2021 May - June
Immaculate Heart Community
News Notes
For the sake of all that lives and is Let me speak these heart words: Peace,peace, Singing the thousand names of the nameless. Psalm 122
Table of Contents Page 1
Vice President
Page 2
Casa Esperanza
Page 3- 4
CAC
Page 5
IHC Care Coordinator
Page 6-7
La Casa de Maria
Page 8
Ann Chamberlin, IHM
Page 9
Commission on Justice for Women
Page 10
Discernment Retreat
Page 11
Kaleidoscope
Page 12 - 18
Five Candidates and the three Interns
Page 19
Bob Miller, IHM
Page 20
The Taskforce on Anti-Racism as Spiritual Transformation
Page 21
Summer Film Festival
Page 22
APC/ P.S. From IHMs
Page 23
Victoria Berry, IHM
Page 24
IHM Birthdays
Vice President’s Column: This May I Bring My Thoughts On Looking In our Art Camino, now in its third year, we pause to look deeply at art that reflects our spirit, our joy, our loss, our yearning. I offer one painting to you this spring. I went to the Getty Villa the day it reopened just to stand with classical beauty again. I saw figures that looked like me with creamy white marble carved into familiar features. I wondered how it must feel to enter a museum where no one looked like me. My focus this year is on women artists of color. Here we look at the gorgeous, black, full woman who was Breonna Taylor. I urge you to visit online the exhibit at the Speed Museum in Louisville and see how a museum can bravely face racial murders and open its doors, for free, to anyone who wants to see. I see a strong gaze.... here I am and I am fine. Here she exists in the full life we could not see in the hasty videos of her apartment the night she was murdered. She has power in her stance, her turquoise gown designed by a Black designer for this painting. On her left hand is the ring her boyfriend had ready to give her, but she died too soon. The face...say her name...Breonna offers is not angry. She is confident and lets us see what the world missed when she left us. Resolve now to look at the people we meet, pass by, assume we know by their clothing or color or hair. Look with an open human gaze and carry them along with you. Nan Cano, IHC Vice President
See Amy Sherald Breonna Taylor portrait at Speed Art Museum ... ... https://www.seegreatart.art/see-amy-sherald-breonna-taylor-portrait-at-speed-art-museum-louisville/ Images may be subject to copyright. Page 1
Casa Esperanza Covid rates are beginning to decrease in our area. With this encouraging news, we are hoping to start some safe, social distance programming soon. We will open our doors cautiously and will limit the number of clients and rooms used per day (in addition, all COVID safety protocols will be adhered to). We have also been communicating with several vaccine providers and have helped schedule vaccine appointments for many of the members of our community. We know we have a long way to go, but some rays of positivity are beginning to shine! In early 2021, we were awarded a $95,000 grant from the Ahmanson Foundation to support the expansion of our computer lab and purchase equipment for building safety. To date, we have purchased new computers, tablets, hand sanitizer stations, new front doors, and a deluxe mister to cleanse every room after use. By late June/early July we will have an updated computer lab, with computers that both adults and youth can access. Even during these turbulent times, our supporters remain engaged with our work. Recently, the members of Los Latinos Car Club of San Fernando got together and created baskets to ensure sure that our youth had smiles on Easter. We look forward to seeing more smiles as we prepare for our safe reopen. I will take plenty of photos and videos to share with the Community. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you want to know more about our reopening plans or just want to say hi and get other updates about our work.
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What is the latest at the Corita Art Center? So much more than the below. Reminder to please make sure to sign up for our mailing list so that you get the latest information on events, new drops from Corita 101, and other exciting updates. Happy news: ● CAC Curator and Collections Manager, Olivian Cha shared the very joyous news that her family will be growing by one! All warm wishes and showering of love can be sent directly to olivian@corita.org ●
CAC was selected and received $25,000 for the Care Relief application for art institutions.
Thanks to the Getty MUI grant, two strong candidates were selected to help our endeavors this ● summer starting June 7th. We look forward to introducing you to them. ● As part of the CIAG Grant received, Casa Esperanza and Corita Art Center partnered on May 22nd, centering the youth of Casa Esperanza and by collaborating with Ana Dziengel from Babble Dabble Do to create the next Corita 101 curriculum. Happy to report that we had a robust turnout for the event and guests from all over the world join us. The fun continues as images of new and old friends’ collage cubes have been flowing in. This event served as a kickoff to a summer of planned collaboration. Make Meatballs Sing by author and art educator Matthew Burgess will be released for all to ● enjoy on July 20th. In an advanced review from Booklist, Sarah Hunter writes, “There aren’t many books about Kent for a young audience, but her art—and approach to making it—is uncommonly kidfriendly, and this joyful volume will not only introduce her to children but encourage creative exploration and play.” Note: CAC will soon have books available to preorder in our website, so please be sure to order your copy (or copies) through us! ● Be sure to read a wonderful piece on why our work in preserving Corita’s studio matters! “What would a future with more physical commemorations of women—ones that have a presence in civic spaces—look like? How might physical markers permeate a greater historical consciousness of women’s history? What if we could collectively build from women’s ideas, instead of starting each generation anew?”- Neyat Yohannes, Contemporary Art Review Los Angeles (CARLA), Hidden Archives. LA’s Historic-Cultural Monuments and the Women They Leave Out - read full article here Welcome, Nicholas Brown! Thanks to our collaboration with Chloé, the CAC team was able to bring on a funded PT Engagement Coordinator to help increase our impact with arts education programming and partnerships to support our efforts. This position will help CAC keep the momentum from 2020 and allow the work we do to reach far and wide. Please join us in welcoming Nicholas Brown! His email is nicholas@corita.org.
Nicholas Brown is an arts organizer with broad experience in public programs, writing, publishing, and curating. Before coming to Corita Art Center, Nick was based in Toronto, where he previously served as director of programs and partnerships at Canadian Art, the nonprofit art foundation and publisher of Canada’s most widely read arts and culture magazine (where he was also a contributing editor). Responsible for delivering programs to audiences across the country, Nick was tasked with building and sustaining cultural partnerships with host museums, universities, and galleries, working closely with in-house editors and external contributors to develop programs that supported the mission and mandate of the organization while bringing the voices and topics from page to stage. Outside of his work at the Art Center, Nick is an organizer with SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition.
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Home Alone: The Senior Years Remember the blockbuster movie Home Alone from 1990 about a kid left behind, home alone for the holidays? Setting aside the absurd premise that the parents would not have noticed one of their children missing at the airport before leaving town, the antics that followed were so over the top that it made for a wildly entertaining movie. But really being “home alone” is no joking matter. Unfortunately for many seniors being home alone is not a new concept and not uncommon. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1/3 of all seniors live alone. Whether by choice or circumstance, living alone can be challenging at times. In the wake of the pandemic, are seeing seniors experiencing more depression, anxiety, changes in eating habits (overeating/weight gain and weight loss due to lack of interest in eating or access to food), cognitive decline due to the loss of social interactions and medical issues because of delays in medical care and preventive health services. We as humans need human contact. Now that that we are seeing a return to more normal activities and the risks of the pandemic have subsided, we should all take a few minutes to assess what we have lost, put off, or neglected over the past year. What did you do pre-pandemic that you miss the most? Is it safe to resume this activity? We need to start slowly emerging from our safety cocoons and start dipping our toes in what brings us pleasure and makes us happy. Start with making a phone call or two to a friend or family member; it can lift your spirits and theirs! I just wanted to acknowledge that feelings of loneliness are normal and should not be ignored as they can lead to more serious mental health and medical issues. Suggestions for when you feel lonely: make an appointment to see your doctor to discuss your feelings, get out of the house – even running an errand or a walk around the block can break up the monotony of being alone. Consider fostering or adopting a small dog or cat, maybe even take up a new hobby or, call me – I am full of ideas and resources to help seniors stay safe and well! Denise Traboulsi MSW, MPA IHC Care Coordinator 310-613-7899 dtraboulsi@ihmresidence.org
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La Casa Retreat Center - News Notes – May / June 2021
Local Community Outreach
BIG NEWS: RANDALL ROAD DEBRIS BASIN PROJECT had its “first shovel” ceremony on Monday, May 3 with the press, county, and state dignitaries; Das Williams, County Supervisor, Salud Carbajal, Congressman (who worked with FEMA to secure 13.5MM), Hannah Beth Jackson, and others were on hand for the event. A very special shout out to Mary Becker, Ken Murphy, Steph Glatt, and Kathleen Buczko for being there to cheer the crowd on. A lot of hard fought for funds work was pulled together by Curtis Skene for this project. He is an advocate and friend of La Casa’s and we are lucky to have him in an advisory role on our 120 Day La Casa Road Map Rebuild Committee.
La Casa Retreat Center: Events – June 23, 24, 25 JUNE 23, WEDNESDAY: ‘SHOVELS IN THE GROUND’ LA CASA WATER GRANT – La Casa & California Wildlife Conservation Board (Fish & Wildlife) celebrate the groundbreaking for our 150,000 gallon underground water tank to be attended by politico/as, such as Das Williams, County Supervisor, the press, consultants, staff, and other community members to celebrate and inform the community at large of the steps La Casa continues to take towards furthering our sustainability efforts through forward thinking partnerships and community support. JUNE 24, THURSDAY: MONTECITO LOCAL COMMUNITY EVENT AT CSR – Similar to the successful Lemon-Aid community outreach event we hosted in 2018, we will have local community members come to La Casa for a neighborly early evening get together to schmooze about upcoming architectural schematic design plans, friendly conversation, and provide and receive information about how things are coming around in the community. JUNE 25, FRIDAY: ‘WE’RE BACK’ STAFF LUNCHEON PICNIC AT LA CASA WITH TRI-TIP BARBY – A day in the life post-Covid19. Enrique is a MEAN chef around the barbeque. He and Santiago will be preparing a meal like no other with Tri-tip, rice, beans and all the fixings (with some vegetarian options) for a Staff Celebration Day with fun, games, prizes, camaraderie, and mutual appreciation of our bright and gifted TEAM!
Montecito Community – Outreach At the end of April, Enrique harvested about 50 beautiful CHERIMOYAS. I created a card that Steph and I signed, and we assembled this gift to hand deliver to some neighbors on El Bosque, San Ysidro Lane, and Mountain Drive. It was a great way to start reestablishing our long-standing ties to this local Montecito community. People were delighted to hear from and see us. Neighbors along the Creekside are beginning to move back into their new or renovated homes, and their great energy was felt; everyone is asking about La Casa and there is an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm. Page 6
La Casa Retreat Center - News Notes – May / June 2021 “Doing Good is Living Well.” This year, we are participating in THE GIVING LIST, published by Montecito Journal. The magazine showcases non-profits in the area and will be mailed out to 50,000 households in Santa Barbara and Montecito zip codes and available online. The magazine provides a curated guide to the philanthropic community of Santa Barbara and highlights 52 non-profits doing vital work in Santa Barbara County informing an audience of some of our nation’s biggest and most experienced donors that can play an important role in supporting not only the work being done, but the ability of non-profits organizations to survive and thrive.
120 Day Road Map - Schematic Design, Business Development, Outreach Plan Thank you to all who attended NEWS NOTE LIVE IN APRIL and for the closing ’20/20 Vision’ dance party with IHC’s, Staff and Sir George Benson! For the next 120 BUSINESS DAYS, meetings of brilliant minds will take place on several teams: o Lead Rebuild Committee o Team: Architectural schematic design o Team: Business development, outreach, marketing, hospitality operations assessments o Team: Finance and accounting capital stack plans Each team has a cross-section of Staff, Advisors, Consultants, IHM’s. We have secured most everyone for the teams, and it is an overarching, stellar group. THIS EXERCISE WILL DETERMINE ANTICIPATED FEASIBILITY which I truly believe will reveal sustainability for La Casa’s future. Our kickoff meetings began week of 5/10/21 and we will keep you posted in upcoming News Notes.
WE HOPE TO GET FROM HERE
TO HERE! Prepared by Cindy Faith Swain Page 7
Women's Commission Here is an article on my quilt making. Use it however you need to. I am emailing this article to you, but Nan I am sending you some photos of the day that Sister Suzanne came to pick up the quilts by snail mail, hope you get them. As many of you know I have been sewing baby quilts since I retired in 2010. Karol S. has been a great distributor of the quilts to those who need them. I have also given some to Alexandria House every Christmas. Since the Pandemic I have not been able to give many of them away. I continue making them, knowing that someday they will find a home. In March of this year 2 St. Joseph sisters moved in across the hall from me here at St. JofG. One day Sr. Colleen saw me sewing and I told her I was making quilts. She mentioned that a couple of their Sisters went down to the border every month. I asked if they could use some quilts to take with them. I gave them 23 quilts and 53 masks for the children. It was exciting to be able to know the quilts were again finding new children to love them. I have since written a similar article for their Newsletter and they have pictures of me and the quilts. When God closes one door - Kenmore - another door opens - with the St. Joseph sisters here at St. John of God. So, wherever you are seeing who you can work with because the opportunities are out there. Take care, Ann Chamberlin, IHM
The quilts and masks went with Sister Susanne Jabro, a St. Jo's sister who will be going down to the border.
Sr. Kathleen took these photos. Page 8
Commission on Justice for Women Reflection #2#2 Sixty years after the Civil Rights Movement, with the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and so many more, in American culture at large we now speak about, and some of us attempt to address, the profound injustice of racism and of white supremacy. The same is not true, however, of male supremacy, which daily, hourly, stunts and destroys the lives of women and girls in every country of the world. More women are the victims of hate crimes and are harmed by and die at the hands of men by Femicide every day than there are racially motivated killings. In every country of the world there is a largely silent and unacknowledged war against women and it is epidemic. This is not to say that one oppression, however pervasive, takes precedence over another. It is simply to recognize that there is a matrix, a system of multiple interlocking oppressions, forms of hatred and injustice, that rise from a similar source and feed upon one another. We cannot address one without addressing them all. However, given our history as a women’s community and our charism of educating young women, from Spain to the Americas, members of the Community of the Immaculate Heart of Mary should feel a special calling to uphold the rights of women and girls. If, after the 2016 ascension of a proud misogynist to the presidency of the United States and the massive, immediate and spontaneous response of the women’s marches, which were by far the largest global protests in human history, and nonviolent, what will it take for us to begin to seriously address the deeply entrenched hatred and oppression of women? It will take, at the very least, conscious awareness. Male supremacy has permeated every aspect of human culture for so long and so pervasively that we don’t recognize it and so it goes on, unacknowledged, for centuries. A case in point. As the United States prepares to withdraw from a twenty-year war in Afghanistan, Raihana Azad, a female member of Afghanistan’s Parliament, fears that as a means of reasserting Taliban rule and identity, the country will once again impose lethal means of subjugating women and what little rights women have made over the last two decades will be overturned. As she puts it, “All the time, women are the victims of men’s wars, but [we] will be the victims of their peace too.” What this means in practice for Afghan women, who already suffer numerous grave injustices, is that education for women and girls will no longer be permitted. It means that numerous professions will be closed to women and those now serving in them will be prohibited. It means that women will be confined to their homes and forcibly restricted from going out in public without male approval. It means that women will have to observe strict purdah and cover themselves or be beaten. And it will mean that once again women will be killed with impunity for so called crimes of “impurity,” such being raped. This is the condition facing all of the 17 million women of Afghanistan in the coming months and they are not alone. Women all over the world continue to be victims of intolerable oppression. It is the work of this Commission to raise awareness. Injustices against women are everywhere and most of us feel powerless to change a system so entrenched. We scarcely know what to do, what concrete actions to take. But, as we are seeing with the injustice of racism, learning to recognize, identify and understand the problem is the sine qua non of change. So, awareness and education, raising our own and the consciousness of others, is a crucial first step in changing not only racist but sexist cultural practices and institutions. Michelle de Beixedon, IHM Page 9
Continued Blessings of and through Creativity Discernment Retreat – May 14-16 The Discernment Committee gathered five Candidates and the three Interns and led us on a divinely guided weekend of Creativity, diving deep into the artistry of Corita Kent. From Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon we were transformed from being overwhelmed by the “busyness” and concerns of life, to moving forward in discerning, embracing our internal creativity, and building relationships with joy and enthusiasm. This retreat was deemed one of the best we had had in the discernment and refreshed our souls. The inspiring and insightful lessons were taught by our gifted IHM members Annette Ciketic and Christine Monroe whose time and talents were so precious. . Under their expert guidance and thoughtful presentation on the artistry of Corita Kent, a beautiful tapestry of belonging was created. We employed Corita’s tool, "The Finder", which helped us to, "SEE vs. LOOK," and to focus on the beauty around us and within us. This exercise led us to a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Artist in each of us. The Saturday afternoon session included the 45 IHM’s, many of whom knew Corita, and who continue to inspire our Community with their loving creativity. Attendee responses to the retreat demonstrated the power of unlocking the Creative in all of us, including: • Maya Angelou said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This retreat weekend explored the infinite loop of our creativity with our faces mashed against our Zoom screens. We were like bows on the tail of a mad flying kite called Creativity, and with glad hearts left our 'prints' across the sky. • The retreat’s focus on art, creativity and seeing, inspired me to see myself as an artist and work to create something that hasn’t been created yet in my life. “Look to see” will stay with me as gem from the retreat. It takes looking at things deeply and with focus to see the new. Everyday is an opportunity. • We are very grateful for the kindness of Christ-ine and Annette, and felt how much they wanted to embrace us and empower us. We are cared for in a very in a wonderful process and this gift makes us eager to keep the blessings circling in the Community. • I felt that Art reached out to me to tell me she still thinks of me. Everyone is an artist, because art is not a point of arrival; it is a process that keeps bringing me back to what I am and I am meant to be. • I was reminded to go into our native spirit where the creative dwells and is transformed to a physical state no matter which vessel we use to express it (i.e. painting, dancing, poetry, cooking, listening with kindness.) • I was transported to a whole new paradigm of looking at the world – through the lens of the Spirit’s creativity active in our world, and sought for. The Candidates and Interns came away enriched, encouraged, and inspired. We will be looking to find and do what “has not been seen or said before.” With gratitude to our Discernment Committee for organizing such a remarkable experience for us, we know that "Love is Here to Stay." Ramona Spradling and Allis Druffel, IHMs
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A definition of discernment is "perception in the absence of judgment, to distinguish, to separate out by diligent search, to examine."
First Year Candidates
"New members are called upon to weave their personal threads into this existing tapestry"
cond Year andidates
Interns
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David Hutton Born in 1966 into a Christian household, I was exposed to the Congregational church of my Mother, and the Roman Catholic church of my Father, which made me somewhat inter-denominational. I was encouraged by both parents, early on, to appreciate the various faith traditions as well as the World Religions. At 18, (with a two year college diploma) I took off for India as a volunteer to care for Mother Teresa's "poorest of the poor." The next year I adopted, Baljinger, my son. (Or he adopted me, I always say.) Baljinder is married now with two children of their own, living in Toronto, Canada. Much of my life has been to be active in interfaith dialogue (I.E., caring and learning of other's faith walk without impediment and of the building of bridges.) Career wise, I've always been in some facet of Healthcare from bathing, dressing and feeding our brothers and sisters of this world, to upper management of large multi-million dollar health care Communities, Assisted Living/Dementia Care and Hospice. Caring for them yes, and advocating for them. Feeling the call of consecration, I entered the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans in 2008, and was elected Director of Formation Counseling (2011) for two and 1/2 terms. I've been partnered for twenty-five years to Kris Bagbey and we live in Franklin, Tennessee. My mother, Mary, remains active at eighty- one, looking after my step-dad, Allen, at age eighty-seven and who is less active. I strive every day to be a man of faith and transparency. I am a rescuer of things. People too, and animals. My politics lean toward the empowerment of people, and I support causes that do the same. I believe in equality. I want to contribute to the IHC actively, authentically and fiscally, wherein I know that my contributions make a difference in the world, as part of a Collective.
Giovanni Esti I was born in Visano, Italy on June 6, 1963 I was blessed by a good family. My parents are still living and I have 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I left the family to join the Comboni Missionaries at the age of 12. They have always been supportive. I have a PhD in New Testament and Early Christianity from Claremont Graduate University. I have been a Catholic Priest ordained in 1991. I have worked as a missionary for most of my years, the last ten in Egypt/Sudan. I have resigned my canonical faculties in 2016. I have a partner. Her name is Lucrecia Montes. She is also a candidate in the IHM. I have no family here in the USA. I have met the IHM sisters back in the year 2000 through Fr. Gary Rye. I gave some retreats to the Kenmore Residence and met Anita Caspary. I identified with the history of the of the Immaculate Heart Community and recognized that I could find myself as a part of it to live a life rooted in God and a way to be Church in the contemporary world.
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Lucrecia Montes I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador on 10/11/1963. I was educated while in El Salvador in Catholic schools where nuns were my teachers and mentors. My family and I would enjoy going to the beach on the weekends and all the children in the neighborhood would play out in the streets. Due to the Civil War in El Salvador my family and I fled to the United States in 1980 as refugees. I have a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California. I am blessed with two lovely daughters and an incredible partner and friend who is kind and supportive. My hobbies are reading poetry, gardening and going for walks at the Huntington dog beach whenever possible. I learned about the IHM community through Giovanni Esti and immediately felt as if I was embraced by people whose hearts and life journey had the Spirit of Wisdom. I identified with the history of the the Immaculate Heart Community where brokenness and Faith join beautifully together to become a strong force of kindness and Hope.
Maureen McCue I was born in Los Angeles, California, the “middle” of five children. I lived in France and Spain as a child. An enduring love of travel, art, music and languages grew out of that experience. I grew up in Southern California, surfing the waves of the South Bay and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. I have always been an avid runner and participated in several 5K and half Marathons in the South Bay and Big Sur. Pursuing a love of science, I was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from California State University at Long Beach. After working in management positions, I returned to academia, earned an MBA at the Pepperdine Graziadio School of Business, and entered the hard-charging world of Wall Street as an investment banker. I then took the “road-less-traveled” and segued from banking to marketing and assisting CEO’s. The call to “be of service” grew stronger and I am currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Dean, International Programs, at Pepperdine University’s Malibu Campus. I live in Westlake Village, California, where I am a member of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church and active in Music Ministry, Choir, and Cerebral Palsy Ministry. I first learned about the Immaculate Heart Community several years ago while attending a retreat led by Father Michael Fish, OSB CAM. at the Center for Spiritual Renewal at La Casa de Maria. During a break in the retreat meetings, I met Peggy Haskell who introduced me to the Immaculate Heart Community.
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Mike Harringtonn I was born in Los Angeles in 1954. As a boy, growing up in the Los Feliz neighborhood, I found myself visiting the campus of Immaculate Heart High School. My sisters both attended IHHS (Classes of 1969 and 1971) and my mother, Eleanor Harrington, worked with Corita Kent in the art room. I recall learning the process of silk screening and the patient and determination involved. I was also aware of the challenges that the newly forming Immaculate Heart Community was taking. After some years of absence from regular religious practice I encountered the work and ministry of Msgr. Terry Richey. Beginning in 1992 I began to attend Msgr. Riche’s retreats at La Casa de Maria. I remain an active member of the community of recovery. For the last 25 years I have regularly worked with Msgr. Richey on retreats at La Casa de Maria and continue to see the Msgr. for prayer and support. Because of my historical connection to the IHC, my association with the work of Msgr. Richie, and many recent encounters with members of the IHC, I am drawn to seriously consider membership in the IHC. I am currently retired from a carrier in Property Management and as a Chemical Dependency Counselor. I live in Glendale.
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Ramona Spradling I was born in Reseda, California on October 31, 1954. My Parents were Career oriented and were entrepreneurial. I was an only child for seven years and then the eldest of two brothers. My parents had a strong work ethic and I learned early on that I would be required to follow that path. I had my first job by age 11, doing ironing for the neighbor. Often, my Parents would say if you want something you must learn to get it yourself. My mother became a single parent by the time I was 12. I moved into the position as the second parent and took my responsibility very seriously, helping to raise my younger brothers. I graduated from Taft High School, and attended Pierce College and Moorpark, where I studied, general education with an emphasis on Religious Studies and Sociology. I finally got to UCLA, in my early 30’s, where I completed my Education with a Certificate in Marketing and Public Relations. Continuing Education is a very important part of my life and I have completed many Certification programs in Real Estate Management and Senior Health Care/ Advocacy, and Spiritual Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute. I was gifted with high ambitions to excel in whatever I did in life. I worked in Real Estate Investment Trust, Multi Family Housing, Industry and excelled to become a Regional Manager and trainer for the Nations largest REIT, I worked in that field for 15 years. The last 17 years I have worked in Senior Housing and Health Care as a director of Marketing and Residency Counselor, helping senior populations select the lifestyle choice, best suited for their aging needs. I have a son and a daughter and six grandchildren which I love and adore. Family is very important to me. If anyone had ever told me about the joy that grandchildren bring into your life, I would have had them first! The grandmothers were the most important people during the time, I raised my children. I had the best Mother and Mother in-law and an awesome Father in-law. My observation is grandparents are very important in children’s lives. During my 35 year career, I served on the Board of Directors for the local Chamber of Commerce, ran for City Council in my Community in a General Election year, was involved in “Save Open Space to preserve the wildlife corridor spanning from the San Fernando Valley to Santa Barbara County, and was co-Founder of a Non-Profit, “Helping Hands for Humanities”. Giving back to the community and helping others has always been important to me. The highlight of my Career/Accomplishments, was working for La Casa de Maria in helping to develop a Marketing Plan to promote new and increased programs to create financial sustainability for a worthy organization. Page 17
Continued... I first became introduced to IHM, through La Casa de Maria and met Anita Caspary at the Center for Spiritual Renewal. It was love or (heart beat), at first sight. Once I learned of the History and evolution of this Community, I knew I wanted to be a part of it any way I could. Through employment, volunteerism or student and beneficiary of their spiritual programs. After 20 years of involvement with La Casa de Maria, in February 2019 , I knew it was time to pledge my commitment to IHM and give my best efforts to keep this worthy, heartfelt community alive.
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Reflections On Border Crisis OOver the months of the COVID-19 crisis, I have remained in contact with nuns and others who are at our southern border with Mexico. Some Americans feel anxious or worse about the migrants and asylum seekers coming across the border since the Inauguration of President Biden. Under the closedborder policy of the Trump Administration, those seeking refuge were told to remain in Mexico, that somehow our State Department would track their location and notify them of the date and time of the hearing of their petition. But many of the asylum claimants are fleeing gang or government violence in Central America, or escaping collapsing economies or communities left uninhabitable after two serious hurricanes in 2020. This is particularly true of those with homes in eastern Honduras. “When you hear the stories and see the people yourself, they are not just a nameless bunch of people in a crowd from a 10-second news report,” Dominican Sister Nancy Murray has written, working with them at our border and reflecting over the many refugees she has met during the COVID crisis. “They would rather be in their home countries safe and raising their children there. It is fear and violence that’s forcing them to come here.” These are the desperate few, she added, who had “the means and the dreams” to make it this far. Others remain in their homes, facing intimidation and threats against their lives or those of their children. Residents of a rural village I visited in El Salvador told me that gangs demanded their sons, and to refuse would mean a bullet. Their initial response was to hide their teenagers, just as we might try, but living in constant fear of exposure was sufficient to pay what little money they had to transport their sons to the US border and seek the protection of refugee status. The protest of some of our citizens to deny them even temporary protection only forced them to camp out along border riverbeds or municipal garbage dumps. Our government, in most cases, was unable to provide a date and time of their hearings. I've always thought of Americans as a compassionate people, who include mercy in the application of the law. I was taught this in my Civics classes in high school and in the government's response to the Civil Rights protests in earlier decades. These are people eager to work and to contribute to our economy, and they should not be viewed as freeloaders on our medical and social service programs. They are entrusting the care of their sons and daughters to us, and, as I have seen with my own eyes, even their very lives of their children. It is a common saying in Latin America that "our children are our future." Sons and daughters are expected to care for their parents and aging members of their extended families. We, in contrast, have programs including Social Security to fall back on. There is nothing comparable for seniors living in nations south of our border. I've heard some quoting the maxim, "You cannot reap what you failed to sow," blaming the victims of this failure of a society to protect its members. These are hollow words and do not bring hope to people living in fear and in poverty. We are not idle bystanders, devoid of any responsibility to help our neighbors in need. When you hear friends and neighbors complain about the crowding of facilities at our border with Mexico, and the apparent abandonment of children to the hands of coyotes, ask why this is happening. No one would willingly give over their young sons and daughters to strangers, especially those involved in black market trading and with a financial interest. Why are those kids being held in detention centers? Fr. Bob Miller, IHM
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The Taskforce on AntiRacism as Spiritual Transformation The Taskforce on AntiRacism as Spiritual Transformation denounces the hate speech and acts of violence against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community that have contributed to our country's legacy, growth, and cultural life. Their service in the medical field and healthcare field as professionals and first responders has supported our health. Their contributions to education, business, science, the military, and to the arts have enriched our lives. We call for justice and honoring the dignity of every individual and we stand in solidarity with families, victims, and all who have suffered the irrational hateful speech and actions that have caused injury and harm to the innocent. We call on our Immaculate Heart Community and all who walk with us: • To honor the inherent dignity and infinite worth of all members of the Asian American and Pacific Island community, as well as all persons of color. • To study and learn about our tragic history of prejudice and racism inflicted on our AAPI sisters and brothers, beginning here in California, and how it continues to this day. • We urge our local, state and national leaders and officials to educate the public on the effect of violence and to promote support for the well-being of all people of color. The Immaculate Heart Community is a Christian community, called to live the Gospel values of peace and to work for justice.
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Summer Film Festival Summer is almost here and we, the Taskforce on Anti-Racism as Spiritual Transformation, want to invite you to view some films with us. We will meet once a month in June, July and August. We are choosing a diverse mixture of films – drama, documentary, scholarly and literary. • A Raisin in the Sun – by the celebrated and heroic Lorraine Hansberry. It was first a Broadway play, winning the N Y Drama Critics award and then a film that won at the Cannes Film Festival. • I am Not Your Negro – the compelling journey with James Baldwin when he returned from his artist life in Paris, to join the Civil Rights struggle, often mediating between the wing of the movement led by Martin Luther King Jr. and the other wing by Malcolm X. The director of the film is Haitian born, Raoul Peck who got an Oscar nomination for it. • Amend – A new Netflix production about the 14th Amendment. It is in 4 parts, parts 1 and 2 focusing on the Civil war and reconstruction time and then the Civil Rights struggle. Part 3 looks at how the 14th Amendment impacted the feminist movement and strengthened it even more than the later Right to Vote amendment. It is part documentary, part scholarly, part drama – all exquisitely done. We will watch the movie before beforehand on our own, then gather on Zoom with an evening host who will lead us in discussion. And, of course we’ll have BYO popcorn and beverages of your choice. We hope you will join us!! If you are interested email Juliet jspohntwomey@gmail.com. Once we have the group of interested people we will work on scheduling dates and times that work.
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Assembly Update from APC Please save the date for our 2021 Assembly. We begin on Thursday October 28, 2021 evening with the Commitment Ceremony and celebration which will be primarily virtual. The Assembly will open on Friday October 29, 2021 at 9 am and close Sunday October 31, 2021 after Lunch. It will be at the Episcopal Cathedral Center in the Echo Lake area. The retreat center has only 13 rooms available for the IHC attendees. These are double rooms. Preregistration numbers indicate there will be more people wanting rooms than those available so all the rooms will be double rooms. There will be plenty of space for in person attendees who commute. The garage has a lot of parking. The official registration will be sent in June with a July deadline. We must return the registration form with payments by the deadline to be eligible for voting at the Assembly. The retreat rooms will be allocated on a first come first serve basis. Blessings, APC
PP.S. From IHMs Thank you so much for all the cards and kind notes sent upon the passing of my brother, Bob. Your love and prayers mean so much at a difficult time for our family. . Carol Stech, IHM My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Community, Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the many prayers, Masses offered, gifts, phone calls, emails, and cards that were sent to me in remembrance of my dear sisters, Margaret and Laura. It has been a very painful time for me but knowing that YOU are thinking of me has made the pain easier to bear. I miss my two sisters terribly, but I know that they are both free of all pain and that they continue to care for me as they rest in God's loving presence. Now, I am in the process of trying to transform my grief into gratitude as I relish so many beautiful memorie and bask in the beauty of nature which surrounds me. May God bless you all for your many kindnesses to me. Lots of love and gratitude, Anita Tavera, IHM Page 22
Welcome to My Neighborhood
Meet Karley Scott, my neighbor who lives just across the hall. This bubbly 7-year-old has brought joy into my life. I appreciate the intelligent, articulate conversations we have. I marvel at her high energy and infectious giggles. You would never know the hard life she has had in her 7 years before moving to Kenmore. Her mother is a stellar example of what the stability of the Alexandria House program provides. This single mom is attending college while working full time, all in the midst of the year of pandemic while her child learns to zoom into her class. Keanakay is very active in her Christian Church as well. Oh, by the way, with the help of Alexandria House mentors, she has published a memoir “Viewer's Discretion Advised” which is a mosaic of her raw memories of the foster care system, child abuse. She was homelessness for 10 years, despite being fully employed. Now, with the help of AH classes these past couple of years, she is totally in control of her budget, paying off all her bills so that she can be debt free. Ms. K is hoping to move with her young daughter to a one-bedroom apartment, which would be a spacious step up from her single room apartment here. I really feel honored to know my wonderful neighbors who have gone through so much pain in their lives, yet who are keeping the faith, hoping, and working for a better future. Meet Tzighe, my neighbor who lives in a single apartment right around the corner from me around the 3rd floor hall. She originally came here via CAST, then became housed here through Alexandria House. Tzighe (pronounced sirgay) is about my age and was born in a very little country inside the big continent of Africa. Now, after all her travails, she is proud to be an American citizen. I see her every day and am blessed by her big smile and kind eyes as she shares her special African coffee with me. Oh, the heartaches she has weathered you can only imagine. But with the helping hands of CAST and AH, she has a safe and stable life here at Kenmore. These are just two examples of the wonderful AH people who live here at Kenmore. My fellow IHM Bernadette still resides here on the 2nd floor; we are a strength to each other. We all really are a community of women helping each other as the needs arise. Did you know that there are 18 apartments (32 people including the children) that the Immaculate Heart Community rents to Alexandria House now? And did you know that are still 12 empty apartments since December 11, 2020 when 8 of our elders moved to St John of God & Kingsley Manor? All those IHMs are well adapted and very appreciative of their new homes. I really do miss each of them, but I do keep in touch by phone and have taken some of them out to lunch. Who is my neighbor? Who is not my neighbor? Are we not one human family? I am so grateful to be living here among God's children As Pope Francis said, “Hope is bold. It can look beyond convenience and open us up to grand ideals that make life beautiful and worthwhile. Advance along the paths of hope.” Victoria Berry, IHM Page 23
June
May 5/1 5/2 5/7 5/9 5/11 5/13 5/14 5/19 5/23 5/26
Mary T. Grove Julie Friese Nelson Small Teresa Briones Rosalina Baldonado Kathleen Cejka Stephanie Glatt Marla Ciarfalio Marylouise Lau Ray Mattes Lucia Van Ruiten 5/28 Lenore N. Dowling
6/2 6/3 6/4 6/6 6/13 6/14 6/18 6/21 6/23 6/27 6/28 6/29 6/30
Aida Serrano - Caballero Michelle De Beixedon Betty Pedrazzi Rev. Gary Rye Giovanni Esti (Candidate) Antoinette Ciketic Patricia Ann Sanders Marya Barr Rose Chamberlin Victoria Berry Gretchen Dumas Rev. Martha Siegel Kitty Murphy Susan Duquesnel Rick Jenison Megan Kerr Bernadette Hengstebeck
Immaculate Heart Community 5515 Franklin Avenue Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323)466-2157
News Notes is published by and for members of the Immaculate Heart Community Editor: Nan Cano, IHM Vice President Production: Nickie Strother If you would like to submit something for publication in July/August New Notes, please submit your article and/or information no later than June 15th to Nickie Strother (Production) at nstrother@ihworks.org and Nan Cano, IHM at ncano@ihworks.org Printed on Recycled Paper