Posted: 4 years ago

Fellow Rotarians,

I thought...Geez, wouldn't it be nice, or at least fun if we could share with each other what we did for the week. 

After a couple of PM's with Joe Kagel to get his input, I decided to create this new thread.  Hopefully, you will chime in share your weekly adventures and stories with everyone.  You can use this to announce new births, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, blessings, lessons learned, challenges overcome, or whatever strikes your fancy. 

With this said, I will start off with my own weekly news.  My week was not every eventful, but I did attend an Alumni Mixer at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA this week.  If you wish to learn more about the Bowers Museum, or to check out their current exhibits, here is their website www.bowers.org. 

The event was hosted by my Alma Mater, Chapman University.  As an Alumni Board Member, I pretty much had to be present - which was good because it helped me to reconnect with many of my fellow Alums.  

Like I said, it was an uneventful week, and that's a good thing in my book.  So, let's hear about your eventful week.

Mamie Yong  

Posted: 4 years ago

My Week: February 17-24, 2008

Once upon a…no, that does not work for telling about a week in one’s life. It is better to say, “It all started with a surprise. I found out that Mamie had attended an alumni function for Chapman University in California.” What she does not know is that I taught art history and design on World Campus Afloat for that institution and Anne was the nurse on board. Just imagine, a dream teaching job of discussing the Parthenon, walking through the Parthenon; exalting the genius of Rembrandt, then walking with my students through the galleries of the Rijksmuseum; etc, etc, etc. That adventure wetted our appetite for world travel. Nineteen ports in nineteen countries for a whole semester are special.

I was reminded of this too when I took down my Retrospective: Life, Art and Collecting, from 1950 to the present, an exhibit of over 300 works (paintings, drawings, collages and constructions.) On Tuesday, I stopped in the galleries of Lone Star College-Kingwood and ran into Danville Chadburne, a San Antonio artist that I acted as curator for in the mid-1990s at the art museum where I was executive director. He was putting his exhibition up where I had taken mine down. We hugged as if it was yesterday but over five years have passed since we last met.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, we had my daughter’s family at our small 1400 sq. ft. home since they were moving into a 4200 sq. ft. new house closer to work. The garage was filled with boxes that we had to get over to them at the new house this weekend. You find at these kinds of times that it is not the space dimensions that counts but the closeness of relationships that are important. Our grandchildren’s parents had to work, the four and eight year old could not attend school, so we planned magic trips in the woods, at the college and at the cinema. Then, all day Saturday we unloaded boxes of ‘stuff’ to help them move into their new home.

On Sunday, we deserved something special and we got it. It was Houston Ballet’s Winter 2008 Mixed Repertory Program. The curtain opened to seventeen classically dressed ballerinas with a blue side light featuring their subtle movements in unison.  It was the classical beauty of Serenade, choreographed by George Balanchine, with music by Peter Tchaikovsky. When we were in the Republic of Georgia, we were told that Balanchine changed his name from Balanadze to Balanchine when he traveled to America (“adze” means “son of.”) There were seventeen female dancers because that is all the women he had in the company when he first conceived this work (only five men appear in these magical moments of movement.) The second piece was called Swansong, a work for three male dancers, first created in 1987 in London and given its American Premiere in 1991 by the Houston Ballet. It is choreographed by Christopher Bruce and is a work infused with menace. Three men and one chair. The man on the chair is a prisoner: the other two guards. Bruce’s juxtaposition of humor and brutality, of light and dark, is what makes Swansong so sinister. The two guards taunt, humiliate and attack their prisoner, forcing him to copy their tap-dancing routine or wear a silly red nose like a clown. As an audience member, I am not sure if I am viewing a soft-shoe dance routine, a loony cartoon satire, a black comedy, a scene from Latin America in 1980s or the Middle East today. It is all of these and yet something more, the triumph of the prisoner at the end (through dying bravely) when he stepped into the light creates a sense of salvation in the midst of torture. The last ballet was The Core, Gershwin, the Heart of The Big Apple, a world premiere for the Houston Ballet. It was choreographed by the Artistic Director, Stanley Welch (from Australia) with the music of Gershwin’s Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra. It is a step back in time to the 1940s with a look-alike Marilyn Monroe, the three sailors on leave in New York City from a Hollywood movie and the theater district with its special characters: cabbies, prostitutes, police, tourists and typical New Yorkers. It was a piece of fluff from the past (just as this whole week seems to have been, orchestrated to remind us of what went before.)

Tonight, after returning from the ballet downtown, I packed, getting prepared for flying out for Atlanta in the morning to attend an international dinner for a dear friend of 25 years (another piece of history to celebrate.) Also at 11:59 I will close the 72-hour eMeeting of Rotary Global History Fellowship where I am President for 2007-2009 (held each month.)  

Joe

Posted: 4 years ago

I would like to commend Mamie for starting this new thread.  I think that it is very important for all members to post something concerning what is going on in their lives so that we can increase the fellowship of this club.  My feeling is that we need to hear from all of the members who have not contributed to any of the forums, etc.  Those of us who are constantly in one forum or another are probably well-known already by most of the members, but it is still interesting to let others know what our activities are.

As for me, I have been packing all week and taking care of business before our departure on a cruise.  Tomorrow we will drive to San Antonio, Texas and catch a plane to Dallas.  From Dallas, we will fly to Buenos Aires and from there to Santiago, Chile where we will spend a few days before we embark on a Celebrity cruise around South America.  Our cruise ends in Buenos Aires where we will spend a few days before returning home.  Hopefully, I will be able to attend a Rotary meeting in Santiago or Buenos Aires, or both.  The most exciting thing is that my daughter and her husband and several other family members will be with us!

Frank 

Posted: 4 years ago

We have  been traveling in our motor home.  We have spent the past month in Arizona, warming up in the sun and exploring all there is to do in Tucson and Tubac.  We were joined by 47 other motor homes and their owners for a rally.  A fun fest of eating and visiting with traveling friends.  Then another 380 Country Coach motor homes joined in, for the Country Coach International Winter Rally.  We joined 900 plus for breakfasts, parties, dinners and seminars. After 6 days of rallies it was time to move on.

San Diego was our next stop to visit family. We will be here until the middle of March, and then back to Albuquerque to see our Grandchildren.

Carol Anderson

Posted: 4 years ago

Joe,

Wow, imagine that...we both have a connection to Chapman!!!  One of the reasons I chose Chapman was because of their World Campus Afloat.  However, I never made it on the ship.  As you know, the University (then, Chapman College) had to sell the ship because the shool was facing a huge financial crisis.

Since you taught in the Art department, did you know Professor Bill Boaz?  I attended Chapman from 1974 to 1978.  Technically, I finished all my courses in December 1977, but graduation was not until May of 1978.

In any event, the campus has changed drastically since those dark days where we didn't know if the school would survive its financial crisis.  Jim Doti, who is now the University's President was just a young Professor at the time.  I don't remember if he was even Dr. Doti then.  He was my Accounting, Statistics, and Economics professor.  I see him often at events.  The most recent was at a luncheon hosted by him and the Honorable George Arygos to welcome Nobel Prize Laureat, Dr. Vernon Smith to the University.

For the benefit of those who do not know who George Arygos is, he is our former Ambassador to Spain; and according to I think it was Forbes Magazine, one of the 40 wealthiest man in the world.  His assets exceeds even Oprah Winfrey.  Obviously, I have not a clue what that is like :-).

Thanks for sharing your story of the week. 

Mamie 

Posted: 4 years ago

February 25-28, 2008:

Mamie, when I worked for Chapman College, I did not know anyone on campus since I was hired only to go on World Campus Afloat for one semester, got off in Los Angeles and went to Spokane, Washington to direct the outreach art museum program and be artist-in-residence for Washington State University in 1969. Anne and I went from Spokane to Guam where I was head of the fine arts department and Anne taught in the nursing department from 1970 to 1976. We wanted to go to the Orient since I had gone to Taiwan on a Fulbright-Hayes grant in 1965 to study at the Palace Museum and Anne had stayed in the States. Also Samantha went as a baby to Guam and grew up on the islands, while Christopher was adopted from Korea in 1972. We really have never thought only locally but have had a global perspective on how the world works.

This worldview was reinforced again in Atlanta. It is interesting to me to find myself affording a trip that I could not afford but could not afford to miss, flying early Monday to attend the JCPA Plenum 2008, to honor my friend, Bernard “B” Rapoport, at the Jewish Council for Public Affairs Chernin Award Dinner. As the program announced: “Bernard Rapoport- “B” to many of us- has been an inspirational example of personal activism and philanthropic leadership in the areas of social justice, public policy and the need for social change for more than seven decades. In his daily life, he demonstrates the importance of taking a strong personal stance and challenging the …general communities to act decisively on issues of local, national and international importance.”

For over 23 years in Waco, B and I had lunch together (until I moved to Houston in 2005) once a month, discussing every subject under the sun, moon and stars, except money (since I had almost none and he had millions.) I was the executive director of the art museum in Waco, the small city where he built his insurance business, selling to labor union members. One day, just to break our rules, I asked him: “Why do you give so much of your fortune away to education, health, Jewish affairs, U. of Texas, political causes and children?” He smiled and said, “When I was a child in San Antonio, we were poor but I played marbles every day with the other kids in my area. I won all the time, getting all their marbles. I soon learned that if I did not give half of my winnings back, I had no one to play with tomorrow.” That was the one and only money question that I ever ask him but I will never forget the ideas behind his answer. Even though he does not attend Rotary meetings, he is a Rotarian at heart. He is also the one who gave the funds to support Ryofu’s Peace Exhibition in the USA and paid for the brochures.

Since it happened this week, let me tell you a little about Monday and Tuesday. I flew to Atlanta on Delta, leaving at 9:30 and arrived at 12:30. After taking the overhead rail to the center of town, I found my inexpensive hotel under reconstruction and traveled to the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel several miles away where the Convention was being held. I found B at one of the sessions (with his wife Audre) and when he saw me, he said, “I did not know that they allowed Gentiles to this gathering of Jews.” “Friendship,” I answered, “does not recognize those distinctions.” “You are right,” he smiled and we hugged as if it had been a long time between our seeing each other (it had not.) It was a marvelous session: E.J. Dionne, syndicated columnist of the Washington Post and friend of B’s, met us before the session, as did Representative Keith Ellison, the first Afro-American Congressman from Minnesota who was also the first Muslim and Rabbi Steve Gutow (both of whom knew B and met him as old friends.) The other speaker on the panel was Candy Hill of Catholic Charities, USA. They spoke on Faith and Public Policy: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Confronting Poverty. It was inspirational to see this quartet talk about how church and state can be separated in democracy and yet work together in practice. We all went to a reception for B where reporters asked him, “How do you see the Jewish community voting in this election?” He told them that he was an old friend of the Clintons so they turned to me and asked the same question. I answered, “Have no idea. I am the official Gentile at this gathering.” No other questions were asked of me.

The evening was the same. I sat at the main table but stayed in the background. In his speech, after receiving the 2008 Albert C. Chernin Award, B gave a seven minute talk that transformed him from an aging philanthropist to a youth-filled activist who began with: “In America, there are a few with too much and too many with so few.” I remembered his story about playing marbles. After B, Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, Scholar in Residence for Atlanta, gave one of the most moving speeches about mankind and our search for helping each other. The Baptist preacher who directed the Atlanta Baptist Choir and Musicians (who rocked the hall later) came up and embraced Rabbi Greenberg for what he said. I can see why the program for the Plenum was called: Courage, Our Journey Toward Justice (in Atlanta the Heart of Where the Civil Rights Movement Began.) Next time I will see B is when the University of Texas gives him their highest award in April. Anne will drive over to Austin with me then.

Tuesday was not as inspirational. My plane sat on the runway for two hours after it was loaded. Thank goodness for cell phones. I spent six hours in the airport waiting for the storms to stop before the two hours on the runway (because one of the crew was delayed in arriving from Memphis.)

I am telling you all this since it a continuation of what started last week.

Joe 

Posted: 4 years ago

Hi, you all. It’s Saturday morning. Had an idea. Good Morning America. Special feature presented. “Three words” experience! Try, you all!

My idea, since some of our eClub eMembers seem to have trouble putting together long or short essays in eForum-fashion to tell other eMembers about our week (as Mamie so brilliantly suggested to get to know other eMembers and communicate) is this: I know that haiku is a short way to say much so we could try a new version of this Japanese art form (Ryofu could help us if we get stuck.) We could call it “COO-A-HI,” (babies “coo” and adults can be “coooooool” plus “Hi”- needs no explanation). It would be seven lines about an eMember’s week, each line only three words long! Here’s my attempts!

February 21-27, 2008

My week started.

Atlanta was great.

Learned a lot.

Love creates love.

Anne is here.

Houston is home.

My week ended.

or

February 28-March 4, 2008

Catch up time.

Find a rhyme.

Texas is sublime.

Things slip away.

Almost every……day.

Elections here…. almost….

Hilary maybe…… toast?

Joe

Posted: 4 years ago

We are in sunny Southern California visiting friends and family.  I had the priveledge of growing up in the San Diego area.  It seems like another town and another time,  What changes have taken place!

We attendeed a Rotary meeting in Coronado today, and had the chance to see some of the great projects they are involved with.  It  is so interesting to see the faces of the different Rotary Clubs as we travel, their various focuses and club styles.  It it were not for the name Rotary, you would have no idea some clubs were even connected.

Carol

Carol Anderson

Posted: 4 years ago

I missed a week somewhere along the way.  Busy is not a good excuse. So, let me catch up here.

On Monday, 2/25/08, I had the honor and privilege of meeting a handful of Sailors who were chosen as finalists for the much coveted Sailor of the Year award.  The annual luncheon and ceremony was held at the Submarine base, Pt Loma in beautiful San Diego, CA.   

Each year, Sailors from around the world compete for this prestigous award.  One Sailor is awarded Shore Sailor of the Year, and another one is awarded Sea Sailor of the Year. 

The finalists received cash prizes, gifts, and plagues in recognition of their outstanding service to our Country.  The winners will go on to the next level of competition. 

It was truly an honor to be there as one of the awards presenters. 

Hope your week was a good one.  Looking forward to hear all about it.

Have a fabulous week.   Until next time.  Take care and enjoy.

Mamie

Posted: 4 years ago

On Saturday, 3/8/08, my husband, my business partner, and I took a four wheel drive trip through some of the best open space areas in Orange County.  Of course it helps when husband's job is to manage the 50K acres of open space.

In spite of the recent CA wildfires (less than 6 months ago), the view took my breath away.  It is amazing how Mother Nature can repair herself.  She know exactly what needs to be done to bring back the beauty.  The hills were carpeted with bright orange Poppies, and a variety of different wildflowers.  

We enjoyed a picnic before heading back to the hubbub.  If any of you wishes to tour Orange County's best kept secret, my husband Adam will gladly provide you and yours with a private tour.  You have my contact information, all you need to do is let me know.

It's a beautiful day here in San Juan Capistrano, CA and I hope it is the same where you are. 

Have a beautiful and blessed week.

Mamie  

Posted: 4 years ago

March 8-15, 2008  Spring Vacation from Regular College Classes

Saw a ballet-

Worth the time.

Taught adult class-

No money there.

Went to Austin

Twelve hours work,

At Ima Hogg

Foundation Research Center

Grants-grants-grants!

What a father

Naming his daughter

Ima- Ima Hogg.

Only in Texas! 

Posted: 4 years ago

Blew in to Albuquerque this weekend  Winds gusting up to 60 miles an hour.  Not fun in a high profile vehicle.  Looking forward to spoiling the grandchildren and catching up with friends.

Back to volunteering in a fifth grade classroom and at the zoo. Stay busy and enjoy every minute.

Carol Anderson

Posted: 4 years ago

This is a fun site, and I hope we can get more people involved.  Knowing what others are doing, hether work, play or service helps build friendships.

Home in Albuquerque means BUSY.  We make up for all the play when traveling when we get home.  Lunches and diners with friends and family.  Taking Grandchildren on outings.  Taking care of our two year old granddaughter, little miss dramatic, one or two days a week. And of course volunteering. 

Talking Talons Youth Leadership is home to rescued birds of prey, and a science education program.  Working with the rescued animals we bring kids at risk into science in a way that becomes a new part of the students life.  I have the opportunity to actually train some of the birds, hawks, owl, and falcon, so that they can be used in school settings.  In addition, I have the pleasure of working with these kids.

Since this a non profit organization, money is always short.  We have a small thrift store that helps pay the bills.  This week I spent hours sorting donations and putting them out for sale. The store itself has become a gathering place for residences of this east mountains community.

That is only part of my "What's up Doc?"

Carol Anderson

Posted: 4 years ago

Well, I've been MIA.  A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege to volunteer for the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club with their Easter event. 

There were a couple of thousand people at the event.  All the kids received Easter baskets and Easter eggs.  The little Munchins enjoyed dipping their eggs in the dye, drawing them, and putting stickers on them. 

Later in the day, the kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt.  The event was filled with other activities for the children to enjoy - face painting, bounce house, etc.

It was another successful event, and so nice to see Rotarians at work.

Posted: 4 years ago

Traveling again.  This time a short trip to Northern Arizona, introducing friends from Pittsburgh to the Grand Canyon and Sedona.

No matter how many times I see the Grand Canyon it always feels like it is the first. Breathtaking scenery and the feeling of complete awe reminds me of what is relly important.

Carol Anderson