The Willows Events Archives: Highlights of 2007
The Willows conducts a wide variety of special events for, and by, our residents. We also host outside events that are of interest to our residents and local community. Here is a sampling of recent events.
December 23: Christmas Dinner
December 21: Claremont Dinner Theatre
December 18: Christmas Lights Tour
December 16: "God's Unspeakable Gift"
... was the theme of this year's special Christmas program. We listened to inspired words from the Bible, and Mrs. Eddy's writings and sang songs of gratitude.
Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Dinner
Friday, Nov.16: Trip to the Norton Simon Museum
This year, 2007, the Norton Simon Museum celebrates Simon's 100th birthday with special displays of fine art, including European gems by Degas, Cezanne and Courbet. The Museum's garden is inspired by Monet's Giverny.
Thursday, Nov. 15 - 18: South Counties Outreach Food Drive
South County Outreach supports families in need. Resident's food contributions to this vital link to our surrounding communities may be dropped off in the Garden Room.
Thursday, Nov. 15: Las Concordias talk by Alan Hess
As a practicing architect and historian, Hess documents the emerging suburban metropolises of the West. As an architecture critic, he has written a column for the San Jose Mercury News since 1986 (click here to read one of Alan's recent columns). His articles have appeared in many architectural journals, he has appeared on TV, and he has taught at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and at UCLA.
- Call Johanna Hardi for more information (949) 770.8074
October 28, Sunday: "Touch the Top of the World
Erik Weihenmayer reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 25, 2001. He was the first blind person to do so. He also completed the Seven Summits in September 2002. We watched the video of his April 2007 talk at Principia College.
October 25, Thursday: Social Hour, Board Dinner, The Integrity Zone
It has been 30 years since "Bud" Krogh was indicted for his role in Watergate. Now he wants to share his hard-earned lessons with others. A DVD video of his talk "The Integrity Zone", which he gave at Principia last year, was shown. One half of the donation to this showing will be sent to The Principia for providing this DVD.
October 12, Friday: Visit to the March Air Force Base and Museum
A two hour tram tour of the March Air Force Base and Museum. The day trip included a stop in Moreno Valley for lunch.
October 6, Saturday: Step Into The Holidays
The Willows Gallery and Boutique presented their latest additions at a special reception. The focus was on the paintings and items of the Southwest.
- Two new artists have been added:
- Albuquerque artist July Hopkins
- Jeanette Bidwell (Betty Everett's mother).
The Boutique also displayed items from new designers and authors:
- Judy Concar displayed small Christmas decorations and gift items.
- Sara Rockabrand's lovely scarves and shawls have been added to the shop.
- Louis Benton, of Laguna Beach, creates beautiful woven pieces.
September 27, Thursday: The Strummers of Casa del Sol
"The Strummers" played and sang the golden oldies on ukuleles and guitars. Founded 15 years ago by Willows resident, Phyllis Neale, the group serenades retirement communities in Orange County once a month with various programs.
September 20, Thursday: Ride the train at the Santa Ana Zoo.
Johanna Hardi obtained free tickets for us, reducing the over all cost.
September 7, Friday: Cruise the Newport Harbor
September 6, Thursday: Robert Rockabrand, Las Concordias speaker
Robert Rockabrand, Professor of Music Emeritus at Principia College, returned to The Willows to launch the start of the 2007-08 Las Concordias year.
Thursday, August 23: "Under Antarctic Ice" - Lin Craft, photographer
Lin Craft's work as a marine biologist took her to Antarctica, where she spent two seasons doing research under the ice pack. Lin's camera and love of nature and travel has led her to make lasting images of what she has seen. In addition to Antarctica, some of her other programs cover the Galapagos Islands, the Sulu Sea in the Philippine Islands, Botswana, the Falkland Islands, and the Red Tocks of Utah and Arizona. This trip with Lin into Antarctica was an armchair adventure everyone enjoyed.
August 16: Pageant of the Masters
Once again we attended the spectacular Pageant of the Masters festival in Laguna Beach.
Saturday, August 4: Our own Farmer's Market
The Willows vegetable garden has produced bumper crops this year, thanks to a truckload of fresh dirt and a bushel full of green thumbs. Our gardeners shared their bounty with other Willows residents.
Sunday, July 29: Symphony Under The Stars
The Capistrano Valley Symphony is presenting a series of evening concerts this summer. The Willows reserved a special section of seating on Sunday, July 29.
Thursday, July 26: The new Willows Social Hour
The former Donut Social launched its "new look" including homemade goodies to complement the traditional donuts.
Thursday, July 26: "Physical Science, The Bible, and Divine Science"
Mary Bothwell, C.S. recently left years of inspired work at the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) for the full-time practice of Christian Science. At JPL, she managed a staff of 650, her division built the cameras for the Mars' rovers. In 1982, NASA awarded the Exceptional Service Medal to Bothwell for work she did on an infrared radiometer that, from orbit, helps scientists learn about the minerals of a planet. In December 2003 she published an article in The Christian Science Journal entitled "Spiritual lessons from space exploration".
Saturday, July 7: Summer & Ice Cream Social Time
The Men At The Willows annual ice cream social, including a square dancing exhibition, were held in The Willows dining room and on the patio.
Thursday, June 21: Betty Barker - Las Concordias Speaker
Betty Barker is a Journal-listed practitioner, and widely known for her philanthropy. She and her husband founded the Chicago Bulls basketball team (made famous by Michael Jordan). 30 years ago when she moved to Palm Desert she became known as a person who discovers needs and unrealized assets, including the need for a Palm Desert branch for California State University at San Bernardino. A sculpture garden at the desert branch is named in her honor.
Thursday, May 24: Robert Estrin, Concert Pianist
The multi-talented pianist Robert Estrin presented a concert of great classical works. Raised in a musical family, Estrin performs concerts with members of his family on both coasts. In addition, he has performed with Chuck Mangione, and hosts the Keyboard Kaleidoscope Show providing viewers with a diverse range of topics and guests.
- Living Piano website (includes music samples)
Saturday, May 19th: Historian David McCullough on Digital Video
A catered lunch was followed by David McCullough's video presentation (sponsored by The Principia Club of Orange County).
Sunday, May 6: Bus to Sandra Clarke talk at Laguna Niguel Church
Sandra Clarke, Development Director at The Mother Church, presented two videos:
- "A Day in the Life of "The Monitor": How The Christian Science Monitor is produced and published on a typical day.
- "Global Healing Through Global Publishing": Includes a discussion about the new products and services that will be coming to Christian Science Reading Rooms around the world.
Thursday, April 26 : "Jazz from A to Z: What Is It?
Dr. Mason, an acclaimed musician who has played with such artists as Sara Vaughan, Alle Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett) showcased that American-born phenomenon -- jazz. Click here to learn more about this program and Dr. Mason.
Thursday, April 19 : Las Concordias Luncheon Speaker
Singer and story-teller Karen Wilson, PhD, was the featured after-luncheon speaker at the Las Concordias luncheon. Click here to read more about Karen Wilson and her performances.
Week of April 16th : Spring Food Drive
During the week of April 16th we collected canned foods and other staples for the families in our area who need a hand. Our donations help support the growing needs of South County's single parent families. This includes a food pantry, rental and utility assistance, and computer lab training. Currently the South County Outreach helps nearly 10,000 families a year.
March 22 : Orange County History Talk
On Thursday, March 22, The Willows Residents Association presented the second in the two-part historical examination of our county. The talk narrated a slide show that traces Orange County history into the modern era. The program highlighted many of the individuals who created history, and the events that influenced the changes in the lives of the country's residents. This second part of the talk dealt with the 20th and 21st centuries.
Bowers docent, Ada Bosjnak, was our speaker. She is originally from Croatia, where she completed her Masters degree in Chemical Engineering. She came to California to visit her brother, and like it so well that she stayed. She used her talents during her 31 years working at a scientific instrument manufacturing company.
March 15 : Bowers Museum Trip
March 3: Longyear Museum Talk
For more information about the Longyear Museum, visit their website.
February 22: Swing Era is back for the night at The Willows
The Silver Foxes, under the direction of Don Goldberg, returned to The Willows for a night of music from the thirties and forties. Ten years ago, Don Goldberg started his own band. Originally a four-person combo, fifteen other professional musicians showed up, one of the players discovered 100 swing band arrangements in his basement, and The Silver Foxes have been playing together ever since.
Last year the band played 30 events around Southern California. This year, nine events are already scheduled, including a special night at The Willows.
February 15: Las Concordias Luncheon
Landscape architect Bill Hyneck, a Principia graduate, talked about garden design.
February 11: "It's A Small World!" concert
"It's a Small World!" was the theme of the Laguna Community Concert Band's annual concert at the Artists Theater in Laguna Beach. The 55-member band (including Betty Everett, flutist, Bob Woltz, percussion) played a major part of the concert under the baton of former Disneyland arranger James Christensen.
February 3-4: On Higher Ground - 2 day Bible Seminar
Higher Ground Bible Conferences are designed to encourage growth in grace through the nurture of a spiritual understanding that is:
- God centered
- Biblically grounded
- Christ following
- Relationship building
With a special appeal to those interested in the Writings of Mary Baker Eddy, presentations referenced statements of Mrs. Eddy’s love of the Bible and the Biblical and Christian character of her theology.
Click here to learn more about Higher Ground
January 27: Camelot
- Presented at La Mirada Theater.
January 25: Bowers Museum Talk
