Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
Our conversation begins as we gaze at the faces of 20 Americans painted by Robert Shetterly. The artist draws us into their thoughts and feelings by the contrast of the soft background with the intense texture of color and facial form. Some are familiar faces and some we do not know. Some speak to us individually because of their expression, their age, their gender or their race. As we approach them more closely, we hear them speak.
Muhammad Ali: If I thought going to war would bring freedom and equality to 22 million of my people, they wouldnât have to draft me.
Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
Jenn Welch, the photographer from Interstate Studio, was setting up for school photos in the gym of the Emily Howland Elementary School. She had her green screen in place, a chair for students, her studio lights positioned, digital camera on a tripod, and a table with her computer by her side. She wore her mask, but her eyes were smiling and her voice warm as she greeted each student.
As I watched, the first student sat down for his photo, removed his mask, and looked toward Jenn. She smiled behind her mask, telling the student to turn a little more to his right, helped him sit up straight by suggesting he place a hand on his thigh, and adjusted a collar that had gone astray. She shot a photo, reviewed it on the computer screen and took a second and third shot to make sure she got the picture she wanted.
Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
If you have ever wondered if pandemics and theater rely on shared skills for positive outcomes, read on. On Feb. 23, I met Dan Mullarney, Southern Cayuga director of choirs and Drama Club director, to discuss the Drama Clubâs plans for the coming year. Dan immediately noted that the pandemic challenged the Drama Clubâs norm of two productions a year â a fall play and a spring musical.
Dan began, âWhether we are on the stage in production or in the classroom, the actor is always our first concern. The pandemic has allowed us to rethink how we serve our student actors. Oddly, the absence of performance deadlines has created a new focus on developing our actorsâ skills. The necessity of masks, social distancing and split schedules has transformed the Drama Club. This year, our 21 members focus on process not production and they are thriving with the new protocols. We are focusing on games, monologues and improv
Elaine Meyers
Special to The Citizen
As the Southern Cayuga Anne Frank Tree Community Read team looks at 2021, we have a clear mandate to continue conversations begun in October with our discussion of Angie Thomasâ The Hate You Give. Sixty participants encouraged us to discuss racism throughout the coming school year and to develop partnerships that initiate and sustain conversations. Our hope is that continued sharing of ideas will foster understanding and equity.
Our next formal meeting occurred on Nov. 7 at Wells College in Stratton Hall and provided an opportunity for Community Read members to learn about the Hallway for Cultural Humility. A Wellsâ college news release (wells.edu/multicultural-center) explains the concept of âcultural humility, which originated in the health care field as a way for practitioners to better connect with patients of diverse backgrounds. The belief is that a humble and respectful attitude toward individuals of other c