Weaving Our Stories
Our summer intergenerational program “Weaving Our Stories” was a gratifying experience for all involved. Teaching Artists Marcie Wolf-Hubbard (art) and Candace Wolf (storytelling) led four sessions with older adults and children aged 7-15 at Holly Hall Apartments, a new center partner, in Silver Spring, MD. The program is a partnership with Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County. Holly Hall provides subsidized housing for older adults, and the youth will were bused in from a nearby family facility, where they are part of a group called Magruder’s Discovery.
At the beginning of each session, the participants spent time getting to know one another. Discussion topics included things that are worth waiting for; the history behind their names; what they like best about their current age; what courage means; times of change and how they coped; and the special, most unforgettable days in their lives. The time spent sharing personal stories flowed into art activities designed to continue the “getting to know you” process. Younger and older participants created colorful nametags for one another, illustrated stories from the other’s life, created collages made from images of group members, and drew portraits of a partner. The series culminated with a final celebration on Wednesday, July 31, where their artwork was displayed for public viewing.
Members of the group expressed their feelings about the experience:
“I liked interacting with the kids. Some children don’t have grandparents and it is good for them.”
– Sarah, Senior participant
“It’s important to take time for yourself and learn something new. To not think about your health issues, or sit alone in your apartment”
– Phyllis, Senior participant
“I liked that they were multicultural like us, and spoke different languages.”
– Rufael, Youth participant
“I liked telling our stories, and drawing our partner’s stories”
– Bizet, Youth participant
The youth, who continue take part in an after-school program in their neighborhood during the school year, have already planned several return trips to visit their friends at Holly Hall. We hope the relationship will continue for a long time.
Please enjoy the following video, which we hope conveys the spirit of the sessions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs_HQeYtXS4
Cherishing Silver - 25th Anniversary Gala, November 5, 2013
Please join us for reception hosted by His Excellency Manuel Sager,Ambassador of Switzerland, and Mrs. Christine Sager with the Host Committee Chair, esteemed artist Bill Dunlap; tributes to Swiss-German artist, scientist, entrepreneur, humanitarian, philanthropist and nonagenarian, AFTA Founder Lolo Sarnoff; presentation of the 5thAnnual Sarnoff Award to Ambassador Donald T. Bliss (ret.) for distinguished philanthropy, community service and engagement in the arts; and a multi-cultural interactive performance of works from cabaret, film and stage with Cabaret Sauvignon, an opera-cabaret group featuring Peter Burroughs, Carlos César Rodríguez, Jennifer Suess and special guest Barbara Papendorp. Online registration and further details are here.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2013: V.I.P. reception and tour of the Marden House
Friends of Arts for the Aging spent an intimate evening with AFTA 25thAnniversary Co-Chair, distinguished artist and WETA commentator Bill Dunlap, and Founding C.E.O. and Chairman Emeritus of AOL, Jim Kimsey. The night was hosted at the Marden House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s gloriously restored masterpiece and photographs can be found here.
MAY 19, 2013: Tennis Tournament for All Ages
His Excellency Jonas Hafström, Ambassador of Sweden, and Mrs. Eva Hafström were Honorary Chairs of another fabulous Annual Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament — our 23rd for the event, and their 6th year hosting. Though rain washed away most tournament play on Sunday morning, exhibition matches in the afternoon on the Swedish Embassy Residence court were followed by a fabulous evening dinner reception, award ceremony and silent auction also at the residence. We were wowed by junior exhibition players Lilly Lynham, Shannon Hanley, Lizzie Baker and Valerie Ho in an all-USTA-Mid-Atlantic-ranked face-off and celebrity match players Mark Ein, Richey Renenberg, Dan Waldman and Gordi Ernst. Much gratitiude to Junior Tennis Champions Center C.E.O. Ray Benton and Washington Kastles owner Mark Ein who arranged the exhibitions. Co-chair of AFTA’s 25th Anniversary WUSA9 anchor JC Hayward gave a warm greeting to guests and toasted AFTA’s mission. Saluted were Ambassador and Mrs. Hafström for their dedication and commitment to helping ensure the success of this event for AFTA during their time here in the U.S. — they head back to Sweden in June 2013 — and a dedicated tennis committee led by this year’s new event chair Bill Weber and outgoing and long-time chair, AFTA trustee Kuni Matsuda. Thanks so very much to our sponsors, court hosts, patrons, volunteers and friends who made it all possible. Coverage can be found at Swedish Scene and at JCHayward.com; the evening’s program is available here and more photos can be found on Flickr (by stephaniewilliamsimages.com; additional thanks to Kuni Matsuda and Brandi Rose). Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in joining the 2014 tennis committee.