IDENT’S MESSAGE · 2020-06-24 · Some of you have asked when will we resume in-person...
6
Joanne Handlong [email protected] Jerry Crow [email protected] Ellen DuBiel [email protected] Deborah McNeill deborahmcneill@icloudcom Board Members / Chairs **Denotes non-Board members Close Encounters With the Arts Carole Sobel [email protected] Culinary Lunch Financials, Data Base **Bob Hurni [email protected] Membership Doris Green [email protected] Foreign Films/Movies & Dinner Bill Plank [email protected] Carole Sobel [email protected] Newsleer **Bey Sayers [email protected] Socials/Happy Hour Coordinator ** Julie Taylor [email protected] Theatre, Calendar Coordinator Joanne Handlong, [email protected] Special Assignments Ron Webster (No email) Website, SFA Express Doris Green [email protected] July-August 2020 Volume 34 Number 5 Celebrating 33 years of Supporting the Arts Check out our website: www.societyforthearts.org PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE We are going into our fourth month of this Covid-19 pandemic and it’s hard to believe it is still with us; in fact, it’s been getting worse in Arizona! I for one am relieved that we are now required to wear masks in public settings when social distancing is not possible. Personally, I wear one in any pub- lic setting. I hope you are masking up too! Fortunately, they are easy to find now. We need to work together to protect one another and to bring this virus under control until treat- ments and/or a vaccine are developed to combat it. Meanwhile, your Board of Directors has been working to plan interesting and fun activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. At our June 8 meeting we decided to send out a survey to each of you regarding using the Zoom application for virtual activities. We wanted to gauge your interest in four specific Zoom activities: 1) Discussion Groups, 2) Book Club, 3) Virtual Happy Hours, and 4) Games. About 50% of you responded and there was enough interest in 2 or 3 of them for us to go forward with planning some activities for July and August. These will be Discussion Groups, Book Club, and a Virtual Happy Hour and we've added a Sunday Movie Discussion Group which was not on the survey. These activities will all be done via the Zoom application. Some survey respondents indicated they would like to learn Zoom in order to participate and we will be providing instructions to those individuals, including offering one-on- one virtual help. We’re hoping some of you who said “no” to learning Zoom or who didn’t respond to the survey will decide to join in when you see what is planned. It’s a good opportunity to see old friends and familiar faces during this period of social isolation. You’ll find an article, Some Tips for Using Zoom, inside this newsletter. --continued next page-- OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER 1
Transcript of IDENT’S MESSAGE · 2020-06-24 · Some of you have asked when will we resume in-person...
Joanne Handlong
Jerry Crow [email protected]
Ellen DuBiel [email protected]
Deborah McNeill deborahmcneill@icloudcom
Board Members / Chairs **Denotes non-Board members
Close Encounters With the Arts Carole Sobel [email protected]
Culinary Lunch
Financials, Data Base **Bob Hurni [email protected]
Membership Doris Green [email protected]
Foreign Films/Movies & Dinner Bill Plank [email protected] Carole Sobel [email protected]
Newsletter **Betty Sayers [email protected]
Socials/Happy Hour Coordinator ** Julie Taylor [email protected]
Theatre, Calendar Coordinator Joanne Handlong, [email protected]
Special Assignments Ron Webster (No email)
Website, SFA Express Doris Green [email protected]
July-August 2020
Volume 34 Number 5 Celebrating 33 years of Supporting the Arts
Check out our website: www.societyforthearts.org
PRES IDENT’S MESSAGE
We are going into our fourth month of this Covid-19 pandemic and it’s hard to believe it is still with us; in fact, it’s been getting worse in Arizona! I for one am relieved that we are now required to wear masks in public settings when social distancing is not possible. Personally, I wear one in any pub-lic setting. I hope you are masking up too! Fortunately, they are easy to find now. We need to work together to protect one another and to bring this virus under control until treat-ments and/or a vaccine are developed to combat it.
Meanwhile, your Board of Directors has been working to plan interesting and fun activities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home. At our June 8 meeting we decided to send out a survey to each of you regarding using the Zoom application for virtual activities. We wanted to gauge your interest in four specific Zoom activities: 1) Discussion Groups, 2) Book Club, 3) Virtual Happy Hours, and 4) Games. About 50% of you responded and there was enough interest in 2 or 3 of them for us to go forward with planning some activities for July and August. These will be Discussion Groups, Book Club, and a Virtual Happy Hour and we've added a Sunday Movie Discussion Group which was not on the survey.
These activities will all be done via the Zoom application. Some survey respondents indicated they would like to learn Zoom in order to participate and we will be providing instructions to those individuals, including offering one-on-one virtual help. We’re hoping some of you who said “no” to learning Zoom or who didn’t respond to the survey will decide to join in when you see what is planned. It’s a good opportunity to see old friends and familiar faces during this period of social isolation. You’ll find an article, Some Tips for Using Zoom, inside this newsletter.
--continued next page--
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
1
Presidents Message continued
Some of you have asked when will we resume in-person activities. The answer is when it is safe to do so. The Board will meet on August 3, via Zoom, to review the Covid-19 situation and dis-cuss whether we can resume some in-person activ-ities in September. We are a vulnerable age group and we will be guided by the science and our own State statistics. The health of you, our members, is our first priority.
In closing, I want to point out that this is Betty Sayers’ first newsletter as Editor. Be sure to thank her for volunteering to take on this important task. So happy to have you in this new spot, Betty.
To all of you, stay well and stay safe. I hope to see you soon—maybe on Zoom!
Joanne Handlong
Let’s Recognize these members: New Member
Her name is Ona Lee Mosier; she joined through our book club; has attended 3 book club events. Recruited by Barbara Rosen.
Happy Birthday to these members
born in July
Bob Hurni
Rick Lintner
Gerry Lewis
born in August
Ron Webster
Betty Sayers
Linn Russell
Carmen Wootton
Did we miss listing your birthday? Send anemail to [email protected] and we’ll get our records updated.
Some Tips for Using Zoom
1. You will need a computer* with a webcam andmicrophone (laptop, tablet (Android or iOS) or asmartphone. *Note that laptops have a microphone,speakers, and camera whereas PCs may not. If you have aPC and want to interact with the group you will need amicrophone, webcam, and speakers. If you do not have awebcam, you can still participate in the meeting. You will beable to hear and see everyone; they will not be able to seeyou. They will see a silhouette, your picture, or username.
2. Go to https://zoom.us/download and download theapp for the device you will be using to participate in themeeting. Do this in advance of the Zoom meeting. If youdon’t do it ahead of time, you will have an opportunity at thestart of the meeting but it will take time to download.
3. Prior to the meeting, you will receive an emailinvitation from the host with the date and time of themeeting as well as the Zoom URL, meeting ID andencrypted password. You simply click on the URL, followthe onscreen instructions and you will enter the meetingWaiting Room. The meeting host will admit you when themeeting starts.
If you need help after following the above instructions, you may contact Jerry Crow, [email protected], or Joanne Handlong, [email protected] for assistance,including having a trial zoom session in advance of one of our events.
BOARD MEETING VIA ZOOM
Monday, August 3, 2:00 PM RSVP BY 8/1
The SFA Board will meet via Zoom. The main topic planned for discussion will be to review the Covid-19 situation in the metropolitan Phoenix area and determine whether it is safe to resume any in-person activities in September. All members with access to Zoom are invited to attend the meeting. An email with the link and password for the Zoom meeting will be sent to members whoRSVP.Please RSVP to Joanne Handlong, [email protected], by Sat, Aug. 1st if you are planning to attend.
2
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUNDAY AT THE MOVIES: A DISCUSSION ON ZOOM Sunday, July 19, 3:00pm RSVP BY 7/17
Prior to July 19, individually watch the movie “Big Night” which is free on Tubitv.com.We will meet via Zoom on Sunday, July 19 to discuss the movie. Hosted by Carole Sobel.“Big Night” is like the sumptuous meal that Jersey shore restaurateurs throw for Louis Prima in the hopes of attracting attention to their failing establishment. Lovingly crafted by Stanley Tucci, it is a tribute to food, to all things American, to immigrants trying to make it, and to the love between brothers. It stars Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, Minnie Driver and Isabella Rosellini. A winner at Sundance, it received the Screenwriting Award. Just as the folks in the fifties expected Italian food to be spaghetti and sauce, we have come to expect the usual things at the movies. So when Tucci comes up with risotto and timpano, we don't know how to react. "Big Night" will make your mouth water for something more, and maybe leave you unsatisfied with the usual movie fare as well. Rated R for language.You must RSVP to Carole, [email protected], by Friday, 7/17, if you plan to join us. On Sunday, you will receive an email invitation with the link and password to join the Zoom discussion.
Sunday, August 23, 3:00pm RSVP BY 8/21
Prior to August 23, individually watch the movie ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ on Tubitv.com. We will meet via Zoom on Sunday, August 23. Hosted by Carole Sobel. ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is a darkly comic drama from Academy Award winner Martin McDonagh (IN BRUGES). After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes (Academy Award winner Frances McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby (Academy Award nominee Woody Harrelson), the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence, gets involved, the battle between Mildred and Ebbing's law enforcement is only exacerbated. You must RSVP to Carole, [email protected], by Friday, 8/21, if you plan to join us. On Sunday, you will receive an email invitation with the link and password to join the Zoom discussion.
VIRTUAL HAPPY HOURS Thursday, July 23, 4:30pm – 6:00pm RSVP BY 7/22
Let's get together during this crazy time and make a ZOOM HAPPY HOUR the highlight of your day. Pour a glass of your favorite beverage (don't worry about getting a DWI), grab a yummy snack and get comforta-ble. This will be a nice way of sharing some of the experiences we have had during our quarantine and will let everyone know we are still interested in socializing and touching base with old friends. This event will be hosted by Julie Taylor. You must RSVP by Wed., 7/22, 12:00 Noon to Julie, [email protected], if you plan to attend this happy hour. On Thursday afternoon, you will receive an email invitation with the Zoom meeting link and password.
NEXT VIRTUAL HAPPY HOUR
Thursday, August 20, 4:30pm – 6:00pm We are holding this date to see how par ticipation goes in the July 23 Happy Hour. We hope to “meet” you for a cocktail and appetizer again here. We will send out an SFA Express to either confirm or cancel this event. Contact Julie Taylor, [email protected], if you have any questions.
NEXT SUNDAY AT THE MOVIES DISCUSSION
3
EVENTS CONTINUED
BOOK CLUB ON ZOOM
Monday, July 27, 6:30 PM RSVP BY 7/25
"An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones. This was a 2018 Oprah’s Book Club Selection and winner of the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction. This is a story that resonates with our current times. The New York Times reviewer described it as a “wise and compassionate new novel” …that “tells us a story we think we know. Roy, a young black man, is tried and wrongly convicted of rape while his wife, Celestial, waits for his return. But Jones’s story isn’t the one we are expecting, a courtroom drama or an examination of the prison-industrial complex; instead, it is a clear vision of the quiet devastation of a family. The novel focuses on the failed hopes of romantic love, disapproving in-laws, flawed families of origin, and the question of life with or without children that all married couples must negotiate. It is beautifully written, with many allusions to black music and culture — including the everyday poetry of the African-American community that begs to be heard.” Joanne Handlong will be facilitating this discussion. You must RSVP to [email protected] by 7/25 in order to receive the Zoom meeting link and password for this event. The information will be emailed to those who RSVP on the day of the event.
Monday, August 31, 6:30 PM RSVP by 8/29
"The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway - Facilitator - Victoria HeilThe story follows the flamboyant Brett and the hapless Jake as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920's Paris to the brutal bull-fighting rings of Spain with a motley group of expatriates. It is an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions."The Sun Also Rises" is one of Ernest Hemingway's masterpieces, and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style.
RSVP by 8/29 to Barbara Rosen, [email protected], and to Joanne Handlong, [email protected] On Monday, those who RSVP'd will receive an email invitation with the Zoom link and password to join the discussion.
Topic: “What is the one piece of technology you think has changed the world for the better?”We will meet via Zoom to discuss topics that are of interest to the group. At the end of this first session the participants will be asked to make suggestions for future topics. Each month you will receive an email with the topic and date listed. Carole Sobel will host and moderate this event. You must RSVP to [email protected] by 7/14 if you plan to attend. You will receive an email invitation with the Zoom link prior to the meeting.
NEXT DISCUSSION GROUP
Thursday, August 13, 3:00 p.m. RSVP BY 8/11
Topic: To be selected from recommendations of participants at the 7/16 eventWe will meet via Zoom to discuss topics that are of interest to the group. Each month you will receive an email with the topic and date listed. Carole Sobel will host this event. You must RSVP to [email protected] by 8/11 if you plan to attend. You will receive an email invitation with the Zoom link and password prior to the meeting.
Thursday, July 16, 3:00 p.m.
DISCUSSION GROUP ON ZOOM
RSVP BY 7/14
4
NEXT BOOK CLUB
The mission of the Society for the Arts is to raise money through social events and fundraising to benefit the arts in the
greater Phoenix area. Founded in 1986, Society for the Arts is a 501c(3) organization.
Mail your event payments to:
SFA Treasurer, P.O. Box 807 Mesa, AZ 85211
SFA MEMBERSHIP FEE
$75. 00 per year
Contact:
The Membership Application can be
downloaded and printed from our
website:
www.societyforthearts.org
MAILING ADDRESS
SOCIETY FOR THE ARTS
P.O. Box 807 Mesa AZ 85211
Website: www.societyforthearts.org
SFA GUEST POLICY
We welcome guests to attend up to
three SFA events, but after the 3rd
visit they must join SFA in order to
attend any more events. This
includes theater, culinary lunches,
happy hours and all other events
except those which are open to the
public.
Has your Address, Email or Phone Changed?
Email the new info to [email protected], and to Bob Hurni, [email protected].
If you do not have email access, send the information to our P.O. Box.
We are also on Meet Up Find us at: www.meetup.com
as Active Singles 50 + Enjoying the Arts.
Make checks payable to “Society for the Arts” and write the name of the event in the memo section, or Use PayPal. Go to www.societyforthearts.org, and click on the PayPal link on the Calendar page. You can use your credit card here as a Guest.
September 21st - "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
October 26th - "Nickel Mountain" by John Gardner
November 23rd - "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
December 28th - "What Rose Forgot" by Nevada Barr
January 25th - "The Confession" by Jo Spain
February 22nd - "Once We Were Brothers" by Ronald Balson
BOOK CLUB SELECTIONS FOR SEPT 2020 - FEB 2021
Do you want to read some good books during this Covid-19 period? The SFA Book Club has chosen its books for September 2020 through February 2021. They are listed here to give you an advance peek and hopefully spark your interest in joining the Book Club. We're changing our meeting time to 6:30 PM, and usually meet on the fourth Monday of the month. (The September meeting will be on the third Monday so as not to conflict with Yom Kippur.) Barbara Rosen is our Book Club host. Contact her at [email protected] if you want more information. Discussions are facilitated by the Book Club member who recommends the book. Hope you'll join us for some good reads and interesting and lively discussions.
5
JULY 2020
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 HAPPY
4th
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 3pm
Discussion group
17 18
19 3pm
Movie and Discussion
20 21 22 23 4:30 –6pm
Virtual Happy Hour
24 25
26 27
Book Club
6:30 PM28 29 30 31
AUGUST 2020 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 2pm
Board Meeting
4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 3 PM
Discussion Group
14 15
16 17 18 19 20 Potential Virtual
Happy Hour
21 22
23 3 PM
Movie and Discussion
24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
Book Club
6:30 PM
6
