April 27, 2014
Sorry about the highlighted last entry but I had some difficulties.........
I think the Mamiya are my event planners for the spring season!!! Not only the documentary that was extraordinary but now an event, just as inspiring from another Vassar graduate!!!
STACEY FLOYD-THOMAS--presently a Professor of Ethics and Society at Vanderbilt University
(Tara's Alma Mater)
In April Stacey came back to Vassar for a lecture on "The Color Line and the Culture Wars: Religion, Education and Sub-rosa Morality in the Age of Obama".
Stacey was a former student of Larry Mamiya--a Professor at Vassar and the DEAR FAMILY I speak of so often. The lecture was also being presented "in honor of Professor Lawrence Mamiya's legacy as a scholar-activist"--who is retiring this year.
Stacey's "research and teaching interests lie at the intersection of ethics, feminist/womanist studies, Black Church studies, critical pedagogy, critical race theory and post colonial studies with an overall approach to the study of Christian social ethics that engages broad questions of moral agency, cultural memory, ethical responsibility and social justice. Her work in Christian social ethics has a threefold focus- race, gender and class. She is concerned with what she calls 'the why crisis' of faith. This lends itself to a meta-ethics that guides moral reasoning and ethics towards constructive thought that leads to visions of social justice and the common good. She considers the work of religious discourse and Christian faith to be inseparable from thinking about how to construct a justice-seeking community."
She has received numerous honors and awards and is a dynamic speaker that can capture an audience completely!!
In a Q&A she was asked how Vassar had prepared her for her future work.
She explained that Vassar was her stepping stone but Professor Larry Mamiya was her foundation!!
He allowed her the freedom to explore, the tools to use, the knowledge to build her confidence and the total concern for her as a human being. What could be more rewarding, as a "teacher," but to have influenced a student to such an extent that she was able to go out into the world confident in her mission and so well equipped to help others. Bravo Professor Larry!!
Such a vision into a world I am so unfamiliar with and explained in a way that I could appreciate.
Thank-you Stacey.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Saturday, April 26, 2014
The Longest Kiss
Its been a long time since I wrote:
At the end of March I went to Vassar College for a viewing of the documentary "The Longest Kiss"
It was just so compelling and such an eye opening experience that I want to start from the beginning
and share this story with you.
Henry and Ralph Mamiya have been friends since Vassar Nursery School and we have been fortunate enough to be friends with the Mamiya family ever since.
Ralph graduated from Vassar and one of his classmates was Alexandra Sicotte-Levesque originally from Canada. They knew each other but that was it. Then they both, unknowingly, went to the Sudan with the UN after College. There Ralph and Alex met again and began dating. Although Alex was there with the UN, in her spare time, she was creating this documentary. The story begins:
I will quote Alexandra at first to be certain my facts are correct.
"The meeting of the Blue and White Nile in Sudan's capital Khartoum, is referred to as 'the longest kiss in history'. As the Arab Spring was in full bloom, Sudan, straddling between the Middle East and Africa,was about to split in two. The film follows six young Sudanese searching for a place to call 'home' as their journeys take us up and down the Nile, between north and south Sudan, ahead of the south's secession. Facing conflicting identities, youth in north Sudan grapple with a stale dictatorship while others in south Sudan hope to start over ---but a what costs? For the first time a film gives a voice to Sudanese youth from different origins, Muslims and Christians. It is an intimate portrait of a complex society that bears witness to its inevitable fragmentation"
These six young Sudanese, try to understand and define their national identity facing the gloomy atmosphere of Khartoum, the refugee camps, Juba--the new capital of South Sudan with the settings for their dramas both great and commonplace about love, desire and dreams of a better life.
I was "taken" with many of the stories as our newspapers don't seem to portray the real picture as we see in this documentary.A great lesson in geography, political movements, cultures facing problems we can't even fathom and about REAL people--just like us-- but in such a different place.
Alexandra founded Journalists for Human Rights in 2002 with Benjamin Peterson. She has also worked as a Radio Producer for the UN radio in Sudan, and the BBC. I feel so humbled when I am in her presence!! Yet she is so gracious, confident, well spoken with great knowledge of such a sensitive subject.
Ralph and Alex are still dating and that brought all of us to Vassar with the Mamiya family to view this documentary, back to Vassar where Alex graduated.
I wish everyone could be as fortunate as I was to view this great work and to meet Alexandra.
At the end of March I went to Vassar College for a viewing of the documentary "The Longest Kiss"
It was just so compelling and such an eye opening experience that I want to start from the beginning
and share this story with you.
Henry and Ralph Mamiya have been friends since Vassar Nursery School and we have been fortunate enough to be friends with the Mamiya family ever since.
Ralph graduated from Vassar and one of his classmates was Alexandra Sicotte-Levesque originally from Canada. They knew each other but that was it. Then they both, unknowingly, went to the Sudan with the UN after College. There Ralph and Alex met again and began dating. Although Alex was there with the UN, in her spare time, she was creating this documentary. The story begins:
I will quote Alexandra at first to be certain my facts are correct.
"The meeting of the Blue and White Nile in Sudan's capital Khartoum, is referred to as 'the longest kiss in history'. As the Arab Spring was in full bloom, Sudan, straddling between the Middle East and Africa,was about to split in two. The film follows six young Sudanese searching for a place to call 'home' as their journeys take us up and down the Nile, between north and south Sudan, ahead of the south's secession. Facing conflicting identities, youth in north Sudan grapple with a stale dictatorship while others in south Sudan hope to start over ---but a what costs? For the first time a film gives a voice to Sudanese youth from different origins, Muslims and Christians. It is an intimate portrait of a complex society that bears witness to its inevitable fragmentation"
These six young Sudanese, try to understand and define their national identity facing the gloomy atmosphere of Khartoum, the refugee camps, Juba--the new capital of South Sudan with the settings for their dramas both great and commonplace about love, desire and dreams of a better life.
I was "taken" with many of the stories as our newspapers don't seem to portray the real picture as we see in this documentary.A great lesson in geography, political movements, cultures facing problems we can't even fathom and about REAL people--just like us-- but in such a different place.
Alexandra founded Journalists for Human Rights in 2002 with Benjamin Peterson. She has also worked as a Radio Producer for the UN radio in Sudan, and the BBC. I feel so humbled when I am in her presence!! Yet she is so gracious, confident, well spoken with great knowledge of such a sensitive subject.
Ralph and Alex are still dating and that brought all of us to Vassar with the Mamiya family to view this documentary, back to Vassar where Alex graduated.
I wish everyone could be as fortunate as I was to view this great work and to meet Alexandra.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
MARCH 26, 2014
Suggestion for a great days journey
Recently I went to MADAVA FARMS, The Home of Crown Maple Syrup 47 McCourt Rd. Dover Plains, NY 12522 845.877.0640 and was so impressed with the facility, their 800 acres of nature with breathtaking views over the valley and beyond. When and if ever the snow is not an issue, the walking trails would be wonderful.
Jacob, CIA chef and chief syrup taster, gave us an interesting tour of the syrup process from tapping to tasting (which is available on the tour). They also have a chef-prepared, farm to table menu at their eclectic eatery and market where they feature dozens of other NY artisanal specialities.
In my day, we tapped trees and had buckets to catch the sap then boiled the sap FOREVER and got about a spoonful of syrup. In this "new age" they tap the trees and use plastic tubing all going into the sap collecting facility for processing--much more efficient.
The sap was not flowing when we went on March 12th as it had been so cold. They need warmer days and cool nights for the flow. I believe it must be flowing now so do yourself a favor and plan a trip to MADAVA FARMS.
visit crown maple.com for info
Suggestion for a great days journey
Recently I went to MADAVA FARMS, The Home of Crown Maple Syrup 47 McCourt Rd. Dover Plains, NY 12522 845.877.0640 and was so impressed with the facility, their 800 acres of nature with breathtaking views over the valley and beyond. When and if ever the snow is not an issue, the walking trails would be wonderful.
Jacob, CIA chef and chief syrup taster, gave us an interesting tour of the syrup process from tapping to tasting (which is available on the tour). They also have a chef-prepared, farm to table menu at their eclectic eatery and market where they feature dozens of other NY artisanal specialities.
In my day, we tapped trees and had buckets to catch the sap then boiled the sap FOREVER and got about a spoonful of syrup. In this "new age" they tap the trees and use plastic tubing all going into the sap collecting facility for processing--much more efficient.
The sap was not flowing when we went on March 12th as it had been so cold. They need warmer days and cool nights for the flow. I believe it must be flowing now so do yourself a favor and plan a trip to MADAVA FARMS.
visit crown maple.com for info
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Story of the Tibby Bar:
One day Deedee Lumb came to my house and said get your pocketbook and I'm taking you somewhere. We drove to an area I had NEVER been before and wondered if I would ever find it again. We arrived at The Hudson Chocolate shop. Well, that was a surprise and I was impressed the minute I walked in the door--with the beautiful chocolates and with the beautiful people who owned and ran the shop. Francisco Migoya, his wife Kris and daughter Isabella and Annie Kamin met us at the door. Francisco is the owner and chocolatier, with the help of his wife and daughter and Annie is their right hand chocolatier. Francisco and Kris are graduates of the CIA and Professors at the Institute. Annie gives the tours, helps make the chocolate, decorate etc and I have to say are the nicest, kindess, fun, creative and expert chocolatiers ever!!! We immediately bonded. Yes, I bought practically every piece of chocolate they displayed. I have given it for Christmas presents, Birthdays, Valentines Day etc etc. Now THAT'S CHOCOLATE. The Mexican Hot Chocolate is amazing as well. I was going back regularly and one day Francisco said "we would like to name a chocolate bar after you as you are such a good customer". He said I could go home and my family and I could "design" it. Well that we did.
Danika said you like stroopwafels so why not start there. Henry suggested dark chocolate with a little salt and thought the name "Dutch Treat" would be good but The Tibby Bar stuck instead.I know Tara was in on it but she doesn't think so---we asked her for her opinion and she did a taste test and it passed!! They had to "tweak" it a bit and The Tibby Bar was born. You can check it out on the Hudson Chocolate website. They do a lot of mail order business as well.
Just to mention: when you go there Annie gives you a tour where you can taste all the different chocolates. They try to incorporate local flavors and create some amazing shapes and tastes. Each holiday has its own special creative chocolate forms and tastes.
Years back, I lived in Holland and LOVED going to the bakery or to the street markets where you could get fresh hot stroopwafels (a thin waffel type cookie with carmel between the layers--yum!!Whenever anyone would come here to visit from Holland I would ask them to bring some with them. One day in the mail a funny record arrived (see how long ago by the size of the record. Here's a picture of the cover.
As you can see, everyone knew my love of the stroopwafels, even though this was a singing group!!
If you are in this area, I do hope you'll go to check out Hudson Chocolates. Only open on the weekend noon to 5, unless its a holiday, then sometimes they are open the week before. Go to the web site and get directions--Cottage and Smith Street-Poughkeepsie,NY You will be greeted by these wonderful people and get to taste their wonderful chocolate. 5 stars in my book!!
One day Deedee Lumb came to my house and said get your pocketbook and I'm taking you somewhere. We drove to an area I had NEVER been before and wondered if I would ever find it again. We arrived at The Hudson Chocolate shop. Well, that was a surprise and I was impressed the minute I walked in the door--with the beautiful chocolates and with the beautiful people who owned and ran the shop. Francisco Migoya, his wife Kris and daughter Isabella and Annie Kamin met us at the door. Francisco is the owner and chocolatier, with the help of his wife and daughter and Annie is their right hand chocolatier. Francisco and Kris are graduates of the CIA and Professors at the Institute. Annie gives the tours, helps make the chocolate, decorate etc and I have to say are the nicest, kindess, fun, creative and expert chocolatiers ever!!! We immediately bonded. Yes, I bought practically every piece of chocolate they displayed. I have given it for Christmas presents, Birthdays, Valentines Day etc etc. Now THAT'S CHOCOLATE. The Mexican Hot Chocolate is amazing as well. I was going back regularly and one day Francisco said "we would like to name a chocolate bar after you as you are such a good customer". He said I could go home and my family and I could "design" it. Well that we did.
Danika said you like stroopwafels so why not start there. Henry suggested dark chocolate with a little salt and thought the name "Dutch Treat" would be good but The Tibby Bar stuck instead.I know Tara was in on it but she doesn't think so---we asked her for her opinion and she did a taste test and it passed!! They had to "tweak" it a bit and The Tibby Bar was born. You can check it out on the Hudson Chocolate website. They do a lot of mail order business as well.
Just to mention: when you go there Annie gives you a tour where you can taste all the different chocolates. They try to incorporate local flavors and create some amazing shapes and tastes. Each holiday has its own special creative chocolate forms and tastes.
Years back, I lived in Holland and LOVED going to the bakery or to the street markets where you could get fresh hot stroopwafels (a thin waffel type cookie with carmel between the layers--yum!!Whenever anyone would come here to visit from Holland I would ask them to bring some with them. One day in the mail a funny record arrived (see how long ago by the size of the record. Here's a picture of the cover.
If you are in this area, I do hope you'll go to check out Hudson Chocolates. Only open on the weekend noon to 5, unless its a holiday, then sometimes they are open the week before. Go to the web site and get directions--Cottage and Smith Street-Poughkeepsie,NY You will be greeted by these wonderful people and get to taste their wonderful chocolate. 5 stars in my book!!
MARCH 20, 2014
Just wanted to mention one other thing about the Iditarod. The Veterinarians are an integral part of this race. They volunteer their time and have to go where they are sent. They have to be available when the dogs come in, day and night, and check each team out as they go thru the checkpoints. They follow stringent rules. They are wonderful with the dogs (and with the mushers) and each year they choose one Vet that stood out. This year they were unable to do that. THey chose, instead, to honor all the Vets as each and everyone of them did their important job with care, professionalism, kindness, concern, and with a smile. I have been talking with my Vet here in Pleasant Valley, I won't mention who as she did not give me permission to do so, and she is now going either next year or the following to volunteer her time.
I am soooo excited. I will try to be there when she is.
Just wanted to mention one other thing about the Iditarod. The Veterinarians are an integral part of this race. They volunteer their time and have to go where they are sent. They have to be available when the dogs come in, day and night, and check each team out as they go thru the checkpoints. They follow stringent rules. They are wonderful with the dogs (and with the mushers) and each year they choose one Vet that stood out. This year they were unable to do that. THey chose, instead, to honor all the Vets as each and everyone of them did their important job with care, professionalism, kindness, concern, and with a smile. I have been talking with my Vet here in Pleasant Valley, I won't mention who as she did not give me permission to do so, and she is now going either next year or the following to volunteer her time.
I am soooo excited. I will try to be there when she is.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Two above shots FYI: Top: the two last finishers. See how close they are.
Next shot: Maruskiya's on Front St. in Nome owned by Patty and Marty James. Great shop with authentic goods and beautiful wares. We met Patty and Marty at the Santa Fe, NM craft fair. THey told us they were from Nome and we would see them the next year there. Patty was from QUEENS and asked us to bring some Italian pastries for her which we did. We had dinner at their home in Nome and enjoyed seeing them.
Mike Cavin from the Nome Chamber of Commerce was wonderful to us. We spoke on the phone so many times when I met him I felt like we had known each other forever!! He got married the next year and is still in Nome.
Another note about Aliy Zirkle. Think I mentioned this in my blogs from a few years ago but here goes again. Hank wanted to experience being a musher with "his own team" well....you know what I mean.
He needed to know where to go, who to go with etc etc. He called Aliy Zirkle for some info. She called him right back and said she wanted to help but she was on her way to a race --she would hook him up with "Paws for Adventure" where some of her dogs were. Hank did go with that group and had a great time. That's why Abbie West wrote a note to Hank about his "dog racing" on her poster.
I mention this as it is just wonderful how genuine, friendly, fun, helpful and unassuming all these people are.
Before we put an end to Iditarod 2014 I will mention a few of the other awards given at the banquet.
Sportsmanship award - $1.049 + a plaque (strange amount) to Mike Williams Jr.
Mushers Choice Award - for the most inspirational on the trail - a gold coin valued at $3,900 given to
Aaron Burmeister
Best Attitude on the trail - $1,049 (seems like a trend) and free freight allotment given to
Newton Marshall
Best Checkpoint - rated by the mushers - GALENA
Fastest time fm Safety to Nome- Jessie Royer and Ray Redington Jr.
Most improved musher - a trophy and $2,000 given to Richie Diehl
1st musher to Galena - $1,000 and 25 lbs of Bristol Bay Salmon given to Aliy Zirkle
1st musher to the Gold Coast - Aily Zirkle
Rookie of the Year - $1,500 + a trophy given to Nathan Schroeder
1/2 way checkpoint award - $3,000 in gold nuggets given to Aaron Burmeister
1st musher to the Yukon - $3,500 and a 5 course catered meal in Ruby given to Jeff King
A new 4 wheeler to a musher who finishes the race and has the key that starts the 4 wheeler--opened by
Robert Sorlie
Lots of Awards for lots of talented, caring, hearty, wonderful people.
MAY NEXT YEAR BRING LOTS OF SNOW AND REASONABLE TEMPERATURES, GOOD DOGS AND GOOD MUSHERS!! TILL NEXT YEAR.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)