To: Fessenden Alumni Wall on Facebook
I am not sure I knew Mr. Townsend, he may have been there during my last year in 1983 but I was always impressed with the service staff while I was at Fessenden.. Quick Story. I attended Fessenden's kindergarden in 1975. One student had to go get the milk tray for snack time. I usually returned late because first, I explored the inner recesses of the tunnel system in an attempt to get the the kitchen quicker and "save time" (a story for later) but also because I would spend a few minutes talking to the KItchen staff. At age 5, the "Milk guy" role was a big deal. Having responsibility, exploring the school and talking to adults was all very exciting.
The staff was great! I think I set a pattern for my life in those warm kitchens filled with great smells because I'd go up there, say hello to everyone, see what was going on, ask about their day...and they'd give me cake, pie, cookies and other tasties! Not only one type either. I got different flavors of cake and pie, sometimes TWO per visit! I especially savor spicy apple cake with white frosting which I am now savoring.
I don't think my fellow kindergarden students ever received their milk on time when I was the Milk guy but I learned a huge amount about people, kitchen service, work life and the power of individuals. Best of all, I was rewarded for being polite and asking questions with cake!
I don't think my fellow kindergarden students ever received their milk on time when I was the Milk guy but I learned a huge amount about people, kitchen service, work life and the power of individuals. Best of all, I was rewarded for being polite and asking questions with cake!
As my wife and friends will tell you, I started talking to everyone at age 5, and I haven't stopped. I am truly a "People Geek." I'm often told how annoying it is...I can't regularly go anywhere without seeing someone I know or having a great conversation with a stranger about the intricacies of, say, pipe fitting. This "gift for gab" honed in the Fessenden kitchen has helped me greatly in life, during elections, my time at Fidelity or as an EMT or my work at hospitals. And this will be a vital part of my work as a Rabbi.
Even though I was usually late returning, my kindergarden class did not mind postponing the courses in drawing, crayon melting, building reactors out of legos, the every popular glue eating or other vital learning tools at which we majored in those formative years.
I am impressed that Fessenden created an environment where every person on the staff was focused on the "full" education of the student body. Fessenden molded me into the man I am today and not just the great classes, the fantastic overseas trips with Dan Senecal, the excellent teaching and extra help from Sed Paine, the two Bradleys and History with Mr. Putnam but from the simple kindnesses showed to some crazy little 5 year old looking to get a bit of cake in the hours between breakfast and lunch. The staff at Fessenden helped me, and many students over the years, work toward being good students, citizens and men.
Cudos to Fessenden and appreciations to the staff. Most importantly, thank you, Mr. Townsend, for all your hard work and service over the years. - Josh Weisbuch
