October 2013

CLIR VOICE .clirsf.org

President’s Message At the Membership Town Meeting held August 23, an energetic, enthusiastic group brought up many helpful ideas for increasing our numbers. Several members expressed how important our small group classes, with ample opportunity for questions and answers, are to them. They pointed out how the rich diversity of our life experiences enhances our learning. In other words, we learn from each other as well as from those people who come in to teach us. Others pointed out how important the social contacts with others are for the health and well-being of seniors. Many CLIR members do volunteer work for other organizations. It was suggested that this is something we should publicize as well as use these volunteer settings to tell others about CLIR. There was general agreement that it would be very important for the vitality and longevity of the organization to recruit younger members--i.e. 50 years of age. Exploring media contacts was also emphasized—such as interviews on TV and radio talk shows. Holding open houses at CLIR provides an opportunity to meet members and learn about our activities from the committee chairs. Likewise, attending a general meeting would give prospective members an overview of the organization's activities as well as a chance to meet members and sample the Hospitality Committee's great food. While some of us learned about CLIR from a poster or newspaper article, a very large number were told about us by members. So, we are again our own best assets. I would like to thank Robby Kiley and Barbara Patinkin for the very hard work on Membership and Bonnie Martz for facilitating the meeting. Cordially, Sid Rosenberg

October, 2013

DATES TO REMEMBER October 1 Save the Bay Documentary begins October 4 General Meeting & Social Hour October 9 Beginning Memoir Class starts December 6 Holiday Gala ——————— The CLIR Office is open Tuesdays & Fridays Call 543-3965 Consult your Rosters For Member phone numbers and Email addresses. If you don’t have a roster, call the office to have one sent, or get one the next time you are at CLIR.

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Class Updates BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP—Ann White

Tuesday, October 22, 10:30 The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson This epic novel is part breathless thriller, part coming of age, and part romantic love story. It is a riveting portrait of a world previously hidden from view - a North Korea rife with hunger, corruption, and casual cruelty. Yet, it’s also a tale of camaraderie and stolen moments of beauty and sacrifice. Johnson’s storytelling is a towering literary achievement. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 2013. Click here for an excerpt read by the author: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CZJVTRBH4w

HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES—Tania Yates October 1, 10:30am Lecture 79: Environmentalism Lecture 80: Religion in 20th Century America

October 15, 10:30am Lecture 81: Carter and the Reagan Revolution Lecture 82: The New World Order.

SAVING THE BAY—Jean Port October 1, 1:00pm The first of four DVDs October 15, 1:00pm The second of four DVDs

SAVING THE BAY—A DOCUMENTARY FILM This four-part documentary by Ron Blatman starts with the geologic origins of the Bay following the last Ice Age. It spans three centuries including European discoveries, Gold Rush, Earthquake, World Fairs, World Wars and present day. The film focuses on the reasons for great changes and threats to the survival of the Bay. You'll see amazing photographs and videos narrated by historians, engineers, wildlife scientists and ordinary citizens.

Ready, Set, GO . . .

DOWN MEMORY LANE: FINDING YOUR HIDDEN MEMOIRIST Linda Howe Steiger, Facilitator Four Wednesdays, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

These workshops are especially for those new to CLIR's memoir writing course. They're designed to help you get started, get organized, and discover how much fun memoir writing can be. No specific writing or story-telling talent required. October 9: Scenes from your life--Discussion of the value of memoir and why you're doing this. Find your "audience." Learn to use simple "prompts" to stimulate memories you believed long lost. October 16: Setting up your memory notebook and "Memory Bank" -- how to avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay organized as you write. October 23: See how the timeline of your life helps shape your story. Learn the importance of detail for better writing. October 30: Draw floor plans of some former homes and discover how objects and places stimulate stories from your past.

On hiatus in October: Spanish Class Discontinued: Bridge Starters

For up to date news about CLIR activities and classes—go to CLIRSF.org.

Prepared by Gail Schlueck

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Current Activities ART ON THE GO—Fran Hasher

Beyond Belief: 100 Years of the Spiritual in Modern Art Contemporary Jewish Museum—736 Mission St. (between 3rd and 4th Sts.) Thursday, October 24, 2:00pm Beyond Belief is an expansive exhibition exploring the spiritual dimensions of modern art, especially as seen through the lens of Jewish theological concepts. The exhibition features forty-eight internationally known artists whose work—painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation art—are all drawn from SFMOMA’s outstanding collection. Ranging from a 1914 abstraction by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian to a luminous 1960 abstraction by Mark Rothko and oversized prayer beads by contemporary artist Zarina, Beyond Belief provides an engaging alternative that prioritizes spirituality in the reading of art. Meet us in the lobby where we will join a 2:00pm public docent tour. Admission: In Contemporary Jewish Museum addition to CJM membership cards, you may use your SFMOMA card for this show. Please request an additional ticket to share with CLIR members who are not museum members. Regular senior admission: $10. Transportation: Convenient to BART/Muni Metro Montgomery and Powell stations and to many buses.

DINING AND DISCUSSION—Karla Jones

Lolo, 3230 22nd Street, near Mission www.lolosf.com Wednesday, October 16; 6:00pm Loló is a family-owned restaurant that offers non-traditional and uniquely inspired Mexican food, utilizing local ingredients. Great food is coupled with the decor of one of Mexico’s most creative designers, full of color and music. Loló invites people to experience Mexican culture and cuisine, reimagined. Our visit to Lolo was inspired by a recent spotlight on KQED’s Check Please Bay Area where everyone agreed this is a truly distinctive and delicious Mexican restaurant. There is a nearby parking lot. Lolo’s is served by Muni #14 & 49 buses on Mission. Mark your calendar, then join CLIR for the fun, good food and fellowship by calling Karla by October 14 at 415-673-1508 to make a reservation. Remember to bring cash.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM CLUB—Pat Tibbs

Wednesday, October 23, 10:30am PROMPT START In this romantic tragedy, Chinese director Yimou Zhang's visually sumptuous cinematography complements the sensual story line in which the abused wife (Gong Li) of a wealthy silk dyer (Li Wei) enters into an affair with her husband's nephew (Li Bao-tian). Arresting images, exquisite use of color and a classic yet complex plot combine for a richly satisfying drama that earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. If you have a favorite foreign language film to share with the group please email Pat and she will put it in our queue.

Clir is a volunteer organization. To give your volunteer services, contact any of the chairs listed on page 8 in this issue of the voice.

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Current Activities VICARIOUS TRAVELER—Three Week Tour in Japan —Roslyn Rhodes Friday, October 11, Noon From June 27 through July 11, 1976, Roslyn participated in a Japan Society, Inc. travel program which emphasized briefings on traditional Japanese arts, social issues, protocol during contacts with Japanese people, getting around by train and subway with the public, as well as field trips, and attending a Kabuki drama. Particularly memorable were an overnight stay at a Zen Buddhism monastery, a visit to the country town of Tsumago, and witnessing, in Kyoto, a Gion Festival featuring shrine floats. The overriding highlight of this trip was a six day homestay with a Japanese family in Hitachi. Join Roslyn in re-visiting this highly unique tour in Japan.

Coming Attractions ART ON THE STAY—Tom Rothgeisser Yosemite I, October 16th 2011.

David Hockney Show: A Bigger Exhibition.

Wednesday, November 20, 10:30am A docent will visit CLIR ato tell us about this exhibition. David Hockney: A Bigger Exhibition marks the return to California of the best-known British artist of his generation with a show assembled exclusively for the de Young. It is the first comprehensive survey of Hockney’s work since 2002, perhaps the most prolific decade of his career. More than 300 works in 18,000 square feet of gallery space make this the largest show in the history of the de Young. There will be the usual modest $5 fee to defray the costs of the docent’s visit.

CLIR News C'est Si Bon! by Anna Z. Sylvester A new CLIR Classe de Francais has begun with great enthusiasme! Our teacher, Professeur James Gussenhoven, began by demonstrating the power of cognates or words that are the same in English as in Francais. We just might know more than we thought. Allons-y! Professeur James gave us a lesson in Gallic politesse at a patisserie, or how NOT to be an obnoxious American and piss les Francais off. One doesn't have to speak francais perfectly--just observe the rules, do your best, and you will get respect from Madame La Farge, the crustiest counter lady in Paris.

Professeur & etudiants

Professor James is helped by another fluent French speaker—Paulette Ich. Paulette taught le francais diplomatique in Washington DC so you can be assured that you are learning absolument parfait francais.

This class is a wonderful way to re-awaken your brain, go down those paths that you have already cut; you will be surprised at what you remember. Il faut improve our speaking skills (and our manners!) which will make us more comfortable in our travels to La Belle France or a visit to L'Alliance Francaise, or Le Jardiniere, here in San Francisco. What does it take to learn le francais? Pour apprendre le francais, il faut avoir 5 choses--du vin, du pain, du chocolat, du fromage et du courage. Et aussi un Bon Professeur. Merci Beaucoup, Professeur James!

Here are the October Classes at CLIR just waiting for you to explore your inner Frenchness: Wednesday(s), October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, at 2:00pm

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CLIR News TOWN HALL MEETING ON MEMBERSHIP—Facilitated by Bonnie Martz Friday, August 23.

Summary by Nick Maffei

Twenty four CLIR members participated. Suggestions were innovative. The names in parenthesis are members who volunteered to assist in the topics mentioned. More suggestions and volunteers are welcome and needed. Send your suggestions to the CLIR Membership Committee. Or, talk to the chairs. They are: Robby Kiley and Barbara Patinkin.

Promote CLIR Hold "Open House" sessions and invite perspective mem-

Wahl on Sunday mornings - (Barbara P.)...Reach lonely old-

bers...Place notices of CLIR "Open House" in neighborhood

time residents, those who miss old San Francisco - (Herb

papers...Have CLIR committee presentations to new and

Weiner)...Use CLIR Web site listings of daily activities…Invite

perspective members...hold Public Information fairs -

CLIR film club members to participate - (Phyllis Span-

(Rosemary Wendt)...Promote CLIR at JCCSF "Financial Well-

dorf)...Invite SF newsmakers, prominent individuals to ad-

Being Fair," 11/17/2013…Email VOICE to prospective mem-

dress CLIRsights...Employ a wider distribution of CLIR VOICE,

bers...Create a CLIR speakers bureau for new retirees...Bring

Business Cards, etc….Define our target audience -18% of SF

guests to "First Friday" meetings - (Fran Chan)...Pledge to

are seniors, 50+...Target baby boomers, and people living

bring in one new member/mo to any free CLIR activ-

independently in apt buildings...Target Churches , Super

ity...Create a CLIR marketing budget..."Adopt" visitors and

Markets, Hospitals, Libraries, Senior Centers ,

new members - (Patricia)...Hold Orientation Meeting for

JCCSF...Contact SF Mayor's commission on Aging, get CLIR

new members, with committee chairs...Display photos of

listed - (Herb Weiner)...List CLIR with SF Department of Ag-

new members in a VOICE "Welcome New Members" col-

ing and Adult Services- (Herb Weiner)...CLIR can offer infor-

umn...Encourage new members to be active , follow up on

mation on our heritage to younger members - (Herb

indicated interests…

Weiner)...Capitalize on what makes SF, San Francisco - (Herb

Research why members are not renewing or continuing

Weiner)...Emphasize CLIR as a unique community, a fellow-

after trial membership?...collect data on members, old and

ship of exceptional members...Offer free seminars on SF

new…

uniqueness, active learning, new retires -

Publicize CLIR Publicize CLIRsights in local newspapers, -(Sid

(Rosemary)...Change CLIR name to include social aspects as well as community...Provide and wear CLIR buttons - (Fran

Rosenberg)...Place ads in Richmond Review, Sunset Beacon, Hasher, Rosemary)...volunteer at Community Services Bay Guardian, Examiner...Use Craigslist.org to advertise CLIR (Barbara P.)...Share activities, backgrounds with other memactivities under community events...Contact teachers un-

bers - (Roslyn Rhodes)...Offer classes with more interactions,

ions for lists of retiring teachers and faculty -

personal histories, not just lectures - (Roslyn Rho-

(Rosemary)...CLIR brochures, postcards in bookstores - (Enid des)...Emphasis CLIR activities are all volunteer, peer classes, walks, dining, etc...accept Credit Card, PayPal payment for Leff)...Place CLIR brochures in Libraries - (Rosemary, Fran Chang)...Email CLIR VOICE to your friends, and associ-

membership fees….Allow discount on membership fees

ates...Contact radio stations KQED, KLMA, KDFC, KPFA -

paid in cash

(Barbara P.)...Contact TV Channel 4 - movie reviews by Jan

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NEW MEMBERS Denise Chapleau is trying us out for three months. She has been a teacher of Art and English as a Second Language. Denise is French Canadian, from Montreal. At CLIR she may participate in team teaching French and might help with Planning, Tours, Walks or Current Events. She has been a customer service representative with a health products company and a travel representative with a construction company. She used to travel a lot, mainly to France, but now is happy just walking in San Francisco, especially with dogs. She enjoys natural history – birds, animals and forests - and volunteers at the Arboretum. With us she may participate in Current Affairs, Play reading and Issues on Aging. She learned about us from a classmate while attending a class at Kaiser. Lynne Davies is a recently retired senior eligibility worker at Medical Health Connections. She enjoys world travel and photography. She happily attends opera, ballet and the symphony, and loves animals. Her interests at CLIR involve art courses, Current Affairs, the Movie Club and Book Discussions. She has already Joined the French class, but makes sure she leaves time for swimming to stay in shape. This energetic new member might also be willing to help with the Outreach Committee, the Office Services Committee or the Annual Picnic. Lynne learned about CLIR from Karla Jones. -Enid Leff

CLIRsights Friday, October 11, 1:30pm The Joe Goode Performance Group promotes understanding, compassion and tolerance among people through the innovative use of dance and theater. Joe Goode has been recognized nationally and internationally as an artistic director who incorporates movement, voice, combined text and humor with deeply physical, high velocity dancing. One of his signature works was produced and aired nationally by PBS and he was named a United States Artists Fellow in 2008, one of only five national dance artists so honored. Hear about his new studio space, located in the Mission, which hosts movement classes, community events, as well as a rehearsal studio. Mr. Goode will discuss his upcoming work, Hush, which is set to debut in late September in San Francisco. Learn about his philosophy of multimedia performance and the limitless potential of where and how dancetheater can be experienced.

YOUR GUESTS ARE WELCOME AT ANY CLIRSIGHTS EVENT

WALKS, FINANCE COMMITTEES NEED NEW BLOOD By Richard Magary

Two important CLIR Committees have an urgent and immediate need for new members, fresh ideas and new leadership. Walks Committee Special Meeting—October 4, noon before the General Meeting. This group seeks new members to create, plan and lead our popular monthly strolls and explorations. It’s easy and fun! Walks also seeks a chair to keep our schedule and lead brief meetings as we plan future walks. Please join us to share your ideas. Finance Committee creates CLIR’s annual budget, then monitors our financial performance during the year. Special financial skills not required—just a love for CLIR and willingness to help. We meet some Wednesdays, 11:00am at CLIR. For the next Finance Committee date or any other information about either Walks or Finance Committees, contact Richard Magary.

THE ANNUAL CLIR ART SHOW THE SEQUOIAS—FEBRUARY 2014 So,... get your works (maximum of three per artist) finished, framed, wired and ready to hang on Saturday, February 1. Also, The Art Show needs a new chairperson. Are YOU the one who can do this pleasant task? If so, please contact Sid or Robby on the CLIR Council

VOLUNTEER NOW

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Every October we print the names of those who chair the committees that make CLIR a Community. Study these committees and then ask where YOU can help.

Annual Luncheon: Vicki Bell Art on the Go: Fran Hasher Art Show: Open Book Discussion: Ann White Caring: Debra Benedick CLIR Honors: George Lucas CLIRsights-- Enid Leff, Gail Schlueck Curriculum-- Tom Rothgeiser, Gail Schlueck Dining and Discussion: Karla Jones Finance: Richard Magary Hospitality: George Lucas

Membership: Robby Kiley and Barbara Patinkin Office Services Task Force: Karla Jones Tours: Tom Rothgeiser Shakespeare Santa Cruz: Enid Leff Special Audiences: Phyllis Spandorf Vicarious Traveler: Nick Maffei Voice: Alice Steele Walks: Richard Magary Website: Linda Howe Steiger and Nick Maffei

MAGIC DATE ON THE CLIR CALENDAR: THE 3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

That’s when you should receive your full-color emailed VOICE for the upcoming month. If it’s not in your inbox, please email the office with a cc to Linda Howe Steiger. If you receive your VOICE via the USPS, you should receive it in black and white format the following week.

CENTER FOR LEARNING IN RETIREMENT SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA 50 FIRST STREET, SUITE 300 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105 Telephone: (415) 543-3965 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.clirsf.org

Office Hours 10:00am to 2:30pm Tuesday & Friday

Council:

President: Sid Rosenberg First Vice President: Robby Kiley Second Vice President: Karla Jones Secretary: Phyllis Abad Treasurer: Bill Gregory Members at Large: Fran Chan Roger Kallen Bonnie Martz Barbara Patinkin Susan Schneider Ann White Voice: Editorial Staff: Alice Steele—[email protected] John Lavelle and Ann White Distribution Staff: Ros Goldstein & Friends

DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER ISSUE October 11, 2013

October 2013 Issue