It’s hard to do the right thing sometimes. Sometimes it’s hard to do anything at all. Sometimes life feels like we are completely surrounded by takers with insatiable appetites…But then, on occasion and often seemingly by happy chance, someone walks into our life and makes it feel as though we can do anything upon which we set our minds – calling us to our higher ambition and potential. These givers fortify and encourage – and through faith in us fuel (and re-fuel) our capacity and energy toward and for the good. These people demonstrate that they clearly believe in our abilities, seemingly at times even more than we do, and that they expect us to hold ourselves to a vision of our best selves. Not surprisingly these people are often teachers. Not surprisingly for me (and for many in Lexington) this whole-hearted giving group includes a master of the art of sharing and imparting compassion and wisdom at LHS and LCE – French teacher extraordinaire, Karen Girondel. LCE is so very fortunate to be in the circle of seemingly limitless energy and joie de vivre that swirls around Karen. She is one of the greatest giver bodhisattva teachers I have ever had the good fortune to know. Karen is a builder of “community” and “education” and is an embodiment of the essence of both of these terms. I’m so happy for this program that Karen walked into the LCE office those many years ago, and I count myself fortunate to know experientially exactly why a banner with Karen’s name 
waves high and is celebrated on Mass Ave and Muzzey Street…appropriately located right in the heart of Lexington. Thank you, Karen for your teaching, support, encouragement and friendship…and congratulations on this well deserved recognition. One of the many things I’ve learned from you (and our beloved Michael Fiveash) is how to view and experience good text or film as a portal into and through liminal space…a threshold between the inner and outer world, and between a former/lesser and future/better self and community. I’ve also learned by watching you that mixing heart and mind and reaching out with courage and kindness is always a very good thing to do. Over the years I’ve tried, as a recipient of your giving, to match your famous generous energy…it’s an impossible task. Here at least and at last I can (along with Lexington at large) publicly offer you praise and thanks. 
waves high and is celebrated on Mass Ave and Muzzey Street…appropriately located right in the heart of Lexington. Thank you, Karen for your teaching, support, encouragement and friendship…and congratulations on this well deserved recognition. One of the many things I’ve learned from you (and our beloved Michael Fiveash) is how to view and experience good text or film as a portal into and through liminal space…a threshold between the inner and outer world, and between a former/lesser and future/better self and community. I’ve also learned by watching you that mixing heart and mind and reaching out with courage and kindness is always a very good thing to do. Over the years I’ve tried, as a recipient of your giving, to match your famous generous energy…it’s an impossible task. Here at least and at last I can (along with Lexington at large) publicly offer you praise and thanks. Craig Hall
Director, Lexington Community Education
This autumn Karen Girondel is teaching How to Teach Your Own Class At LCE and French Language Through Film with Lexington Community Education on Tuesday Mornings and Wednesday Evenings.
For information about more of Lexington’s women luminaries both present and past visit: https://www.lexseeher.com/
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