Tetons Provide Awesome Scenery and a Grand Adventure for Patricia Staub

March 2011 Tetons Provide Awesome Scenery and a Grand Adventure for Patricia Staub

By Patricia Staub western tourist town, but not so crowded or unmanageable when For many years there was an you go in September. After a few antique card/memento shop in stops for vital necessities like al- Sierra Madre owned by an eld- lergy drugs and Vitamin Cs, we erly Scandinavian woman. I were on our way into the Park. used to browse through the shop We had reservations at Jenny on weekend days and often en- Lake Lodge. Our cabin/suite was joyed a brief conversation with delightful. It had all the amenities, the owner. On one occasion, she but such an adorable rustic, log- and I started talking about beau- cabin charm. We had a gorgeous tiful spots we had visited view of the Grand Tetons from our throughout the world. She hap- living room window. We spent our pened to mention the Grand days driving up and down the Park Teton Mountains in Northwest- roads and simply “inhaling” the ern Wyoming. I was thrilled that beauty of all the yellow, orange, she knew about the Tetons as red leaves back dropped by the ma- they have and continue to be my jestic Tetons. How could I possi- favorite magical and mystical re- bly describe that beauty? treat. in Salt Lake City, Utah. From there How can I describe the utter quiet and She volunteered that she and her hus- we boarded a puddle jumper and flew peacefulness? Li and I band (deceased) had, for years, visited into the little tourist town of trekked/strolled along a few easy the Grand Teton National Park in Jackson, Wyoming. I must note trails, took the ferry across Jenny September to see the changing leaves that my friend Li has NEVER before Lake. I encourage Li, who is 10 years of the Aspen trees. I was immediately visited a national park nor has she older than I, to try the short hike after entranced as my trips to the Tetons had ever visited the beautiful state of one crosses the Lake. I kept telling been restricted to summer camp trips Wyoming (my mother’s home state, her that my 86-year-old mother com- and one winter cross-country skiing by the way). pleted that same hike some 15 years trip. Thus, I made a mental commit- When Li disembarked from our little ago! However, Li would not be chal- ment that when I retired, I would get plane and viewed the landscape, the lenged. So I ventured forth to once to the Tetons in the fall to see those BLUE, BLUE skies, the white billowy again view the fantastic falls and cas- Aspen trees. And in September of clouds, she was wordless. She said, “I cades by myself while Li waited at the 2010, I made that trip. can’t believe this!” (Remember, she is boat dock. My dear friend Li, who has been one a city girl, born and raised in New Li, a horse-woman in her youth, per- of my best friends since graduate York City). suaded me to take a trail ride. I did. school, said she would like to join me We rented a car and drove into the for the trip. She lives in Austin, little town of Jackson — quite the Continued on Page 4 Texas. On Sept. 22, the two of us met Alan and Sheila Lamson Host Retirees

2 Mixing Food, Fun and a Little Vino

3 . . . Staub Continues Her Tetons Adventure Continued From Page 1 After two-plus hours on the horse, I didn’t become a cow girl, but I did walk like one.) We took the tram car to the top of one of the ski slopes. Once on top, we got to view hang- gliders...close-up...taking off for their freeing flights. I very much wanted to try hang-gliding, but think my time has passed for that adventure. We drove into Yellowstone National Park one day so Li could see Old Faithful. It once again lived up to its name, “old faithful,” treating us to “its show” on schedule. Wildlife: Li saw moose, black bear up close and personal, but no bison this trip! I was so grateful to the Scandina- vian shop-owner who first put the idea to travel to the Tetons in the au- tumn into my head, all those years ago! What splendor! And all the summer campers and tourists are gone. Retirement is GOOD! Names To Match Up With Photos Alan and Sheila Lamson played Also at the event were Lois Gui - host to the PCC Retirees’ Associa- terrez, Ray Guzman, Jane Hallinger, tion at their home in Pasadena on Conny Huthsteiner, Bobby and Oct. 22. Fifty-two members and Anita Jones, Harry Kawahara, spouses shared good food, fine wine Sheila and Alan Lamson, Pete and interesting conversation with Mhunzi, Inger Moen, Hans “Skip” friends and colleagues. Morkisch, Marion Murphy and Jan This list of those who attended the Platt. mixer should help you place names Jeanne Porusch, Ann Primising, with the faces in the photos. Sylvia Ryan, Pat Savoie, Sally Those attending included: Brenda Shuster, Joe and Merrill Spiro, Pa- Adams, Cecilia and Elvio Angeloni, tricia Staub, Hollis Stewart, Lisa Wilhelm Bleckmann, Mikki Bol- Sugimoto, Jan Sutherland, Paul liger, Suzanne Bravender, Dorothy Swaim, John Tulley, and Mar g Burns, Bruce and Kathy Carter , Vickers, Chrystal Watson, Verna Mary Alice Cervera, Dick Chamber- Wells, and Judy White also stopped lain. by to visit. Other colleagues there included: If you weren’t able to attend this Karlene Cunningham, Lisa Davis, mixer, another one is already in the Al DePonte, Joe and Maria Di- works. So when you get the invita- Massa, Mabel Duncan, Vernon tion in the mail, mark your calendar Faulkner, Carter Gengler, Bill Gold- and join us. mann and John Gregory. Mixer photos by Mikki Bolliger 4 Osher Can Ensure Scholarships in Perpetuity An exceptional opportunity to raise porters. pronounced. As a group, adults with col- scholarships for PCC students has come So far, our retirees have pledged lege degrees, have an unemployment to our attention. In using this opportu- $9,000. Dr. Lisa Sugimoto, vice presi- rate of 5%, steady incomes, and rela- nity, our retirees are able to expand the dent of College Advancement, pleasantly tively stable families. Adults without a impact of our scholarship contributions. surprised us recently with a most gener- high school education, by contrast, face Let me explain ous pledge of $5,000 of her own money an unemployment rate of over 15% and The Bernard Osher Foundation to give us a substantial boost in our declining incomes. pledged $25 scholarship drive. Several retirees’ board Harvard sociologist, Richard Putnam, million to the members have also committed $1,000 reports that we are becoming two soci- California each to the effort. So we are well on our eties, two Americas. There is a deepen- Community way to fund at least one scholarship. ing class divide. Education is becoming Colleges with a However, it is our sincere hope that we the key discriminate in American life. challenge of can fund several of these Osher Founda- As persons who worked at Pasadena matching 50 tion scholarships for our students. Amaz- City College, we are very aware of the cents for every ingly, these scholarships will be in critical role education plays in our soci- dollar raised by perpetuity. ety. the colleges. We know that tuition is increasing due Most Americans accept inequality in For example, a to reduced state revenues. Obviously, it our economy as long as the ladder of op- gift of $13,334, has become more and more expensive to portunity is accessible to anyone who combined with Osher match dollars pursue higher education. We know that wants to work hard. The best way for ($13,334+$6,667) would result in a total textbooks are ridiculously high. Our stu- America to reclaim its self-image as a gift of $20,000, suf ficient to generate dents desperately need financial assis- land of opportunity is to ensure that one full-time scholarship of $1,000 per tance. every young person has access to a de- year. This would be in perpetuity, which, The Osher Challenge is a wonderful cent education. of course, means forever and ever. means to provide an all important finan- This is precisely why it is vital that we We are pleased to report that PCC has cial boost for our students. When you support the Osher scholarship challenge. $696,435 (71%) of its matching goal set give generously to this extraordinary op- Again, the beauty of this special fund is up by the Osher Challenge of $979,577. portunity, it not only supports our stu- that it perpetuates itself, forever. That has We must raise the balance of the Osher dents, but it is an investment in our to make it a most attractive opportunity. Challenge by June 2011. Time is short, nation’s future. For your convenience, we have en- so we need quick action by our PCC sup- In these difficult economic times, the closed a return envelope in this mailing. importance of education is even more Retirees Invited To Join Trips To Italy and Ireland Mick Curran will outline the process of For more detailed information and vari- Merano, Italy film writing. The sessions are designed ous pricings, call Modern Travel Service For people who love the idea of spend- for enjoyment of the process. Jane will at 818 -247-5260. The travel week following time at a first class Spa in the moun- also present a workshop on writing poetry. ing the Spa workshops is also available for tainous wine region of Merano, Italy, and Bernie DePalois will provide personal ses- people who only want to do the travel por- those who want to explore various facets sions with participants who are working tion. of writing, this is a trip designed just for on or wish to begin a novel. you. Each evening will feature an Italian film The workshops and discussions will be presented by Nick and Jane after the gour- Theatre in Ireland led by three PCC faculty members. Jane mand experience of dinner. Afternoons A number of you over the years have Hallinger will present a workshop for peo- and evenings will also provide time for en- joined professors of the English Divi- ple who wish to develop a personal history joying the spa and pools. The week will sion on Theatre trips to Shakespeare through essays to give to their children as begin on June 25 memories of their lives. (With the age of All breakfasts and dinners are included Festival in Ashland, Oregon, Lon don, technology, documents such as personal in the price of the workshops. A reduced New York and Ireland. This summer letters are rare as a form of family history, price is available for mate or friend who Jane Hallinger and Chris McCabe will so the sessions are designed to reestablish just wants to relax and enjoy the spa and be off to the land of Erie for a week at this form of memories). Those who partic- films. After the workshop week, an op- the popular Galway Art’s Festival. An ipate in this biographical workshop, need tional week touring in Italy is available at idyllic city on the stunning west coast no prior writing experience. an additional cost. Continued on Page 7 How’s Retirement Treating You? By Mikki Bolliger that to a soul. Not working is supposed to be great. You just have to admit that maybe there are things about How many times have you heard people who are getting working that you miss—being around people and getting out ready to retire say something like this — “When I retire, I of your pajamas before noon. That’s when a new plan starts want to travel and spend time with my family.” Maybe you to form. How about volunteering somewhere? At first you even said it too. It sure sounded like a good plan when you push the thought out of your head. Why would I want to com- still had to show up for work at the college every day , and mit to a schedule again? But then you realize you still have you were counting the hours until you didn’t have to set that a lot to offer, and you don’t like staying home all the time. alarm clock anymore. But when you’re looking at retirement You start to think about it more seriously, but what would from the work side, a life of leisure looks pretty darn good. you do? You have to find a fun place to volunteer that won’t However, when you’re on the other side looking back, some- make you feel like you’re back at work. A dilemma yes, but times retirement is not as fulfilling as you thought it would it is a nice one to have. There are literally hundreds of or - be. ganizations looking for volunteers. And there is one that is Some of us manage a trip or two before we realize that we perfect for the skills that you have. don’t like being gone from home all the time. Traveling can This is where this newsletter comes in. Starting with this be educational and fun, but it is also expensive. So if you issue, we will be featuring different places where some of have to curtail your travel, what do you do now? Oh yes, our retirees are volunteering. In subsequent editions, we will spend time with the family . That would be nice too, but focus on finding the various organizations in need of volun- they’re all working while you’re at home wondering what to teers. So if you’re feeling a need for a change of pace, the do next. answer may be right at your fingertips. You may actually be a little bored, but you wouldn’t admit Looking for Something Fun and Fulfilling? Docents at the Autry Believe They’ve Found the Best Place

By Mikki Bolliger joyable and challenging, and I had to I started thinking about places I like be able to choose my days and how to visit regularly. Hmmmm—muse- Since I retired from teaching at PCC, often I wanted to work. And of course, ums fit that bill. Now I had to decide I can honestly say I have never been I had to find a place that was a good fit which one. The Autry Museum came bored. However, one year into retire- for me. to mind immediately. I love history, ment, I realized there was defi- and I particularly like the museum’s nitely something missing in my life focus on the West. (After all, I grew I finally figure out that I missed the up with all those cowboys on TV students and talking to adults other and in the movies.) Although I have than family. I certainly didn’t lack read a lot about the history of the for companionship. My husband is old West, I knew I had a whole lot retired, and he is home. My mother more to learn. So that sounded like lives with us, and my three grand- a good option to explore. children are at our house almost The next day, I visited The Autry, every day. But I needed something and learned that a new docent class more. was starting in just a few weeks. I I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, thought about it for a few days and but I knew I needed something signed up. The classes met on Mon- more stimulating. That’s when the days from the end of June through thought of volunteering started to the middle of September. Histori- germinate in my brain. The prob- ans, authors and curators spoke to lem was trying to find some place the new class of docents, sharing that would fit my needs. That Sometimes we get lucky and our own grandchildren stories and details that most of us come to the museum. Mikki Bolliger shows her grand- meant that the work had to be en- Continued on Page 7 son Frankie Malagon the toys in the hands-on cart.

6 . . .More About Being a Docent at The Autry

Continued From Page 7 to work a minimum of one day a week, but some work two or three. It is really had never learned in school. We often up to the individual. Although I am only met in the museum and heard stories be- scheduled to tour one day, I am there a hind many of the artifacts on display. lot more than that. There is always We were immersed in the history of the something going on with the changing West, and it was wonderful. exhibits, continuing education opportu- As graduation day approached, I was nities, field trips and the once-a-month getting nervous about giving my first docent potlucks. Oh, did I mention the tour. After all, I was outside of my ele- parties? ment, and I wondered if I would be able Being a docent is definitely fun, and to actually talk with authority about the just like at the college, unexpected things I had learned. Luckily, the do- things happen that make life amusing. cents don’t just get thrown into touring. When I was touring a group of third You can shadow other docents until you graders one morning, the teacher asked a feel comfortable enough to tour. I shad- question that stunned me for a second. owed for two days, and then I decided it She stood looking at the Texas Long- was time to jump in. horn steer on display and asked very Tuesday through Friday mornings, the loudly—“Is this Longhorn a boy or a museum is filled with school groups girl?” I looked at her and said, “Well, ranging from kindergarten through high it’s a steer,” assuming she knew what school and the docents leading them that meant. However, she continued through the exhibits. Many of the chil- somewhat annoyed. “What we want to Until I became a docent, I never handled dren on the tours have never even been buffalo, beaver or badger pelts or sparked a know is how you know if a Texas Long- to a museum, so they are usually wide fire with flint and steel. horn is a boy or a girl? I couldn’t believe eyed and eager to see what this place is I have been a docent for two years this was happening. And of course, the all about. Because there is no set pattern now, and I still love touring. There is so kids were all paying close attention. So I for touring, the docents can pick any much to see at The Autry that I discover said, “Well, the girls have girl parts and route they choose. You never get bored new things to talk about every time I go the boys have boy parts.” The teacher because you can focus on different sec- through. Choosing to volunteer at The looked horrified. tions of the museum when you want a Autry has turned out to be one of the She said, “I wanted you to say that the change of pace. Docents who don’t want best things I’ve for done for myself males have horns and the females to work with school groups can tour since I retired. don’t.” Well I couldn’t say that because families and adults on the weekends or For anyone who wants to join me as both the males and females have horns. when groups request afternoon tours. an Autry docent, a new class will be She didn’t know how to respond at that Before I started volunteering at The starting up on June 20, 2011. It will point because all children were listening Autry, I had never touched a buffalo meet on Monday afternoons from 1 to our exchange and waiting for their hide or run my hands over a beaver pelt. p.m. until 4 p.m. The $100 fee for the teacher to say something. Now it was Although I’ve read about sparking fires training includes all educational mate- her turn to be stunned. She just said, with flint and a piece of steel, I had rials and a museum membership. For “Oh my God, I am so sorry.” I managed never done that either. (You’re right, I’m additional information you can e-mail to save the day by telling kids it was not a camper.) But now I do all of those Susan DiCato at [email protected] time to move on. things every week. Docents are required or call her at (323) 667-2000 ext. 237. Make Sure Your Contributions Are Noted in the PCC Archives The administration at PCC is trying to make sure that the con- who prefer to respond online can check out the Human Resources tributions of everyone who worked at the college are noted in the department on the PCC website. There will be a link titled Re- archives. There are only three questions to answer, so please take tirees’ form. the time to either visit the Human Resources website or mail in 1. We are interested in knowing what contributions you made your responses. Everyone retiring from the college from now on during your time at PCC that you would like noted in the col- will be asked to fill out the form. However, a lot of people have lege’s archives? retired over the years, and a lot of that important information is 2. What makes you the proudest when you think of the years you missing. Please take the time to respond to items 1-3 listed below. spent at PCC? Send your responses to the Pasadena City College Retirees’ As- 3. What do you want people to say about you when they recall sociation, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91106. Those of you your service to PCC? 7 Joe and Jo Anne Probst Bitten By Cruise Bug

By Joe Probst to the 9,000 foot elevation we hit the first patch of snow. The third patch I have known Mikki Bolliger for was the problem and we could go no over one score and ten years. When I further or back up. Lucky for us there met her, I found Mikki to be a pleas- were some nice folks with a four ant and kind colleague. The years wheel drive vehicle. A couple of hours have passed and Mrs. Bolliger has later we were on our way back down. moved on to become the Editor of We will hold Arches National Park for “Staying Connected.” Professor Bol- a visit on another drive. liger has now turned into a demanding The second GPS situation was after individual who wants to know what I we left Canada at Niagara Falls. We have done since my retirement. In quickly noticed that the GPS indicated desperation I turned to the October travel time of many hours for loca- issue of “Staying Connected” to see if tions that should be only an hour or I could borrow from what others have two away. Being a very low tech per- done in writing my report (a technique son it took me some time to figure out learned from my students). I found that the GPS was set to avoid turn- that I do not compare to what our pikes. The poor thing was trying to friends have done. I have not volun- figure out how to get us places so we teered in Tanzania. Nothing in the did not have to pay a toll, not an easy world is going to get me to go to any task on the East coast. place called a “DMZ.” So, Mikki is When not collecting nutcrackers, forcing me to think about what I have B.C. to Alaska and then continue down the coast to San Diego. driving around the country, or going on done since I became an Emeritus. cruises, my wife and I find it is not hard Like many PCC teachers, I continued Between our first and second cruises we did a 7,000 mile cross country driv- to fill up our time. Our daughter and to teach part time for one and a half son-in-law live in Northern California years. Then my wife, Jo Anne, retired ing trip. We were going to the Interna- tional Nutcracker Convention being and have two wonderful children. I can and I went looking for our first major almost drive the I-5 with my eyes vacation. We did not want to fly and to held in Connecticut. Along the way to and back we visited several National closed from going North and South on our delight, we found a Princess cruise visits. You can get great BBQ beef ribs to Hawaii leaving from San Pedro. Parks, Niagara Falls, Williamsburg, and Carlsbad Caverns. We are members of in Button Willow Four days at sea, then four days and Back in 1998-99, I took a sabbatical four islands, then five days back to San the Los Angeles County Arboretum. Making use of that membership we leave to serve on the Los Angeles Pedro with a quick stop in Mexico. County Grand Jury. Since that time I The trip was a delight, good food, inter- found four arboretums to visit along the way. have served on the Board of Directors esting people, good food, fun places to of the State Grand Jurors’ Association. go, good food. We had caught the We also learned that we needed to be careful on the amount of faith we put I am now a director of the Los Angeles cruise bug. County Grand Jurors’ Association and Our next cruise was out of Quebec on our GPS. There were two notable GPS incidents. The first was after we my recent job was to find a speaker for City, up the St. Lawrence Seaway then our next regular meeting in February. down the east coast of Canada and the left Bryce Canyon National Park. Our next stop was going to be Arches Na- The speaker I was able to schedule is United States to Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Roy Florida. Fantastic places to see, not to tional Park. We found Arches on our GPS as a point of interest. The GPS Baca. The contact I used was Scott mention the good food. Svonkin, Senior Advisor to the Sheriff. This January we took our third cruise, took a moment to think about it and we were off. We had only traveled a few Scott is also a member of San Gabriel repeating the one from last year to Valley Unified Governing Board and Hawaii. We took my wife’s 86-year- miles on a two lane state road when the GPS told us to take a right in two miles. 10.75involved in learning. Being re- old mother with us to share in this ex- tired from teaching has not ended my perience. We have two more cruises When we reached the turn we found a focus on education. planned. The next is out of Tampa, one lane road heading off into the dis- At the end of my current term in De- Florida going through the Panama tance. It seemed to be out in the middle cember, I will have served 22 years on Canal and ending in San Diego. After of nowhere, but the distance markers 5Continued on Page 15 that one, we will go out of Vancouver, seemed correct. When we made it up 8 A Visit To Vegas Can Also Include a River Cruise By Hans “Skip” Morkish curely. It also gave us a 360 degree view a While visiting friends in Las Vegas, of everything. they surprised me by suggesting that we We rafted the Colorado River south of do something different. We had done the dam for about 45 minutes. What a casinos, lavish shows and luxury hotels, grand view of the dam and the new arch but now it was time to see some new bridge which is high in the sky and con- and interesting things in the area. nects Arizona and Nevada. The road So off we went to the Hacienda Hotel over the top of the dam is now for in Boulder City where we assembled for tourists, while the arch bridge is for reg- a short bus ride to the shores of the Col- ular and truck traffic. orado River. Our gathering spot was just It is a magnificent sight to behold, and below Hoover Dam and almost under the short river tour is colorful and safe the new and awesome arch bridge. and with a delightful guide who made it The trek down the steep ravine was bit interesting. scary—you look straight down the The access to the river and tour was cliff—but the curvy road along with an easy, and it lasted just long enough to excellent driver made you feel you were maintain our interest and enthusiasm. in good hands even as she was lecturing. Next time you visit the Las Vegas Once at the river’s edge, you walked area, I strongly recommend this little The new arch bridge that connects over a few huge boulders, and voila, you side trip. It is different, memorable and Nevada and Arizona can be seen over were ready to step onto a rubber raft. It it is also reasonably priced. Skip’s shoulder. held 10 people and was built very se- Staub Discovers There’s A Lot To See in This Country By Patricia Staub drove through some of the most desolate territory to meet my This past summer I flew to Taos, New Mexico and spent a brother and his wife at the Ponderosa Campground near Pegosa week with my niece and family in this fabulous house, built by a Springs, Colorado. We camped on the Canejos River—again Hollywood set designer. This incredible house had an incredible beautiful country with mountains all around. We also view of the mountains everywhere. took a narrow gauge train ride up into the mountains. After my visit, I met my friend and former neighbor Nan in Al- In August, I joined my brother on another camping trip in the buquerque to help her drive crosscountry to Lancaster, Virginia. I Ozarks—Bull Shoals State Park on the White River, right on the loved the drive across our beautiful country. border of Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri. OMG...as We spent the first night in Amarillo, Texas, then we ventured to the kids say...what a delight! Green, green, green...clear, the green, green Ozarks of Arkansas, then Knoxville, Tennessee, sparkling, fast moving river, trout galore, and lovely, lovely then to Stainton, Virginia (West part of Virginia). The Blue Ridge Ozark hills (they call them mountains). Mountains, Shenandoah Valley are all gorgeous. And finally on My brother hired a guide who actually took us on the river to to the East coast of Virginia, about an hour from Richmond on trout fish...my FIRST! I loved this kind of fishing. The guide the Chesapeake Bay. My heart and eyes were filled with the baited my hook, cast the line for me, then handed the rod to me beauty of our fabulous, breath-taking country. and he said, “Ok, now you’re fishing!” Of course, with his After my cross-country trip with Nan (I was helping her on her expertise, I caught about 30 trout. “Catch and release.” I had so drive as she has moved from Pasadena to Virginia. She retired much fun, and I particularly enjoyed the time with my brother this past summer), I flew back to Albuquerque, New Mexico and who had triple by-pass surgery 10 years ago. Consider Giving To The Scholarship Fund You don’t have to wait until the end (See Harry’s Column on Page 5 for for scholarships. of the school year to make a donation details about turning our donations The amount doesn’t have to be much, to the Retirees’ Association Scholar- into perpetual scholarships.) anything will help build the fund. You ship Fund; you can donate anytime The Retirees’ Association prides itself can write a check or simply call the during the year. However, this is a par- in giving deserving students the help PCC Foundation and use your credit ticularly important time to donate be- they need to continue their education. card. You can get a tax deduction, help cause the college and the retirees are With students struggling because of a deserving student and earn air miles trying to meet the Osher Challenge. the bad economy, it is even more im- all at the same time. Please indicate portant that money be made available Osher on your donation.

9 Woody Ohlsen, 96, and Still Teaching

By Marilyn McMahon, staff writer niversary next month, have one Santa Barbara News Press son, one grandson and two great- grandchildren. Longtime students of Woodrow Before earning a master’s degree Ohlsen, better known as Woody, will be in 1945 at UM, Woody also taught happy to hear that the beloved instructor, classes in “bonehead English,” who celebrated his 96th birthday March using the Socratic method, much 1, has no plans to retire as he begins his to the enjoyment of himself and 30th year teaching courses in “Literary his students. Classics” for Santa Barbara City College He decided to get a junior college Continuing Education Division. teaching credential at UCLA, “Renaissance Lives: Portraits of an which brought him and his wife to Age” by Theodore K. Rabb will be the California in 1945. A year later, focus of his next 10-week class. Woody was offered a position as “I had some problems with a pace- an English instructor at Pasadena maker several months ago, but I’m fine City College where he became now. If this next 10 weeks goes all right, chairman of the department in I’ll keep on going. I teach the fall, winter 1958 until his retirement in 1977. and spring sessions but not in the sum- Marie Ohlsen, who had been mer,” said Woody, whose physical ap- teaching at Cal State Los Angeles, pearance and mental acuity belie his age. retired the same year, and the cou- He attributes his longevity and zest for ple moved to Santa Barbara. life to “luck, genes and the fact that I fi- Alan Lamson, Maria and Joe DiMassa(toprow) along Soon after settling into their new nally gave up smoking 46 years ago after with Sheila Lamson, help WoodyOhlsencelebrate his home on Skyline Circle on the a good friend died in his 40s. I had given Mesa, the Ohlsens began taking lit- up many times before but cheated and al- 96th birthday. erature classes at what was then ways began again,” he said during an inter - Mountain, Woody, who was born in 1915, called Adult Education. “Mark Ferrer, the in- view in his apartment at Vista del Monte, was awarded a four -year scholarship to structor, suggested that Marie and I teach where he and his wife, Marie, have lived Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin. classes, so we did. Marie taught poetry and since 2001. Mrs. Ohlsen, who is 92, lives in “It was the middle of the Great Depression. Shakespeare, and I began teaching the clas- the Health Care Center. The scholarship included $7 a month for sics, the Greek tragedies, Homer ’s Woody’s parents, Herman and Regina spending money,” he recalled with a chuckle. ‘Odyssey,’ ‘The Persian Wars’ by Herodotus Ohlsen, lived in Iron Mountain, Mich., on a While at Lawrence College (now Lawrence just like I did in Pasadena.“ block with seven families named Olsen. University), Woody had a professor who was The free courses are not for sissies. Still, “There was a lot of confusion about the to have a profound impact on his teaching they consistently attract average enrollments names, which is why my father changed the techniques. of 30 to 50, an even mix of men and women, name to Ohlsen,” he explained. Woody was “His name was Nathan Pusey, who later be- mainly ranging in age from 60s to 80s. “I had the oldest of three sons. “I was named came president of Harvard University. He in- one person who was 94. The students are Woodrow after President Woodrow Wilson. troduced me to the Socratic method of very intelligent people who feel they have My father, a bandleader, was a Democrat teaching in which the teacher throws out missed something in their educations— who voted twice for William Jennings Bryan. questions for students to discuss. It was much lawyers, doctors, business executives, house- My mother was a church organist.” more interesting than listening to lectures,” wives and so forth. After graduating in 1936 as class valedic- said Ohlsen, who graduated Phi Beta Kappa Some have come year after year ,” said torian from Kingsford High School near Iron from Lawrence in 1940. Woody, adding that he feels “deep satisfac- “I majored in English, which was then tion in working with students. I learn from called literary forms and compositions,” he them. We respond to each other.” said.Another scholarship led him to the Homework assignments between sessions Boston University School of Theology, consist of 30 to 40 pages of reading, which where he decided after a year, “that I didn’t students are expected to discuss in class. want to be a preacher” and transferred to the Ohlsen said he chose the book “Renaissance University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to pur- Lives” for his next course because of its rel- sue a master’s degree in English. It was there evance in today’s world. he met Marie Nyman, a graduate of North- “It’s heavy stuff, but I tell the students that western University. it’s better to be superficially profound rather “It took three weeks to get engaged and than profound superficially.” three months to get married on Feb. 26, 1944, a beautiful day in Ann Arbor,” he said. This article was reprinted courtesy of the The couple, who will celebrate their 67th an- Santa Barbara News Press. It was edited for space. 10 In Memoriam Friends Bid Farewell to Wally Calvert Wally Calvert, former Professor and were the same ones that made him a International Student Advisor in the good friend: honesty, common sense, old English and Foreign Languages and sense of humor about human Division died on Nov. 1, 2010 of a frailty. And, by the way, a good finan- massive heart attack in St. George, cial advisor. I wasn’t the only faculty Utah. Wally began his career at PCC member to come to him and say, in September of 1959 and retired in “What should I do with this little bit of June 1992. He had a reputation for money?” His advice – blue chip knowing everything that went on at stocks and index funds – is as good PCC. When he wasn’t teaching, he today as it was in 1970. could be seen in the hallways talking Most of us remember when Wally to friends and colleagues, and getting and Ellen (does anybody but me know the scoop about what was really hap- that her last name was Kepner?) pening behind the scenes at the col- started to look for a place to retire. He lege. and I and Ted were in Las Vegas once Retired English professor Ron Ko- (we went for the food, of course) and ertge has written a special tribute to decided to drive a couple of hours and the man so many people at Pasadena see the land that he and Ellen had City College called their friend. bought just outside of St. George, Wally and I go back a long way. I Utah. started at PCC in 1965; he’d recently It was gorgeous and the little house he wasn’t able to get around. I talked transferred to PCC from a Pasadena they built there was a jewel. Bianca to Wally on the phone regularly and high school. I was twenty-five and and I visited them a few times every talked to his buddies about him. Wally was thirty-four. It didn’t take year until Ellen passed away. Eventu- Bianca and I saw him a number of long for us to find common ground – ally he sold that house and he and his times in the last years of his life and he Santa Anita Park. We chatted about new wife Alice found a really stunning was stoic without rancor and realistic the horses at school and met in the in- place just a mile or two away. And without pessimism or regret. In short, field on weekends. He and I taught still in Kayenta, of course. The four of we still sat on the patio and chatted Teddy, one of his three kids, to handi- us sat on that spacious patio many an about money and horses until the sun cap. evening. went down and it was time for a drink. I wasn’t political like Wally, but the Wally made friends everywhere, and Or two. —Ron Koertge things that made him a political ally his new friends in Utah rallied when Retired Football Coach Don Hunt Passes Away Don Hunt, retired PCC when the team won the big impact on a lot of athletes here in football coach and instruc- Western State Confer- the city of Pasadena.” Also a tor, recently died in his ence Championship and wrestling coach, Hunt was a classroom sleep according to friends. played at the Junior instructor until 1993 and was an active Hunt started his football Rose Bowl. member of the PCC Sports Hall of coaching career at John “Don Hunt was a great Fame Committee. Hunt played foot- Muir Junior College in man, a great coach,” ball at UCLA and he also broke the Pasadena in 1951 and later said Skip Robinson, school’s high hurdle record. Later he became the school’s head former PCC Athletic played a short stint with the Los Ange- football coach. Director who played for les Rams. In 1962 Hunt became him in that Junior Rose He is survived by his son Michael of PCC’s head football coach Bowl Game. “He per- Temple City. He will be missed by the and held that position until sonally taught me a lot students he taught, the players he 1967. His best season was in 1966 about football and about life. He had a coached and all who knew him. 11 David Schnabel, Painter, Department Chair Passes Away David Schnabel, a member of the art joined the army and served faculty and former art department his country as a paratrooper. chair, passed away on Oct. 16, 2010 at At the end of the war, he was his home in South Laguna. David able to return to his life as an began his career at PCC in September, artist. 1950 as an art instructor, and he even- David held the Senior Fel- tually became the chairperson of the lowship Award from the department in 1978 and held that posi- Carnegie Institute of Tech- tion until he retired in 1986. nology in 1948, the Purchase David held a Bachelor’s degree in Prize of the Pasadena Art Painting and Design and a Master’s Museum in 1953, and first degree in Printmaking and Art prize in oils from the Barns- History. He was an accomplished cal- dale Park Annual Show of 1962. for the Center for the Arts and in 2008 ligrapher and even filled out his origi- Those are just a sampling of the nu- was recognized by the students, fac- nal PCC job application in calligraphy. merous awards he received for his ulty and staff of the division for his Whenever friends and colleagues re- work over the years. His artwork was unselfish contributions. The life draw- ceived letters from David, they knew also featured in many one-man shows ing lab in the new facility will be who wrote them by just in galleries in San named after him, ensuring that his glancing at the enve- Antonio, Texas, legacy lives on into the future. lope. Everything he Pasadena, Los Ange- He was an acclaimed painter and his wrote was done in cal- les and Humboldt in work was collected throughout the ligraphy. California United States. David is survived by David didn’t have a David donated his four daughters and 10 grandchil- lot of time to create art generously to the dren. He will be greatly missed by his during WWII. He fundraising efforts family, friends and colleagues. Remembering Manuela Gibson George Manuela Gibson passed away on Nov. 30, 2010. Trujillo She worked at PCC for 31 years as a computer spe- George Trujillo cialist, retiring in 1998. passed away on Feb. Manuela was born in Florence, Italy and met her 4, 2011. George husband, Gaynor Gibson while he was an army of- began his career in ficer stationed in Florence just after the end of Human Resources WWII. Manuela was very active with the Veterans during the implementation of the Col- of Foreign Wars organization. lege’s first online personnel system in She is survived by three daughters and many 1989. He then transferred to the Infor- grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as mation Support Office and then moved her beloved dog, Charley. to Admissions and Records. Although George retired from the Ad- Cordie Alford Died in February missions and Records Department after 14 years of dedicated service to PCC, he Cordie Alford passed away in February in didn’t forget where he started. Even Pasadena. She spent her 15 ½ years at Pasadena City after he retired, George substituted in College in the Purchasing Department. Her position Human Resources during heavy recruit- was classifed as a senior purchasing clerk. ment periods. Following her retirement in 1982, she wanted a George was an enthusiastic classic change of pace, so she went to school and earned her movie buff and a historian of Motown real estate license. She was very successful at her Records’ music. Through the years, he second career, and she worked in the real estate field was always known for his great sense of for many years before ill health forced her to slow humor and his “gentlemanliness.” down. She passed away after a series of debilitating George will be missed by all who knew illnesses. him. Francyne Ford Franco Loved Nature and She Nurtured the Rose Garden at the Huntington Library Former colleague Francyne Ford in her paintings and in her ability to knew her. Franco, age 75, passed away on Jan. lovingly care and nurture beautiful She 11, 2011 at her home in Pasadena from gardens. She was a volunteer at the leaves her cancer. Huntington Library and tended to the life part- Francyne was born May 15, 1935 in rose gardens. ner and Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Francyne had a wonderful sense of loving Pasadena during her high school years. humor and truly appreciated a good compan- She worked at Pasadena City College joke. She was an avid reader and had ion Jim as a health office manager from 1981 an amazing knack for solving cross- Lopez, her until 1997 when she retired. During word puzzles. Francyne saw beauty in daughter her years at PCC, she made and main- everything and considered each day a Melissa tained many close friendships. gift. Grabarke- Francyne was an accomplished artist. All who knew her were blessed by witz, her Her watercolor paintings are filled her generosity, compassion, kindness son Richard Franco, two grandchildren with beauty and serenity which is how and strength. Her sweetness was im- Hannah and Sam; two brothers she lived her life. She had a love and mediately apparent to those who met Michael and Richard Ford, and many appreciation for nature which showed her and her selflessness to all who close friends. City of Goleta Names Grove of Trees After Al Turnbull Geoffrey Alan “Al” Turnbull died on Al returned to school and completed his edu- Nov. 21 at his home in Santa Barbara. cation at Cal State L.A. When he retired from Al was born in Saskatchewan, Canada PCC he was working as the head of the Busi- and grew up in Pasadena. His studies at ness Education Department’s extended day divi- Cal State Fresno were interrupted with the sion. outbreak of World War II. During the war, He and his wife Harriet moved to Goleta he served his country in the U.S. Navy as where Al became involved in the planting of a torpedo bomber pilot. Al survived a bat- trees at local elementary schools and throughout tle at Iwo Jima that sunk his ship and left the area. He was instrumental in planting 90 him adrift at sea for many hours before he California coastal live oak trees within the Lake was rescued. Al managed to make it home Los Carneros Preserve and he oversaw their safely. Upon his return home in 1946 he care for more than 20 years. In 2009 the Goleta married Harriet, and they raised four City Council formally named it the Al Turnbull sons. Grove in his honor. Angelica Diaz Died After Battling Disease Angelica Diaz died on Wednesday, caring and guidance. Angelica realized Nov. 11 after a valiant battle against a how important it was for the first mem- serious illness. Angelica began her ac- ber of a family to graduate from college. ademic career at PCC in May, 1992 as It made it easier for those who came a full time temporary EOPS counselor after. She was active in La Raza Faculty and was subsequently hired for a per- and Staff Association. manent position in the following year. Angelica attended CSU Los Angeles She loved working with students, and where she earned her Bachelor’s degree she particularly enjoyed helping to pre- in Psychology and a Master’s in Coun- pare first generation college students for seling. Prior to joining PCC, Angelica their academic careers. worked for the Los Angeles Commu- Over the years, many students ex- nity College district as well as Glendale pressed their gratitude for her special Community College District. Joe Mathias Dies From Congestive Heart Failure Joseph L. Mathias, who spent 40 years at tional work at UCLA. After the war, Joe be- PCC as a counselor and professor, died came the charter professor for the Automotive Nov. 29, 2010 from congestive heart failure Technology program at PCC, a position he in his home in Roseville, CA. He was 87. held for 40 years. He also helped build and Joe’s wife, Helen said he had a love of maintain PCC’s Tournament of Roses parade cars stretching back to his boyhood when float entries for several years. his family ran an auto repair shop. During After his retirement and move to Roseville, WWII, he served as a crew chief with the he worked for four years as a volunteer at the U.S. Army Air Corps, repairing and main- Towe Automotive Museum, now known as the taining B-17 bombers in Italy and North California Automobile Museum. Africa. He even served with the Tuskegee He also volunteered with the Roseville Po- Airmen for a short time when one of their lice Department, working on the graffiti abate- planes crashed nearby and he worked to re- ment team. Joe earned a presidential bronze pair it. award for the 264 hours he volunteered with Joe got his start in teaching by working as an auto me- the police department. chanic in downtown Los Angeles, where many teachers Joe is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen, son Raub, from L.A. Trade Tech College were customers. Their sug- daughter Martha and four grandchildren. gesting and prodding encouraged him to complete voca- PCC NEWS Phillip Davidson, Who Spent 21 Years at the CEC, Died of Cancer PCC Offers Staff Phillip Davidson, who worked as a he worked with. Several employees at Golden Handshake custodian/engineer at the Community the Community Education Center said Education Center, passed away from all of those who work at the CEC are The ranks of the PCC Retirees’ Associa- cancer on Nov. 27. members of a close-knit family, so it is tion may be swelling soon if the college ad- Phil joined the CEC staff in 1970, sad to lose someone who was part of ministration is successful in its attempt to and he retired after 21 years of service the family for so long. lure older faculty and staff members into to the col- Phil loved hunting, particularly for retirement. The district is offering them one deer. He had a passion for collecting of the most generous incentives proposed at lege. Col- any community college in more than 30 leagues at model cars. The Davidsons belonged years. the CEC re- to the Highland Park Full-Gospel As- Those eligible for the package must be at member him sembly Church. He and his wife, least 55 years of age with a minimum of 14 as a kind, Mary, were very involved with the years of service. “The district requires that friendly church. enough people retire to meet the college’s When Phil passed away, he was ini- fiscal and operational objectives.” In other man, who words, if enough people take advantage of enjoyed tially survived by his wife, but she the incentive to save the college money, the working at passed away one month after he did on plan will be implemented. Employees must the CEC Dec. 27. turn in their paperwork by June 10, 2011. and, he Phil and Mary Davidson leave After the deadline, the resignations and re- loved all of behind two sons, a daughter and five tirements are locked in and may not be re- the people grandchildren. scinded unless the college withdraws the plan. The package calls for the college to pay Join Us For the Ramona Pageant contributions that will equal 75 percent of The Retirees’ Association has planned a trip to the Ramona Pageant on the participant’s final pay. (The final pay is Saturday, April 16. If you haven’t joined the group before, you’ll want to defined as the employee’s 2010-2011 final base salary multiplied by the employee’s sign up for this excursion. You should have gotten a flyer in the mail, so current FTE.) this is just a little nudge in case you haven’t reserved a spot. The cost of $75 Although no numbers were available for per person includes coach transportation, the pageant, lunch, taxes and classified employees, 174 faculty members tips. And of course, you will have the company of your friends and former are eligible to take advantage of the incen- colleagues. Please join us, it will be a fun day. tive. Ireland Trip From Cruises to Politics Continued From Page 5 Continued on Page 8 of Ireland, Galway offers a week of music, the- the Charter Oak Unified Governing Board. At this time atre, street performances of the best of Irish tra- I am vice-president of the Board. I have been elected by dition and new voices. And retirees are invited my fellow Board members in Los Angeles County to once again. serve on the board of the Los Angeles County School The excursion will leave Los Angeles (air fare included) on July 13 Trustees Association (LACSTA) and was president in and return July 21. We will be staying at the Imperial Hotel in the 2008. I continue to serve LACSTA as Director/Past center of Galway to provide an easy walk to numerous venues. President. Opening and closing dinners as well as group performances will I have earned the Master’s in Governance from the give an opportunity for the conversational enjoyment that has always California School Boards Association (CSBA) and have been a hallmark of our theatre trips. Participants will also have ample been elected to and serve on its Delegate Assembly. I free time to choose additional plays and music performances. plan to run for re-election to the Governing Board in No- Because of the beauty of this area, we plan several day excursions vember. If any readers would like to get involved in to the Aran Islands and the scenic coastline, featuring the famed local politics, please contact me. Cliffs of Moher. When not doing any of the above I try to play some Further details are on the English Division home page under Gal- weak golf. I would be excited if some of my PCC col- way. You may view the general bios of Chris and Jane and tap on the leagues would contact me for a round. icon “Celtic Tours” which will take you to view the daily itinerary and give you specifics on booking the trip. If you have questions or you don’t have access to a computer, you can call Chris at 626-585- Sheila Lamson’s Artichoke Dip 3190 or Jane at 636-585-7424. We can also send you a flyer if you A number of members have requested the recipe for wish. If you’ve visited Ireland, you know the warmth of the Irish that Sheila Lamson’s artichoke heart dip. So, we decided draws in visitors and makes the adage true that one visit is never to make it available here. enough.

I have no written recipe for this dish. It was given to Board of Directors for 2010 me over the phone by a friend. I have no measure- ments. Elvio Angeloni Altadena Here goes………… Joseph Barnes Pasadena Mikki Bolliger, newsletter editor Burbank In a shallow microwave proof dish (like a pie dish only Dorothy Burns Pasadena smaller in diameter. I used an 8” diameter plate) as- Bruce Carter Monrovia semble the layers. Alice Corey Altadena First layer: marinated artichoke hearts drained (save Dick Chamberlain, secretary Altadena the liquid) and chopped small enough for easy “dip- Al De Ponte, 2nd vice president Pasadena ping.” Maybe ½-3/4 inch deep. (I get the big jar of marinated artichoke hearts at Costco or Smart & Final. Kay Dabelow Cambria This jar will make two or three recipes. Bill Goldmann, past president La Canada Second layer: Mayonnaise mixed with a little of the Harry Kawahara, president Altadena liquid you saved (just a little for flavor. The mayo Alan Lamson, web editor Pasadena shouldn’t be runny. Pour the leftover liquid back into Terry Marsala, treasurer Pasadena the jar to save for another occasion) Mary McGuire Pasadena Spread this over the layer of chopped artichokes to Marion Murphy, membership/historian Arcadia cover. Skip Morkisch Pasadena Third layer: chopped chilies. (I get the can of chopped Bessie Radcliff-Darden Pasadena chilies at Trader Joe’s. 4 oz.. Their brand is perfect.) Sprinkle over the mayo. Sylvia Ryan Sierra Madre Fourth layer: Grated cheese. (I use cheddar. You can Mike Riherd Altadena use whatever cheese you have left over in the refrig.) Pat Savoie Altadena Cover as thick as you like. Sally Shuster Pasadena This can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the re- Joe Spiro Sierra Madre frig. Just microwave for 4-5 minutes or until the Hollis Stewart, 1st vice president Los Angeles cheese melts. Serve with spoons for dipping onto Marj Vickers La Canada crackers or sturdy chips that can hold this mixture. Donate to the Osher Scholarship Fund Scholarship Osher the to Donate

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