted on. He is also the "go to" tech guy for wii games system and video/dvd programming. He has a knack for figuring out how to connect things to the TV. Good thing, 'cause during the day, no one else has a clue but Cal.
Ruthanne Always calm, collected and instructive, she is there each day to help everyone better understand how best to handle an issue or cunundrum -- and is fast with great ideas for projects, possessing a knack for coming up with terrific student-run business concepts. Baking and cooking with our group are among her greatest joys -- and making sure everything falls into place with relationships, jobs in the community and Special Peace Corps projects (and anything in between) define her trademark. A first-time Grandmother, Ruthanne shares her loving energy, skills and talents with everyone equally and consistently, each and every day. Her involvement at the School dates back to 1975 at the farm on Brush Hill Road in Sherborn. Together with Meg, she handles the duties and responsibilities of working with state agencies and with the families of our individuals. Bringing out the best in this little extended-family is what she is all about ... and so much more.
Jeff Never without his guitar in hand, Jeff is a consummate kidder who never leaves a conversation without putting in his 2 or 3 or 10 cents worth of spin that is reminiscent of the Smothers Brothers. He is always concerned about all his friends and making sure that each and every day goes smoothly. He is often referred to as the "hall monitor" as he always updates everyone as to what's going on around the corner. Jeff is also the handyman and loves to work with Lewis and Richie at the Peace Abbey. He offers a presence that is unique and extraordinary in ways that are bionic, yet whimsical. Go ahead and try to get a straight answer out of this guy. He's at least five steps ahead of everyone ... but pretends he's not as his sense of humor is quick, rapid fire and "back at cha". Everyone loves everything about Jeff, which in itself attests to his bionic nature.
Ian When he
joined us in December, Ian injected a heightened level of appreciation
for music and sports and, get this, wrestling. That's right, he even
got Lewis to watch a few matches on Youtube which no one thought was
possible. His father is a rock and roll star (with Max Creek) and as
they say, the apple doesn't fall far from tree. Ian's voice and style
of singing comes through on special occasions like at Boston College,
Holliston High and when ever he is called upon to set the mood for an
event. His first visit to a school activity was when he participated in
a protest at the entrance of the Boston offices of Goldman Sachs where
he helped stuff a 9
foot statue of Gandhi in the revolving doors
in protest to what Wall Street did to the economy. Having sampled what
the School is all about, he then applied to attend. A fan of John
Lennon, Ian and his buddy Phil went to see Sean Lennon and his girl
friend
perform in Boston as seen in the photo. He now sports around in his new
blue power chair that has given him a new sense of freedom. Check him
out on facebook. He is gem in every respect.
Elisabeth Our star equestrian and Special Olympian has won a wall full of medals and received the special blessing of Tommy Smith, '68 Mexico City Gold Medalist. She also bakes Cupid's Cookies with Cal and enjoys singing lessons with Ted. Her smile and wonderfully positive energy brightens our days. She works at Temple Emannuel in Newton and the Clothes Closet in Holliston. She loves overnights at the Lavender House and going out to dinner at Victory Lanes across the street. Always smiling and happy-go-lucky, Lizzy is the sweet spot here at the Life Experience School. Ask anyone and that's what they will tell you. It's all about Lizzy and her spunky energy and whimsical way. She is joy personified.
Paul It all started in1972 with Paul. When his mother Neita decided to send her son to a brand new school on a nearly condemned, dilapidated chicken farm 20 miles from their home in Roslindale, the Life Experience School seed was planted. Riding to and from school in a late model ford pickup truck driven by Lewis, Paul got hooked on being free ... it was our version of Woodstock. He loved getting out of that stuffy special ed classroom and into nature with farm animals and people who knew how to learn by doing things important to them. Over a period of 39 years, this guy has been beyond belief. He is known affectionately as "the ladies man" -- just ask Meg or
Ruthanne. Paul lives with his brothers and his loving dad George who tends to Paul like his late mother Neita did for so many years. If you ask who is the most important person at the Life Experience School, Paul's name would roll off your tongue without giving it a second thought. He is pictured here with Meg because, now blind, she is who he thinks of constantly.
Hillary Our wonderful Yoga Intern comes in each week with Nancy to show us all the yoga positions that stretch and pull and bend and turn our bodies every which way. Ooch! She loves getting down on the floor to help everyone and demonstrates just how it's done. Her wonderful energy and commitment to sharing yoga is one of the things about Wednesday Yoga class that is so terrific. We've made a wonderful friend in Hillary. She's like an angel to us and lots of other people that need TLC.
Corty If you haven't seen Corty around, you must have your head in the sand. From Quincy to Sherborn to Millis and beyond, there are Corty sightings and legions of Corty Fans. And how could it be otherwise as this guy's personality is so magnetic that people will drop what they're doing to touch base with him, then leave the conversation with a smile both on their face and in their heart. Being one of the first students at the School in 1972, along with his spiritual brother Paul, Corty is living proof that the Life Experience School nurtures and celebrates and embraces those qualities of heart and mind that matter most. He is charming, kind, smart as they come, and loves telling stories about his life that seem impossible. For those who don't live in the area, you may have seen him on the evening news or in the Boston Globe when he, along with others at the School, handcuffed himself to a chain that blocked off the front entrance of the Statehouse in an attempt to get the name of the agency DMR changed. Well, 10 years later, the name got changed and Corty was honored at the very Statehouse where he was busted. This guy is definitely the coolest criminal around. Ask his friends at the restaurant/pub across the street what they think of him and you'll see a twinkle in their eye, a grin on their face and a slight nod of the head that suggests they know something -- and they're not talking. Gotta love Corty: the unofficial Mayor of the Town of Sherborn.
Meg The joy, vitality and
creativity that has come to characterize the Life Experience School
require the involvement of everyone, but especially Meg who for 3
decades awakens each morning with her husband Lewis to co-create the
dream of a place we call the Life Experience School. With the care a
mother bear gives her cubs, Meg looks after everyone as though they were
family. And rarely seen without the School's mascots, Journey the
Golden Retriever and Chester the Collie, Meg's love of animals is ever
present. Like her daughter Abbey, her love of horses has created the
School's equestrian program which is centered at August Farm in
Holliston where Cupid our pony lives. Meg is the touchstone for parents
and state agencies as she and Ruthanne work collaboratively to meet the
ever-changing needs of each person and animal at the School and
Abbey. She is, as everyone would agree, the heart and soul of the
place as she has devoted well over half her life to keeping the dream
alive with a level of devotion and love that serves as a halo around the
place.
Jim When visitors arrive at either the Life Experience School or the Peace Abbey they are likely, if they are lucky, to meet up with Jim who will give their first tour. Through Jimmy's eyes, one not only gets an understanding of the people and activities that go on daily, but also a political interpretation as well. He is a walking encyclopedia with a built in GPS, standing 6'5" with a gentleness as great as his size. Always there to drive people when they need to get places, make deliveries or assist in any way, Jimmy is central to the full and efficient operation of the School and Abbey. Jim looks after everyone like a big, very big, brother who truly cares. He is ever so bright; a person of enormous integrity, genuine kindness and honesty who can claim the distinction of being the only person around that never gets lost when behind the wheel of an automobile. Need to drive somewhere and want directions, short cuts or a heads-up on speed traps? Just ask Jim.
Phil For this guy, it's sports, sports, sports. Ask him anything about the Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots and he'll recite statistics with accuracy and give you a blow by blow account of the latest game. He won the "Golden Ticket Give-A-Way" at the Boston Garden last year and has tickets to all the games that most people only dream of. He works as a cashier at the Clothes Closet in Holliston, receptionist at a gym as well as the local senior center. Phil is the President of the Sigma Pi Chi frasority at the school and the general spokesperson at events. He is patriotic from head to toe and even sang the National Anthem at a Red Sox Game as well as at a conscientious objector's Mass prior to the soldier turning himself in at Hanscom Air Force Base for going AWOL from the war in Iraq. Phil is a real presence around the place with an ornery side that just won't let up. He adds real pizazz to the day in unexpected ways. 
Dot Wearing more hats than fit comfortably, Dot is our chaplain, social worker, Abbey program coordinator and friend of everyone at the School. Gotta problem, go see Dot. She knows just how to put things in perspective and empower you to solve your own problems. Want to keep up on what's going on around the world and what you can do about it? Dot is who you want to talk to as she has projects, programs and literature about everything that needs our attention. When not counseling or advising interns from theological schools or leading a tour or speaking to a group about
the power of nonviolence and love, you'll find her in her small office with papers, posters, books strewn about, as she makes things happen in a wonderful way. Those in the know, know that Dot is the Peace Abbey ... as she "walks her talk" which embodies the principles of compassion, understanding, love and service that are the cornerstones of the Peace Abbey. And to think, Dot came into our lives 22 years ago through Mother Teresa's visit to the School. Birds of a feather ....
Mike If you're looking for a good time,
find time to be with this guy and attach your wagon to his as there is
something about Mikey, as he is affectionately called, that attracts everyone at the School. A lifelong
member, he is now the "go to" person for all computer questions and
problems, a lover of animals, a musician with guitars and drums and
organs sharing his living space, an avid sports fan and Phil's
apartment buddy / PCA. Mikey has more
things going on in more places with more people under more pretenses
than the rest of us combined. He takes first time skiers on down hill
adventures of a lifetime in Vermont, only to jet them out to LA to
actor's camp and back again before they barely have time to catch their
breath. Keeping up with Mikey is a must as a whirlwind of
good-time-blessings are sure to follow. And word has it that he and his
brother Chris plan to take over the School and take it in new and
wonderful directions. Stay tuned.
Sheila Though she primarily works with Phil, she has a special relationship with everyone and is the Human Rights Officer at the School. To be with Sheila is to appreciate a person of boundless energy that is focused on helping more people in more places than any one person can wrap their head around. Her straight talking, no nonsense approach to problem-solving at the School, coupled with her commitment to achieving the goals of the program make it easy to understand why she was chosen to be honored by the Metrowest Daily Newspaper with "Distinction" as a public servant. With her late son Matthew never far from her thoughts, she is drawn to service like a bee to honey as she defines her days by how much good she has done. 
Nancy Our Yoga Guru who arrives each Wednesday to lead the most wonderful classes on the floor of the living room of the school. Her knowledge, skill and love for yoga, and all things wholesome and healthy, remind us to be patient and kind and mindful of our friends. She not only leads the Yoga classes, but so loves us all that we feel blessed when she's here. Nancy's devotion to the individuals at the School and the principles of health and love and kindness upon which the school was founded are found in her very being. She is yoga personified for those fortunate enough to benefit from her teachings, guidance and love. Below is the website for the studio in Holliston where she offers yoga classes to the public.
Sandra She was the first girl in the School which makes her Queen Mother to all of us here ... and the heart throb of Richie, her devoted sweetie going on 21 years. Now that's love! Sandra is the banner maker, cookie baker, cat fight faker and dancing mover and shaker. She also loves to deliver bread to the homeless, serve lunch to the elders at Pilgrim Church in Sherborn and work on the world map machine when time allows. And as for her wardrobe, all her clothes are handmade with love by her mum Joyce, who just happens to be one of the founding mothers who taught pottery at the School for decades. Sandra's sisters Annette and Ronnie look after her with TLC, as does Rob, Annette's husband who is like a father to her. It's often been said, if you had to trade places with anyone, it would be Sandra, as even the Angels crave for the love she is surrounded by.
Mary Everyone loves the days when our bookkeeper comes to work in the back office in the recreation building. She always finds time to talk to everyone and find out what's been happening since she was here last. Mary keeps a handle on all the bills and sees to it that the billion little receipts are in order and ready for the audit and maintains the books with utmost care. Rarely do you have a person so good with numbers, equally as good with people. Her uplifting personality and genuine interest in the lives of everyone makes her the ultimate bookkeeper this side of heaven.
Ted Teacher, singer, tap dancer and all around music man, Ted not only gives singing lessons to Lizzy and tunes Jeff's guitar, he tap dances like Mr. Bojangles himself. When it comes to performances and special events, Ted adds those awesome personal elements with our students that help everyone appreciate their musical talents and gifts which everyone has ... but just need nurturing. He and his wife Pamela are awesome performers and dear friends of the School and Abbey. 
Abbey and Cupid Like her two brothers, Abbey has been a part of the Life Experience School since her birth as she grew up with the students as her caretakers and friends. A junior at the University of Delaware, Abbey's love of horses finds expression on the equestrian team at UDEL and as assistant riding instructor here. Both at LES and UDEL, she is never far from horses, or without horses on her mind or is simply horsing around with the gang. She does overnights with the girls at Lavender House and enjoys finding time to pitch in at the School during spring, fall break and summer vacations. Her fun-loving style of relating to everyone is contagious, so needless to say, everyone loves it when Abbey is back from college.
Lewis The lives and message of peace and
nonviolence of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. continue to
motivate his every move ... and he never stops moving. The words
of RFK during the '68 presidential campaign sum up his modus operandi -
"Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that
never were and say why not." Lewis can be found both at the Peace Abbey
and School dreaming up projects that have never been done before and
participating, with Dot and members of the School, in vigils and protests against war and social injustice. His
kids say he can't help himself. Bobby calls him "Loudog", but no one
else is allowed to. Spend the day with Lewis and you'll cover more ground
and idea territory than you're normally accustomed to. With Meg, he rises each morning with the Life Experience School dream on his mind. That's what gives him that spring in his step.