Wed, June 24
Just got back from an awesome experience. Yesterday, after the Forbidden City, which was super cool, we took a 2 hour bus ride, then smaller bus to an entrance to the Great Wall. We being me, Greg, Greg's best friend from middle school, and two of his friends. We got there in the night time, found a place to grab something to eat, and then hiked up the wall for 40 minutes or so and camped out. We spent the night right on the wall! We got up this morning at 6:00 ish and headed out for an 8 mile hike back towards Beijing on the wall. I have pictures. Many, many pictures. Parts were completely terrifying because the stone ground was broken and there wasn't any type of guard rail. Also have pictures of that.
Anyways, we made it to another entrance around 11 and got back to Greg's at 2:00. We immediately jumped in the indoor pool nearby due to the 100 degree weather. Yikes.
Tue, Jun 23
Hi familia,
I'm in Chinaland! Everything is great so far. Our travel here went so incredibly smooth; both our planes got in early and there wasn't even a line at customs. We changed over in the Narita airport in Tokyo, which was super cool and trendy. Yesterday, on Monday, we went to see the Summer Palace, which was this huge vacation spot for the emperor. Its composed of more than 15 pagoda style buildings centered around a lake where you can rent paddle boats and motor boats to go around, which we did. It was so beautiful.
On the way back, we stopped off at the Birds Nest and walked around that whole complex of olympic buildings. Today we're off to the Forbidden City and then the Great Wall afterwards.
Love, Annie
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
On Tuesday, Johanna, Janet's brother John and her cousins Dede and Nancy were all privileged
to see her be honored for her contributions by the Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, a joint
venture of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the State Council on the Arts. She was given the
very first Leadership Award (which included a very sizable check!). She had been nominated by
the manager of McCarter Theater. Her is the full text of the citation:
Leadership Award
Janet Zoubek Dickson
For nearly thirty years, Janet Dickson has put her passion to action. She earned her masters of
Arts management from the University of Maryland in 1994, where she wrote a dissertation on
regional theaters across the country, examining access programs for the visually impaired in
compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which had just been enacted.
Ms. Dickson has the distinction of being a founding member of the National Audio Description
Coalition. Founded in 1981, the coalition broke many barrier5s, and Ms. Dickson was in the
forefront of them. Working side-by-side with Metroplitan Washington Ear's founder/president
Dr. Margaret Pfansteil, she helped introduce the Audio Described performance at Arena Stage,
and from 1987 to 1989, Ms. Dickson worked as the narrator and scriptwriter for the Audio
Descriptive Video Service pilot program for Public Television's highly praised series, Amer ican
Playhouse.
Over the years, Ms. Dickson's expertise in Audio Description has benefitted many of New
Jersey's professional theaters. In addition, she also provides training to new audio describers and
refresher courses for experienced descriptors throughout New Jersey.
With her background and skill in Audio Description, Ms. Dickson has launched other access
programs as well. As the Access Coordinator for McCarter Theater – a volunteer position – for
t6he last four seasons, Ms. Dickson has provided valuable insight to McCarter's staff on
providing access to the community who regularly attends the theater series productions. She has
conducted sensitivity training to McCarter's full-time staff and volunteers; she assists McCarter
with its annual review of their ADA plan access handbook; and she provides outreach and
guidance in finding ways tp reach communities and individuals who have not heard of McCater's
access programs.
Always looking for ways to expand her knowledge and stay up-to-date, Ms. Dickson participates
in the annual LEAD (Leadership Education In Arts And Disability) conference, which is
sponsored by the Kennedy Center. This past summer, Ms. Dickson co-presented a workshop on
audio description, and she has been instrumental in championing Open Captioning at McCarter,
and for the first time in its history, the theater will be providing Open Captioning for all of its
drama productions during the 2009-2010 season.
Janet's passion, skill, determination and most importantly, her dedication to learning new
methods and practices to ensure that the New Jersey arts community continues to provide access
to all, is unparalleled and makes her truly a leader in the field.<
to see her be honored for her contributions by the Cultural Access Network of New Jersey, a joint
venture of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the State Council on the Arts. She was given the
very first Leadership Award (which included a very sizable check!). She had been nominated by
the manager of McCarter Theater. Her is the full text of the citation:
Leadership Award
Janet Zoubek Dickson
For nearly thirty years, Janet Dickson has put her passion to action. She earned her masters of
Arts management from the University of Maryland in 1994, where she wrote a dissertation on
regional theaters across the country, examining access programs for the visually impaired in
compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which had just been enacted.
Ms. Dickson has the distinction of being a founding member of the National Audio Description
Coalition. Founded in 1981, the coalition broke many barrier5s, and Ms. Dickson was in the
forefront of them. Working side-by-side with Metroplitan Washington Ear's founder/president
Dr. Margaret Pfansteil, she helped introduce the Audio Described performance at Arena Stage,
and from 1987 to 1989, Ms. Dickson worked as the narrator and scriptwriter for the Audio
Descriptive Video Service pilot program for Public Television's highly praised series, Amer ican
Playhouse.
Over the years, Ms. Dickson's expertise in Audio Description has benefitted many of New
Jersey's professional theaters. In addition, she also provides training to new audio describers and
refresher courses for experienced descriptors throughout New Jersey.
With her background and skill in Audio Description, Ms. Dickson has launched other access
programs as well. As the Access Coordinator for McCarter Theater – a volunteer position – for
t6he last four seasons, Ms. Dickson has provided valuable insight to McCarter's staff on
providing access to the community who regularly attends the theater series productions. She has
conducted sensitivity training to McCarter's full-time staff and volunteers; she assists McCarter
with its annual review of their ADA plan access handbook; and she provides outreach and
guidance in finding ways tp reach communities and individuals who have not heard of McCater's
access programs.
Always looking for ways to expand her knowledge and stay up-to-date, Ms. Dickson participates
in the annual LEAD (Leadership Education In Arts And Disability) conference, which is
sponsored by the Kennedy Center. This past summer, Ms. Dickson co-presented a workshop on
audio description, and she has been instrumental in championing Open Captioning at McCarter,
and for the first time in its history, the theater will be providing Open Captioning for all of its
drama productions during the 2009-2010 season.
Janet's passion, skill, determination and most importantly, her dedication to learning new
methods and practices to ensure that the New Jersey arts community continues to provide access
to all, is unparalleled and makes her truly a leader in the field.<
Friday, June 19, 2009
Only 2 more shopping days
Someone in our household pointed out the most wonderful day of the year coincides with the longest day of the year.
That means this year more Father's Day than normal, than ever. You all are in for a real treat.
Can you guess who the someone was in our household who realized that?
That means this year more Father's Day than normal, than ever. You all are in for a real treat.
Can you guess who the someone was in our household who realized that?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Summertime
One day more. And it's vacation. Our plans are to go first to North Carolina, then back here for a night; then stop at Grandma's on the way up to Pittsfield. We hope to do a little road trip to Boston, New Hampshire and Maine as well. And then back here by the 5th of July. It's not long enough.
John got back from a week in Brazil and Peru. He says he is cured of travel. A lost suitcase, missed flights, delayed flights, lost camera, overweight, fidgety people next to you. Whatever happened to the romance of travel? Whatever happened to underbooking?
It was nice to be back in Peru, even though it felt a little like Rip Van Winkle, after ten years. Lots of changes - a much more prosperous country. Lots that is the same - major traffic jams. Interesting was a day trip to the oldest "civilization" in the Americas, that was discovered and excavated since we left Peru. I had some great photos, but I think I mentioned that I lost my camera. You'll have to look it up - Coral.
Other events on the trip were seeing the new Harlem Globetrotters, visitng a youth center an dlistening to Brazilian hip-hop, going to a modern dance performance in Peru, and then out for a late dinner with the dancers - very uncharacteristic.
Other news: Mary is finished with her school tomorrow. It was featured on television and radio, and even Japanese reporters were there to do a story. Check the NPR story out below.
While we're away, we understand Sean and Amanda may be coming down, going to another wedding. We hear too that Jeff and Melodie went over to Margaret's new house for a party last week. Funny that we were not invited.
Annie spent last weekend in NYC, and went to a party at Glenn Close's pad. We weren't invited to that party either. Everyone's going to parties except us.
And we even heard of David and Paula's anniversary party. Hope it was a great one.
Andrew has news as well, of a big bonus and more importantly of a proud parenting moment surrounding Claire's graduation. Claire learned one of life's great lessons, but you'll have to ask her or her parents about it. They are heading this weekend up to Green Lake for a week - the whole clan.
So, wish we had some photos for you - maybe next time. Hope you're well. Love from down here.
John got back from a week in Brazil and Peru. He says he is cured of travel. A lost suitcase, missed flights, delayed flights, lost camera, overweight, fidgety people next to you. Whatever happened to the romance of travel? Whatever happened to underbooking?
It was nice to be back in Peru, even though it felt a little like Rip Van Winkle, after ten years. Lots of changes - a much more prosperous country. Lots that is the same - major traffic jams. Interesting was a day trip to the oldest "civilization" in the Americas, that was discovered and excavated since we left Peru. I had some great photos, but I think I mentioned that I lost my camera. You'll have to look it up - Coral.
Other events on the trip were seeing the new Harlem Globetrotters, visitng a youth center an dlistening to Brazilian hip-hop, going to a modern dance performance in Peru, and then out for a late dinner with the dancers - very uncharacteristic.
Other news: Mary is finished with her school tomorrow. It was featured on television and radio, and even Japanese reporters were there to do a story. Check the NPR story out below.
While we're away, we understand Sean and Amanda may be coming down, going to another wedding. We hear too that Jeff and Melodie went over to Margaret's new house for a party last week. Funny that we were not invited.
Annie spent last weekend in NYC, and went to a party at Glenn Close's pad. We weren't invited to that party either. Everyone's going to parties except us.
And we even heard of David and Paula's anniversary party. Hope it was a great one.
Andrew has news as well, of a big bonus and more importantly of a proud parenting moment surrounding Claire's graduation. Claire learned one of life's great lessons, but you'll have to ask her or her parents about it. They are heading this weekend up to Green Lake for a week - the whole clan.
So, wish we had some photos for you - maybe next time. Hope you're well. Love from down here.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Applause!
Janet has been chosen to be the first recipient for a very significant award. Here is the announcement:
"On Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at The State Museum in Trenton the Cultural Access Network, a
co-sponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theatre
Alliance, will be celebrating 15 years of bringing service to the state's cultural community to
assist them in making their programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. In
addition, we will recognize the great strides and innovation of the state's cultural community in
the area of arts access and honor two organizations and an individual who have demonstrated
leadership, commitment, creativity and innovation to the cultural access field with a Cultural
Access Award."
Janet is the individual. She was nominated by McCarter Theater. The theater's business manager called me a few weeks ago to tell me he was nominating her and asking me for background info. It's been hard to keep it a secret all this time. Janet found out yesterday.
The Theatre Alliance includes all 36 theaters in the state. This is the first year this award is being
given, so Janet is being recognized as the best in the state.
"On Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at The State Museum in Trenton the Cultural Access Network, a
co-sponsored project of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and the New Jersey Theatre
Alliance, will be celebrating 15 years of bringing service to the state's cultural community to
assist them in making their programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. In
addition, we will recognize the great strides and innovation of the state's cultural community in
the area of arts access and honor two organizations and an individual who have demonstrated
leadership, commitment, creativity and innovation to the cultural access field with a Cultural
Access Award."
Janet is the individual. She was nominated by McCarter Theater. The theater's business manager called me a few weeks ago to tell me he was nominating her and asking me for background info. It's been hard to keep it a secret all this time. Janet found out yesterday.
The Theatre Alliance includes all 36 theaters in the state. This is the first year this award is being
given, so Janet is being recognized as the best in the state.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Quick trip
Someone asked the other day if we liked travel. Uggh. I get all up in knots on the day of the trip.
And that day is today. I am off to Brazil and Peru this week, back Saturday morning. Two of the six nights will be spent on planes. Saving hotel costs. Fortunately I can sleep on planes. This will be the first time back in Peru, and the only thing that really will have changed is the color of my hair. Work related, we spent a lot of time supporting the Obama speech in Cairo, getting it carried live in many countries around the world.
We had some bad news for the kitty this week. What we thought might have been just an infection, turns out to be some kind of cancerous growth. The vet gives her 3-8 weeks. She's got a swollen jaw. The vet gave her prednazone, so the one thing she really likes to do (eat) she will be able to do and with a vengeance.
John had lunch with his college classmate this week, and it was like old times. Coulda talked for hours. Scott has a nephew by marriage who is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn.
It's been raining, every day this week. And it always seems to start just as I begin my walking commute. No fun, and people saying how much we need the rain doesn't help much.
The rain did not deter Mary and John from going to sit on the lawn at Wolf Trap for a John Prine concert. A lot of fun. Annie and Margaret went the next night when it was a glorious day.
Kathleen came down for the weekend before she heads off on a long adventure. She stopped work, will go to a 4-day concert in Tennessee and then to China for a few weeks.
Annie is making plans to go to China. She's had a week of dance and exercise and waking up late. Enjoy now.
Soon vacation. Anyone else have travel plans for the summer?
Mary is winding down with school - only two more weeks. Can't wait. Love from down here.
And that day is today. I am off to Brazil and Peru this week, back Saturday morning. Two of the six nights will be spent on planes. Saving hotel costs. Fortunately I can sleep on planes. This will be the first time back in Peru, and the only thing that really will have changed is the color of my hair. Work related, we spent a lot of time supporting the Obama speech in Cairo, getting it carried live in many countries around the world.
We had some bad news for the kitty this week. What we thought might have been just an infection, turns out to be some kind of cancerous growth. The vet gives her 3-8 weeks. She's got a swollen jaw. The vet gave her prednazone, so the one thing she really likes to do (eat) she will be able to do and with a vengeance.
John had lunch with his college classmate this week, and it was like old times. Coulda talked for hours. Scott has a nephew by marriage who is a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn.
It's been raining, every day this week. And it always seems to start just as I begin my walking commute. No fun, and people saying how much we need the rain doesn't help much.
The rain did not deter Mary and John from going to sit on the lawn at Wolf Trap for a John Prine concert. A lot of fun. Annie and Margaret went the next night when it was a glorious day.
Kathleen came down for the weekend before she heads off on a long adventure. She stopped work, will go to a 4-day concert in Tennessee and then to China for a few weeks.
Annie is making plans to go to China. She's had a week of dance and exercise and waking up late. Enjoy now.
Soon vacation. Anyone else have travel plans for the summer?
Mary is winding down with school - only two more weeks. Can't wait. Love from down here.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
June swoon
Here's a photo from the archives. Hmmm. And I thought he was helping.
It's hot and there are thunderstorms. That means it must be summer.
And we love it. Almost every part of it, but most of all, it's too hot to wear a tie to work; it's nice to just walk out the door without worrying about gloves andd scarves and coats; it's nice to sit out on the deck and brave the mosquitoes; it's nice to sleep with the windows open; and to drive with the windows open; it's nice to watch baseball, especially when our teams are doing so well. Why can't it always be summer? Mary reminded me that we do like the other seasons (just not as much) and we wouldn't like summer so much if it weren't for the other seasons.
Enough of rambling. Let's get to the news. Margaret has a new house! She got fed up with her housemates and moved out, into a nicer house not too far away. We went down Saturday night to see her and she is in the throes of unpacking and setting up. No fun, but it is better.
Annie went down to North Carolina for a post-graduation party with some Hamilton friends. She had more of an adventure than she would have liked on the way home. She's here through August and is looking to take some art classes.
We have caught up with a couple of Peace Corps friends in the last two weeks, both of whom we hadn't seen since the mid 90s. One was a woman who had moved to Durban and married a year before we got there. She finally through in the towel and pulled up roots, and is now living down the road with her four daughters. Bit of a culture shock. The other is moving here from Sri Lanka with no job, but wants his children to go to high school in the states.
We're following the Sotomayor nomination closely, as she was a classmates of John's. She was well-known on campus as being smart and politically active. Wonder if there's a kiss and tell book in it for me? Swift boaters, where are you?
We talked to Peter, who was at reunions, and to Grandma and she was doing well, but not at reunions.
Love from down here.
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