A rE A sON TO BE MOVED

Life lessons from my anonymous neighbor and her famous pupils

When I was growing up in Pennsylvania, a little-known fact in our small college town was that across the street from our house lived a retired theater professor named Alvina Krause.

When I knew her, she had already been retired for several years from Northwestern University, where she had taught theater and performance studies for 33 years. What many local residents never knew was that a number of her rather famous former students used to come and stay with Alvina — sometimes for a friendly visit, sometimes for tutoring in an upcoming part, whether on film, TV or stage.

Needless to say, it was pretty interesting to live across the street from these goingson. It was a quiet, dead-end neighborhood; our houses were sandwiched between the local college campus and Dillon’s Hollow, a deep wooded ravine where I spend a good part of my childhood days.

Tucked away in that quiet setting, Alvina would entertain the likes of Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentice, who had come to show off their new baby to their favorite teacher; Tony Roberts, who often collaborated with Woody Allen; or Richard Chamberlain, who spent two weeks with Alvina, studying for a Shakespearian role. One day I came out the door to hear a remarkably deep woman’s voice across the street. It was Patricia Neal. No one has ever had a voice quite like hers.

After living rather anonymously in Bloomsburg for a number of years, Alvina Krause gave a gift to the community she had come to love. She founded the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, raising the money to purchase and renovate a movie theater that had been closed for some time. Young actors trying to break into the field and make a living came to town, working as waiters in restaurants while playing parts in Alvina’s productions. Not many fledgling actors have been lucky enough to work with the likes of Alvina, and the townspeople loved the youth and creativity they brought.

One evening I attended the theater ensemble’s production of Chekhof’s “Three Sisters,” directed by Alvina. After witnessing the struggles of Olga, Masha and Irina, whose dreams of happiness fade and who are forced to seek some semblance of it for themselves, the curtain went down and the applause began. Leaving the theater, I saw Alvina, who was still sitting in the back row. I told her, “Mrs. Krause, that was a wonderful production.” it was a quiet, dead-end neighborhood, and tucked away in that quiet setting, Alvina would entertain the likes of Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentice.

I will never forget what she did. Taking both my hands in hers and peering deeply into my eyes, she said, “But did it move you?”

As a preacher who thinks sermons ought to have just a little drama, I have always remembered Alvina’s question: “Did it move you?” Because isn’t that what the Word is supposed to do?

Oh, I do appreciate it when someone passes by after worship and says, “Good sermon, pastor.” It’s so nice when someone stops long enough to say, “Thank you for your message.” But someday, thinking of Alvina, I’m going to get up the courage to take their hands in mine, look deeply into their eyes, and answer, “But did it move you?”

After all, isn’t that the test of any sermon: to move us far enough that we’re not in the same place after worship as we were before?

Homework-free learning

Tom C. Gooch Elementary students learned about science without all the stress of tests and homework during the summer. Teacher Emilio Chamut directed Camp Invention, which included taking apart electronics and giving them new functions. Also, students designed and constructed a model city from recycled and re-purposed materials. sUbmIt

Classes/TuToring/ lessons

ART: Draw or Paint. All Levels. Lake Highlands N. Rec. Ctr. Jane Cross, 214-534-6829. Linda, 214-808-4919.

ARTISTIC GATHERINGS

Art Classes For All Ages. Casa Linda Plaza. 214-821-8383. www.artisticgatherings.com

DRUM & PIANO LESSONS Your location. UNT Grads. Betty & Bill See: buchermusicschool.com on Facebook 469-831-7012

LEARN GUITAR OR PIANO Beginner Drums. Fun/Easy. Your Home. UNT Music Grad. Larry 469-358-8784

LOCAL TEACHER WHO TUTORS Algebra 2, Pre Cal, Calculus. Your Home/Mine. Melissa-MS. 817-988-0202

TUTORING All Subjects. Elem-middle School. Algebra 1, Dmath. Your Home. 25 + Yrs. Dr. J. 214-535-6594. vsjams@att.net

TUTORING Reading/Writing. All Grades. Master’s/10 Yrs Exp. Your Home. 214-515-5502. lissastewartjobs@hotmail.com

VOICE TEACHER with 38 years experience. MM, NATS www.PatriciaIvey.com 214-769-8560

ChildCare

LOVING, CHRIST-CENTERED CARE SINCE 1982 Lake Highlands Christian Child Enrichment Center Ages 2 mo.-12 yrs. 9919 McCree. 214-348-1123.

employmenT

AIRLINE CAREERS Begin Here. Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA Approved. Training. Financial Aid, if qualified. Housing available. Job placement assistance. AIM 866-453-6204

Business opporTuniTies

I’M LOOKING FOR A PART-TIME ASSISTANT Must be a Go Getter. Computer Wiz. Call BJ Ellis 214-226-9875

serviCes for you

AT ODDS WITH YOUR COMPUTER? Easily Learn Essential Skills. Services include Digital Photo Help. Sharon 214-679-9688

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

DINO LIMO Yours For All Special Occasions,Casino Trips. 40 Yrs Exp. dino-avantilimousines.com. 214-682-9100

SIGNS: Nameplates, Badges, Office, Braille. A&G Engraving. 214-324-1992. getasign@att.net agengraving.vpweb.com

professional serviCes

ACCOUNTING, TAXES Small Businesses & Individuals. Chris King, CPA 214-824-5313 www.chriskingcpa.com

BOOKKEEPING NEEDS? Need Help Organizing Finances? No Job Too Small or Big. Call C.A.S. Bookkeeping Services. Cindy 214-821-6903

ESTATE/PROBATE MATTERS Because every family needs a will. Mary Glenn, J.D. maryglennattorney.com • 214-802-6768

HOME ORGANIZING & Senior Moving Plans/Solutions. Refs avail. Donna 860-710-3323 DHJ0807@aol.com. $30 hr.

TRANSLATIONS English, Spanish, & French at affordable rates. LenguaTutoringAndTranslation@yahoo.com or 214-331-7200.

Stories for seniors

Hillcrest High School’s fifth annual senior retreat was a hit with an NFL legend, a journalist and screenwriter, and a college president, in attendance on Aug. 30 to share their stories with seniors. The theme was “Keep the Connection.” Speakers included Former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith, Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell and nationally acclaimed writer Skip Hollandsworth

The speakers were chosen due to their experience overcoming challenges to achieve success. TOPLEFT / Emmitt Smith with Principal Ronald K. Jones CENTER /Smith with senior Jamekeiah Crabtree BOTTOM / Paul Quinn with senior Mais Al Kayali