By Lina broydo
“Bess Myerson: The One and Only Jewish Miss America” Film and Discussion
September 8 at 4 p.m. Via Zoom
Get ready for a fascinating virtual afternoon of a special program presented by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. No famous lox and bagels from the museum’s Cafe Bergson, but get an order from your local bagel shop and have fun in the comfort of your home.
In September 1945, Bess Myerson, Miss New York City, made history at the most famous beauty pageant in the world. In spite of anonymous phone calls to judges, threats from sponsors, and growing antisemitism, the daughter of struggling immigrants from Russia became the first Jewish Miss America.
The judges could not change the point count: the beauty queen from the Bronx won the swimsuit competition, tied for first place in talent, and was top-ranked in interview and evening gown categories.
But was the country ready for a Jewish Miss America? “Bess Myerson: The One and Only Jewish Miss America” tells the surprising story of Bess, her parents and sisters, and the Sholom Aleichem housing project that shaped so many Jewish families starting out in the United States.
This one-hour documentary follows Bess from her improbable entrance in her local pageant through her heartbreak when sponsors withdrew their support and restricted tour stops closed their doors on Jews. Join an interesting discussion of the film with director David Arond, Museum of Heritage Board of Trustees Vice Chairman and ADL National Director Emeritus Abraham Foxman (who is featured in the film), and Bess’ daughter, screenwriter and actress Barra Grant.
Information
$10 suggested donation with the registration.
Suggestion: Watch the film in advance of the discussion program
Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York
646-437-4202
MJHNY.org
Photo courtesy of vimeo.com
Have a Mask? Enjoy Five Perfect Picnic Places:
Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Jose, Oakland and Mountain View
Now that your basket is ready to go with an extra blanket and lots of hand sanitizer, the next question: Is where to?
From Lafayette to San Jose I have a few wonderful neighborhood places to recommend for you and your family for a lovely fall season picnic.
Most parks welcome your favorite and well behaved pooches, like my Kona.
Civic Park in Walnut Creek: 1375 Civic Drive
Lafayette Plaza Park in Lafayette: 3535 Plaza Way
Alum Rock Park in San Jose: 15350 Penitencia Creek Road
Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland: 700 Jean Street
Rengstorff Park in Mountain View: 201 South Rengstorff Avenue
In addition to picnics, the parks are great for hiking, playing volleyball and lots of other physical fun activities, a welcome respite form the motionless cocooning time you spend by your addictive laptop or a cell phone for the past 5 months at home.
Now that you selected your picnic’s locations – the delicious provisions aspect is up to you…
Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of the Rengstorff Park of Mountain View
Photo courtesy of Morcom Rose Garden and cascading fountain in Oakland
Zoom to French Impressionists at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
September 13 at 8 a.m.
Forget politics and explore the artistry of Washington D.C. by saying Hi to Meghan Hanson as she walks you virtually through the rise and fall of this fabulous art scene by looking at several iconic artists and their work: Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, George Seurat and Vincent van Gogh.
Take a virtual tour of the impressive French Impressionism Art Collection found at the National Gallery of Art.
You will enjoy seeing several Claude Monet, post impressionism, and learn what defines impressionism art.
You will start the tour by taking a look at the iconic sculpture of Little Dancer by Edgar Degas before moving into the National Gallery of Art Impressionism Exhibit Hall.
The Impressionism art is one of the most popular and beloved art movements to date.
The National Gallery of Art has spectacular Impressionism and Post Impressionism artworks that will change the way you understand the Impressionism art definition.
Information
Cost: $17.55
1-202-737-4215
Order tickets on eventbrite.com
Tour will be conducted online through Zoom
The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. National Gallery of Art
nga.gov
Photo of Meghan Hanson courtesy of the National Gallery of Art
SUP: Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Sausalito
Every Weekend at 8:30 a.m.
Time to try something new and exciting. Explore Richardson Bay on a stand up paddleboard with stunning views of Sausalito, Tibruon and Angel Island, the magnificent jewels of small towns along the Sausalito waterfront.
This is an excellent 2-hours learning opportunity for beginning paddlers under the watchful eye of professional instructors who will introduce you to the most fabulous sport for you to enjoy every weekend. Starting from Sea Trek’s location in Bay Model, you will get outfitted with life jackets, paddles, and paddleboards. After a brief introductory training session, it’s time to hit the water.
The wildlife in Richardson Bay is diverse, and includes harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and more. You will also paddle by the local houseboat community, where many Sausalito residents make their home, and your guides can tell you about the history of this eclectic seaside town.
The company assured me that no previous experience is necessary and paddlers of all skill levels can go on this trip. This adventure will open new beautiful vistas of the California state.
Information
Cost: $85
415-332-8494
seatrek.com
Minimum age: 16
Photo courtesy of Sea Trek
Beautiful Stairs in Venice, Italy
September 2, 2020: Each day from July 31, 2020 and for the duration of the Covid-19 nightmare I will post a different set of decorative stairs with hope we will reach the top when the brilliant minds will find and implement the miraculous vaccine.
Cheer up! Stay safe!
(You can see my previous daily posts on my Lina Broydo TravelLina on Facebook starting July 31, 2020)
A STAIRWAY TO THE STARS
There’s a silver trail of moonlight leading upward to the sky
And the night is like a velvet lullaby
There’s a heaven of blue
And we’ll go there, just you and I
Let’s build a stairway to the stars
And climb that stairway to the stars
With love beside us to fill the night with a song
We’ll hear the sound of violins
Out yonder where the blue begins
The moon will guide us as we go drifting along
Can’t we sail away on a lazy daisy petal
Over the rim of the hill?
Can’t we sail away on a little dream
And settle high on the crest of a thrill?
Let’s build a stairway to the stars
A lovely stairway to the stars
It would be heaven to climb to heaven with you
(This song was performed by Ella Fitzgerald as well as by Johnny Mathis.)
