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February 12, 2008
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Mayor Sandack called the Workshop meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Village Hall. The Mayor led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Present:Mayor Ron Sandack; Commissioners Marilyn Schnell, William Waldack, Sean P. Durkin, Geoff Neustadt, Bruce Beckman; Village Manager Cara Pavlicek; Village Attorney Enza Petrarca; Village Clerk April Holden
Absent:Commissioner Martin Tully
Visitors: Residents: Jan and Charley Smart, DGHPC , 4804 Main Street; Bill Nienburg, 5313 Washington; James Cavallo, Pierce Downers Heritage Alliance, 6943 Valley View Drive; Gordon Goodman, DGHPC , 5834 Middaugh; Allan Ambrose, Northern Trust, 50 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago; Bill Wrobel, Downers Grove Watch, 7800 Queens Court; Randy Haubold, 5899 Walnut Avenue; Mark Thoman, 1109 61st Street; Marge Earl, 4720 Florence Avenue; Daiva Majauskas, 5445 Lee Staff: Robin Weaver, Interim Director, Public Works; Bob Porter, Police Chief; Dave Fieldman, Deputy Village Manager; Phil Ruscetti, Fire Chief; Mike Baker, Assistant Village Manager; Tom Dabareiner, Director, Community Development; Megan Bourke, Management Analyst; Mike Millette, Assistant Director, Public Works; Judy Buttny, Director, Finance; Brandon Deiter, Management Analyst; Mary Scalzetti, Director, Community Events; Doug Kozlowski, Communications Director; Wes Morgan, Director, Human Resources; Andy Matejcak, Director, Counseling and Social Services; Liangfu Wu, Director, Information Services
Mayor Sandack explained that Council Workshop meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. The meetings are video taped live and for later cable cast over cable channel 6.
The Workshop meeting is intended to provide Council and the public with an appropriate forum for informal discussion of any items intended for future Council consideration or just for general information. No formal action is taken at Workshop meetings.
The public is invited to attend and encouraged to comment or ask questions in an informal manner on any of the items being discussed or on any other subject. The agenda is created to provide a guideline for discussion.
1. Active Agenda and Informational Items
Manager Pavlicek reviewed the items for comments and questions from the Council or general public.
Public Hearing for General Obligation Bond Issuance . The Manager said the public hearing has been noticed for February 19. The purpose of the hearing is to take comments on the proposed issuance of General Obligation Bonds in the amount of $24,679,000 for the Stormwater Improvement Fund.
The Mayor explained that this is a call to awareness to the public and they are welcome to participate in the public hearing.
Pre-annexation Agreements for 611 36th Street, 4618 Cross Street, 4700 Cross Street and 6009 Springside Avenue. The Manager said a public hearing has been noticed for February 19 to take comments on approval of this Pre-annexation Agreement. The agreements are to obtain Village water.
Commissioner Schnell asked what would happen if an emergency situation should occur. Manager Pavlicek said she would prefer to see it brought to the Council. That is the express expectation of the DuPage Water Commission.
Commissioner Beckman asked about the right-of-way for the 6009 Springside address, and what kind of maintenance responsibility will be assumed. The Manager said this is only a pre-annexation agreement. She would look into what would occur upon annexation.
Solid Waste Collection & Disposal Services Contract – Addendum A. The Manager asked Mike Baker to provide more information on contract changes.
Mike Baker , Assistant Village Manager, highlighted the changes. The first concerns reporting requirements not included in the contract whereupon the hauler provides Village with information about customers who have signed up for carts. The second change moves the effective date from Tuesday, April 1 to Monday, March 31, to allow for smoother transition to take place.
Transportation Fund. The Manager said that a member of the Council requested discussion on the Transportation Fund with regard to the Grove Commuter Shuttle, and the financial relationship to the local circulator study.
Commissioner Schnell said that the new buses are expected to be here in May 2008.
Commissioner Durkin said that he wanted the ending Fund balance, and he received that. He thanked staff for the information, and asked how the Village will pay the negative balance of $1.8 million. Commissioner Durkin said he knows that the Village can adopt a Transportation tax, which was not done previously. He would like the Council to start looking at solutions to offset the costs, and also wants to know about ridership. The information he received only goes through 2005. He also asked for information about marketing efforts.
Mayor Sandack said that adjustments were made in last year's budget to reduce the deficit somewhat, and it is imperative that they continue to recognize the deficit and be responsible for finding solutions.
Commissioner Neustadt said that the new buses will not solve the deficit costs, but there will be a reduction in the maintenance and insurance costs. He feels that the Village should continue to serve its customers. The issues of ridership and marketing will come up again once the new buses arrive. He agrees that there is a big deficit, acknowledging that the transportation system will probably never make money, but hopefully the deficit can be lowered.
Local Circulator Study Resolution. The Manager said that Tam Kutzmark, the Transportation and Planning Director for DuPage Mayors and Managers, made a presentation to the Village Council a few weeks ago, asking for the Village's participation by approving a resolution to approve phase 3 of the Local Circulator Study.
Commissioner Waldack said he attended a meeting this morning regarding the mass transit bill, which was recently passed. The County will receive $20 million from the ¼ cent sales tax. He hoped that the Circulator Study could be funded with some of those funds. Commissioner Waldack said that he has a hard time separating transportation system components, and prefers to see it as one system.
Commissioner Schnell said she has no problem moving forward with the resolution. The earlier presentation to the Council had many senior citizens in attendance. There are expectations that she heard which eventually could be met, but she doesn't want to set this up for failure. She believes they need to be careful and include people who have experience with the system so they are not set up for failure. She added that they need a good representation from the Senior community. DuPage Mayor and Managers needs to look at many aspects of transportation, including flexible routes, reverse commuting, and the problems that this might cause. There might be time when the schedule needs to be precise; however, they also must recognize the need for flexibility. Commissioner Schnell said she couldn't see Downers Grove buying more buses to go over and above the existing commuter system. She would like to see an estimate of the costs to be charged to the riders. Bridging the gap between costs and fare rates must be addressed, and she appreciated that this was put on the calendar when she is in attendance.
Commissioner Waldack said he asked the Manager about the economic benefits of public transportation, and she referenced a bibliography, which he did not have. The Manager said that it was sent via e-mail. Commissioner Waldack said that in their discussions of transportation, the Council rarely gets into the economic impact, and he said that there are benefits.
Commissioner Durkin asked whether the new buses are to be used for the circulator system, and the Manager said the Village's new buses are for the Commuter shuttle, and are owned by the Village with PACE . She further responded that if the Village were to abolish the system, the buses could not be sold at auction. Commissioner Durkin then asked about the flexible route, saying he would not be in favor of this because he believes they would dig a deeper hole. It would become a high-priced limousine service. He wants any information that can be obtained regarding flex routes. He noted that they are only allocating ten hours per month in staff time. Manager Pavlicek said that the total time for staff would be ten hours per month.
Commissioner Waldack said that the ¾ mile flex route saves some costs from the taxi subsidy program. He added that scheduling is something that the Transportation and Parking Committee would do.
Commissioner Schnell said that seniors were looking for flexible routes. Downsizing the Village's system by eliminating the charter service was partly for liability purposes. She asked what the increase in liability insurance costs would be if they went to a flex system.
The Mayor reminded everyone that all they are discussing at this time is the next phase of the Study. The commitment would only be to the study and personnel time.
Tam Kutzmark , Director, Transportation and Planning for DuPage Mayors and Managers, said that operating costs with respect to insurance are included in the costs they have projected. With regard to the flex route, the scheduling provides a range of ten minutes and is designed to give certainty to the rider. The schedules are choreographed with the train schedules. Ms. Kutzmark then addressed economic impact, saying that they can look at how riders are spurring economic impact, the morale of riders, festival attractions, etc. She said that the partnership with the RTA would be directed toward what goals and priorities the individual municipalities have.
Commissioner Durkin asked Ms. Kutzmark who the dispatcher is. Ms. Kutzmark said they have software on which the estimated operating expenses are based. They would recommend that the service as a whole would be operated out of the Village and staffed by the Village. The projected operating costs include the cost of the software and staff needed to operate the program. The Manager added that there could be an intergovernmental agreement where several communities might share one dispatcher.
Direction for a Tree Preservation Ordinance. The Manager said this item was referred to the Environmental Concerns Commission.
Doug Kozlowski, Director, Communication, staff liaison to the ECC , presented preliminary information regarding a recommendation from the ECC concerning Tree Preservation. He provided general background information on Tree Preservation, which was first considered in 2005. He explained that after long consideration, the ECC adopted a motion in November 2007 that acknowledged the benefits of heritage trees, suggests requiring public notice for tree removal, includes fines for tree removal without notice, and suggests that removal of heritage trees be subject to review and permit. Mr. Kozlowski said that further definition of heritage trees, the relevance of tree canopy coverage, creation of a public hearing process, application fees, penalties, etc. would be included in policy details. He said that the next step is to place a workshop discussion on the February 26 agenda if Council agrees.
The Mayor said he believes that staff is asking for the Council's feelings regarding a Tree Preservation Ordinance on private property.
Marge Earl , 4720 Florence, asked whether there are any positive benefits that could be tied to the owners, instead of just penalties.
Jim Cavallo , 6943 Valley View Drive and member of the ECC , said that there are important public benefits associated with mature trees including a reduction of water surges and cleaning the water going into the sewer system. He noted that Edith Makra of the Morton Arboretum gave an excellent presentation to the Committee, and suggested she speak to the Council.
Dr. Gordon Goodman , 5834 Middaugh, a former member of the ECC , asked the status of the rest of the recommendation brought forward by the Village Forester in 2005 regarding assisting her in protecting trees on private property during construction. He said that private trees are important to the landowner and to the community. When the private tree section of the original ordinance was separated, it was expected that it would be brought back to the Council but it did not happen. He asked whether the Council would consider that this time around. The Mayor said there was no support for that portion of the Ordinance at that time.
The Mayor said there are innumerable public benefits to private trees, but the question is whether or not regulation intrudes upon or steps into the private rights of owners of the trees. He is not afraid of the topic but is skeptical of whether this is a good use of staff time and resources. He thinks most people see the value of trees in the community. He noted that Commissioner Tully sent a message that he supports continued discussion on this topic. He is intrigued by the concept of a Heritage Tree preservation program and its potential for striking some balance between the competing interests attendant to preserving trees located on private property.
Commissioner Neustadt added that he would like to spend more time on this issue, and obtain more information.
Commissioner Waldack said he had no problem having further discussion and thanked the ECC for their work. He read the minutes of the ECC and asked if there are any studies showing the impact of trees on stormwater. The answer he received from staff to that question doesn't coincide with the minutes or give information as to the effect on stormwater.
Commissioner Schnell said that she also had no problem moving forward with further discussion, adding that she would like to have a presentation from Morton Arboretum staff. She expressed interest in whether other communities have perks for private property owners for good behavior with regard to tree preservation. She would also like further information as to the relation of trees to stormwater issues.
Commissioner Beckman said he supports continuation of this dialogue. He is concerned why heritage trees are defined at 18" or 24" in diameter. Mr. Kozlowski responded that the Village Forester came up with the definition based on the records of removal of similar trees in the parkways. Trees of those diameters were found to be the oldest trees of one hundred plus years by counting the actual rings upon removal. Commissioner Beckman asked if that is simply a guide in making a decision, or will we do this with regard to other kinds of trees beneficial to the community. Mr. Kozlowski said that question would be asked of the Village Forester. Commissioner Beckman said that one issue of concern for him is that some developers have views that are counter to tree preservation. He referenced the property at Saratoga and Warren, and he would like to see an Ordinance that restrains this view.
Commissioner Durkin said the question that he asked is what role the property owner has regarding trees on their private property. Based on that question, he would not support this, as he has a real issue when the Village tells owners they cannot remove a tree on their property. Trees planted years ago may cause obstructions today, and he has an issue with regulating tree ownership on private property.
The Mayor said that this is simply to direct staff to continue this discussion. He leans with Commissioner Durkin philosophically; however, he believes they should continue the discussion. They have to determine what role of government they want in the Village. This could be seen as a public interest on private property. He sees the real priorities of the Council as the capital needs of the Village including stormwater, roads, and infrastructure.
Daiva Majauskas , 5445 Lee, said she agrees with the Mayor that owners have a right to do what they see fit for their private property; however, she agrees that it would be in the Village's best interest to have people plant more trees. She said the most important thing she hears is that it is not private owners as much as the builders that cut down the trees. She asked about establishing an ordinance that would require tree replacement by the developers.
The Manager said that this will be Workshopped in two weeks with a request for Council to direct staff on preparation of an ordinance.
2. Consent Agenda Items
Approval of Scope of FY08 Capital Projects. The Manager said this is to approve the scopes of eight capital projects scheduled to be designed in 2008.
Mayor Sandack said he would like to see information on Channel 6. The Manager said that they are scheduling this on "At Your Service."
Commissioner Waldack noted that this includes an item for a bike path.
Commissioner Schnell suggested putting maps on the cable station to show where the projects are located, as it would relieve fears. The Manager said it is both on-line and on cable.
Commissioner Schnell asked whether it is possible to get some of the right-of-way work done on Ogden Avenue. The Manager responded that the design work is scheduled for 2008, and they can review it in segments.
Robin Weaver , Interim Director, Public Works, said that they can do the work in segments.
Commissioner Beckman noted that cyclists have as much right on the roadways as drivers. He asked about the section in bikeways titled "grant money," and asked if that means the funds have been granted by the State. The Manager said it does and is reimbursable.
Mayor Sandack said that bike paths are difficult in Downers Grove due to some of the older narrow roads in the Village. He then asked about Prairie Avenue and Woodward, and whether there is State funding for that work.
Mike Baker , Assistant Village Manager, said that Prairie Avenue is scheduled for June. The contract for Woodward was let by IDOT on January 18, and is awaiting formal award of the contract. Construction is expected to start mid-April.
Dr. Gordon Goodman , 5834 Middaugh, said he is interested in the north/south bikeway, noting there was a lot of discussion about putting the bike path along Highland Avenue, which is very heavily traveled. He saw this as a good revision of the previous plans.
Amendments to Cash Management and Investment Policy .
Mayor Sandack thanked Commissioners Durkin and Waldack for vetting this. Commissioner Waldack said that not all of the items were discussed in Finance and Administration. He asked that the draft minutes be made available to Council and the public.
Commissioner Durkin said that the reference to January 21 in the minutes is for 2008 and not 2007. He asked whether Sec. 4.0-411 of the proposed policy means that the Village will not deal with banks that are not in the State of Illinois. He then added that the Village is requiring rating reports and call reports for institutions that want to do business with the Village. The Village will also not invest in start-up banks of less than two years. Commissioner Durkin then referred to the policy amendment, saying they should insert GFOA in the definitions glossary. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago should be the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Finally, with regard to bank board minutes being provided to the Village, he doesn't see this as happening and recommends that this be bypassed unless it is a local community bank.
Heritage Festival Agreement – Sound Contract. The Manager said R.J. Recording has been recommended to provide the sound system and technical support for the Heritage Festival stages. The contract is in the amount of $15,600, with the option of requiring additional equipment at the same per unit price.
Lane Place Water Main Improvements Change Order. The Manager said the Change Order is in the amount of $35,332.
Authorize the Village Manager to Negotiate a Professional Services Agreement for a Financial Advisor. The Manager said this is to authorize the Village Manager to negotiate a professional services agreement for financial advisor services with Northern Trust Corporation of Chicago.
Commissioner Durkin said the green sheet highlights the stormwater bonding, and asked if this is strictly for that item. The Manager said they will also be asked to identify and discuss any refunding options. There would be no actions regarding cash. The Manager said the terms of agreement have not been established. Commissioner Durkin said he was pleased with the job Northern Trust did in their presentation.
Commissioner Schnell said that Northern Trust has had this position before and has done good work.
IRS Reimbursement Resolution – Watershed Infrastructure Improvement Plan Funding. The Manager said this allows the Village to capture back costs, and utilize bond proceeds for expenses related to construction of selected projects identified in the Watershed Infrastructure Improvement Plan.
Water Distribution Valve Assessment Program. The Manager said this would authorize execution of a contract with M.E. Simpson Company in the amount of $151,200 to assess, exercise and locate valves and maintaining the records.
Grant Amendment: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Station Upgrade . The Manager said this amends the existing contract in the amount of $213,466 to support installation of an additional compressor. The Mayor said that the Village has ten CNG vehicles.
2008 Awards of Excellence for Community Trees. The Manager said this authorizes staff to prepare a grant application for the award. The Mayor said that last year the Village planted 175 trees in connection with the Village's 175th anniversary. The Village has been a Tree City every year.
DUI Prosecution Services. The Manager said this resolution is for two positions for outside legal services to handle cases involving DUI 's and Ordinance violations.
Commissioner Schnell noted that there has been a decrease in the DUIs issued, and she asked if they know why.
Police Chief Bob Porter said that the Village issued 243 DUIs in 2007, and the Police Department has been very proactive in educating the public.
The Mayor emphasized that the Village's liquor liaison, Carol Kuchynka, does a great job of preparing licensees for obtaining their liquor licenses and understanding their responsibilities. The Police also take enforcement very seriously.
The Manager reminded the public that the Village offices will be closed February 18 in honor of President's Day.
Interim Public Works Director Robin Weaver reminded the public of the snow alert in effect until 11:00 p.m. with an estimated accumulation of four inches. There have been already 41 inches of snow this winter. The challenge has been with the icy conditions more than with the snowfall. Crews have been on 12-hour shifts. The Village is not out of salt, and has approximately 300 tons remaining, with an additional 200 tons of salt-sand mix. They are using the salt-sand mix at intersections, curbs and hills to treat and contain the ice conditions. Twelve drivers and two supervisors are on the shifts. She asked for continued patience from drivers and pedestrians with regard to snow removal.
Commissioner Beckman asked when they will be able to address the pothole situation. Ms. Weaver said in the winter they use a cold asphalt patch, which is only a temporary solution. They patch when they can. Some streets, including Woodward and Prairie, are scheduled for resurfacing. She noted that freezing/thawing cycles enlarge the potholes and prevent the cold patch from sticking longer.
Mayor Sandack said that salt is now a commodity and the Village is mixing its supply. He asked the public's indulgence if the Village needs to purchase more salt. The extreme temperatures are forcing them to remain flexible.
Commissioner Schnell asked if 39th Street east of Main is on the schedule and Ms. Weaver responded it is on the 2008 schedule.
Commissioner Waldack said that trying to avoid potholes creates safety problems.
Village Attorney Enza Petrarca said she was presenting ten items to the Council: 1) A resolution authorizing submittal of application to the Home Depot Foundation for the 2008 Awards of Excellence for Community Trees; 2) A resolution authorizing execution of Amendment One to the intergovernmental grant agreement by and between the Village of Downers Grove and the City of Chicago, by and through its Department of Environment; 3) A resolution authorizing execution of a rental/lease agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and RJ Recording; 4) A resolution amending Village Council cash management and investment policy; 5) A resolution declaring official intent regarding certain capital expenditures to be reimbursed from proceeds of an obligation; 6) A resolution accepting the preferred alternative in Phase 3 of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference Local Circulator Study; 7) A resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for legal services with Smith, Rickert & Smith; 8) A resolution authorizing execution of an agreement for prosecution services with Dolci & McMahon; 9) A resolution authorizing execution of annexation agreements for the properties located at 4618 Cross Street, 4700 Cross Street, 611 36th Street and 6009 Springside Avenue; and; 10) A resolution authorizing execution of an addendum to an agreement between the Village of Downers Grove and ARC Disposal & Recycling, Inc. dated November 20, 2007.
Commissioner Neustadt thanked everyone who attended the Ice Festival, and said it was amazing to see how many parts of the country were represented at the event. He also thanked Cable TV, Public Works and Community Events for their work on this event.
Commissioner Schnell thanked Mary Scalzetti and the Public Works staff for a great job. She said that apparently the Downers Grove Reporter is going to a publication schedule of one day a week and asked how that will effect the Village Corner. The Mayor responded that staff is aware of it.
Commissioner Schnell said that the Ad Hoc Committee on Housing met last night, and she asked staff to notify those who attended the meetings when this would be placed on a Workshop agenda.
Commissioner Beckman said that the Ice Festival was delightful. He attended the Saturday celebration of the 1846 Blodgett House noting it was interesting and he learned a lot. He also noted the grand opening of Egg Harbor at Acadia on the Green.
The Mayor agreed that the Ice Festival was fabulous and the artists did an incredible job. He also attended the Blodgett House celebration, and asked staff to set a date to honor the sponsors.
Commissioner Durkin moved to adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to Section 2©(1) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel. Commissioner Schnell seconded.
VOTE : YEA – Commissioners Durkin, Schnell, Beckman, Neustadt, Waldack, Mayor Sandack
Mayor Sandack declared the motion carried and the Council convened into Executive Session at 8:51 p.m.
April K. Holden Village Clerk tmh


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I have one, and it's colored by my experiences. I can't say I've always had stellar experiences, but I can say some of those experiences make me dig in my heels even more - and sometimes to my own detriment. I'm a hard-headed Irish woman, I doubt anyone would expect any less of me.
My own perspective got reeled in really quick today. Devildog's phone rang while he was asleep. As I sometimes do, I answered his phone. It was our friend C. I commented that he sounded thrilled to be alive...um, oops. Yeah, I got a big shock from him, saying his son J. was in the hospital. As it turns out, J has Type 1 diabetes, and his blood sugar had been over 500 this past weekend when he was at his grandparents' house. GP, as he's called, has Type 2 diabetes and sometimes the other members of the family will spot check their blood sugar levels. Gma told C & S about the high reading and said "get him to a doctor". That was Sunday. J already had an appointment on Wednesday for a camp physical, so C&S decided to ask about it at the appointment. The nurse took the reading, and promptly said "Take him to the hospital. NOW." They did, and J was admitted Wednesay evening with a blood glucose reading of 540. By Thursday, they'd gotten it down to 243. Normal for J is 120.
The silver-ish lining in all this is that C has struggled with weight for ages, but his diet always reverts back to what it was previously. With the diet that J needs, the family will all be following it, and C hopes to gain control of his weight and avoid the fate his dad has met, and now his son must tend.
The real ass-kicker for J? Thursday was his 13th birthday. It was spent in the hospital with a life changing diagnosis. Happy Birthday, welcome to adolescence, and oh yea, you're diabetic. Enjoy the hospital stay. (and I say that with all the dripping sarcasm my regular readers know I possess.)
Friday, March 19, 2010
3 comments:
- Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...
I'm sorry that your friends are going thru this. I sincerely hope that they can all adopt healthy eating habits and get healthy!!
- 19 March, 2010 09:40
- Laura said...
Oh wow.I am hearing about diabetes all the time lately.
What a scary situation.
- 19 March, 2010 12:40
- TJ said...
Ouch that is a scary number. My husband was diagnosed type 1 at age 7, and I know that anything over 250 is not healthy.
I pray everyone gets healthier after this scare.
- 19 March, 2010 15:29
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: Bill Malchisky12192 27 Sep 2011
In a meeting body, you can click to send an email to any of the other invitees. However, the Chair's name is unclickable. Add the option to make this imporant address accessible to an attendee, else, add an option to Request Info as you can in the Lotus Notes calendar -- which essentially sends an e-mail to the chair.


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The Greek Jewish community is made up of a rapidly dwindling elderly population. The local caretakers of the synagogues and their ritual objects are dying out and increasingly objects and sites are being sold off. Like other European communities, most of the Greek Jewish communities did not survive World War II. A staggering 87% of the community was decimated, the greatest percentage of Jewish losses of any occupied country during the Holocaust. Fortunately, some of their rich artistic heritage has survived.
The goal of the Center's most recent expeditions to Greece in the summer of 2001 and spring 2002 was to document the remnants of this rich visual Jewish culture and to interview the elders of the community in order to trace lost traditions. The various local traditions are also explored; the diverse non-Jewish cultural and visual environment within which the community resided influenced their crafts and customs. All these findings are compared with other Jewish communities in Turkey, Bulgaria and others who also lived under the Ottoman Empire.
The Jewish population in Greece is comprised of two main groups. The Romaniot Jews trace their roots to the Byzantine era and make up the earliest Jewish community. They speak Greek and have their own liturgical tradition, which has endured particularly in the communities in Ioannina, Corfu, Previzia, Arta, and Trikala. Only twenty Jewish families still live in Ioannina today. On the eve of the Holocaust there were about 2,000 Jews.
The second community is that of the Sephardi Jews who immigrated to Greece at the end of the fifteenth century, after their expulsion from Spain. The Spanish community spoke Judeo-Spanish (Ladino), and continued with their Sephardi rite and traditions. The Sephardi Jews spread throughout Greece, but the vast majority lived in Thessaloniki, Vollos, and Trikala. Unlike most Jews expelled from Spain who maintained their own traditions, these émigrés merged with the local Romaniot communities.
Jews from Sicily, Venice and other Italian communities, immigrated to Greece and established their own small communities. The Sicilians came after the Spanish expulsion in 1492 and brought some of their traditions which influenced the Romaniot communities. For example, the Jews of Ioannina celebrated "Purim of Saragossa" which had been a local Sicilian feast celebrating a miracle that occurred to the Jews during the reign of Alphonso V. Historical documents record the existence in 1914 of a small Jewish Sicilian community in Ioannina comprising 30 families. And indeed during the documentation we found some traces of this community.
Unlike other communities in Greece, most of the Jews of Corfu followed the Italian tradition. Since the island of Kerkira was occupied by the Venetians for 400 years beginning in 1386, the local people as well as the Jews absorbed the Italian culture and combined it with their own Greek culture. However, unlike the surrounding population, a large group of the Jews in Corfu actually originated from Italy, especially from Venice.
One of our main goals was to observe whether the Romaniot, the Sephardi and the Italian communities who kept different liturgical traditions also had different synagogue architecture and decoration and different ritual objects.
The origin of the synagogue architecture of each of those communities is still obscure. However, their characteristic architectonic features can be defined. The common components and similarities in shape and liturgical orientation shared by the Romaniot communities in Thessalia and Epiross, may attest to a common visual tradition, while traces of the features characteristic of the synagogue in Corfu, may suggest an Italian influence.
Ioannina had been part of Albania until 1913, the year it was joined to Greece. The city was the capital of the district of Epiross, in northwest Greece and is named after Ioanis Yanis, namely "Saint John." The majority of the Jews of Ioannina were part of the Romaniot community. This community was one of the oldest and most important in Greece. According to some scholars their origin can be traced back to the ninth century, based on the fact that the Ioannina Jews spoke an ancient Greek dialect. However, the earliest document known is from the fourteenth century, granting the Jews protection by the Emperor Andronicus II Palaeologus (1282-1328).
The only synagogue remaining in Ioannina is also the earliest one remaining in the regions of Epiross and Thessalia. Its structure and components may shed light on the characteristic features of the synagogues in the area. Unfortunately three of the four synagogues which stood in the city of Ioannina no longer exist, and only this one is left. However, during our documentation we discovered unexpected ritual objects which formerly belonged to all four synagogues. Their importance and extent were heretofore unknown to the members of the community or to scholars.
It appears that there were two large synagogues before World War II: the Old Congregation synagogue, which still stands, and the New Congregation synagogue, which was entirely destroyed during the War. Each of these consisted of a compound with a large prayer hall and a small one called the Minyan, all surrounded by a wall creating an inner courtyard with a well and a place for erecting a sukkah. The large prayer halls were used on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Holidays when the Torah portion was read, while the Minyanim were used for daily prayers. The Minyanim were especially remembered by the present members of the community as having been used for the special liturgy of Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming the Sabbath on Friday evening).
Kahal Kadosh Yashan
The Old Congregation - Kahal Kadosh Yashan - situated within the city walls, was built during the Ottoman rule. After the rebellion of the Christian community, which began in Trikala in 1430, most of the churches in the region including in Ioannina, were destroyed and the Christians were forbidden to live within the walls. Since then, the Jews, who lived near the city gate, were allowed to live within the gates, while the Muslims who immigrated to Greece with the Ottoman rule also established a community there. Unlike the Christians, the Jews did not oppose the Ottomans and some of them were civil servants. They were protected by the wall and felt secure enough to build up and conduct their own communal life.
The contemporary Old Congregation synagogue was established in the middle of the 18th century. It is a compound, consisting of a large prayer hall which still stands and a destroyed small prayer hall called "Minyan Beit Avraham." Both are surrounded by an outer wall which encloses an inner courtyard with a well, and a sheltered yard used for a sukkah. The high wall, which surrounds the compound, was probably built in 1877, as marked on the dedicatory plaque attached above a simple arched entrance that can be reached from the western alley. It is certain that an earlier building stood in the same place as the current one, probably from the 16th century. A renovation of the building in 1851 is mentioned on the dedicatory plaque attached to the facade wall. An additional plaque indicates that another renewal took place in 1869. It is possible that the later renovation took place after a big fire in 1860, which destroyed part of the old city including the bazaar and the Jewish quarter, as testified by an inscription engraved on a "shada'iah," a unique kind of silver plaque documented during our expeditions (no. 279). This fire had been deliberately set and severely damaged the economy and social situation of the Jews in the city and forced them to change their occupations, from craftsmen to merchants.
The large prayer hall is a rectangular broad house structure two storeys in height. It is divided into three broad sections by three arcades, which create a longitudinal nave flanked by two aisles. The Torah ark and the large Reader's Desk (teivah) are built within niches situated on the east and west walls opposite each other, creating a liturgical bifocal synagogue. On the same axis, below a blue cupola that adorns the centre of the nave, is an additional small moveable table, used as a second teivah.
The ark is built within a rectangular niche which extends towards the outer eastern wall. The contemporary wooden cupboard dating from the end of the 19th century replaced the original earlier ark. It comprises a deep cupboard, used for storing the Torah scrolls. Two arched Tablets of the Covenant adorn the ark and are flanked by fence-like edges. In the opposite western wall is a large trapezoidal and elevated teivah, built within a rounded niche, which extends towards the synagogue facade. On both sides of the elevation are two staircases for reaching the table used for reading the Torah portion. This large teivah was used on Saturdays and Holidays when the synagogue was full, while the small teivah was used for daily prayers.
Similarly organized spaces can be seen in Trikala and Volos, in the region of Thessalia. The commonality of form shared by synagogues in Ioannina and the Thessalia region -- broad house structures, liturgical bifocal orientation and elevated teivot, may suggest common visual and liturgical traditions. However, in Trikala and Volos an additional large teivah built in the middle of the synagogue may indicate different and additional traditions which influenced them. Likewise, it is still unsure whether the moveable small teivah in Ioannina represents the same tradition noted in Thessalia or was a table moved into the synagogue for practical reasons after the war.
This arrangement of two teivot within one synagogue has been documented by the Center researchers in other congregations around the world, such as Provence, Turkey, Cochin in southwest India, and Georgia. The fact that all these congregations are composed of descendants of Spanish exiles may suggest that this feature is a Sephardi liturgical custom, which was transferred by the Sephardi Jews into their new places of residence. It is also possible that this bifocal arrangement in Ioannina was ad hoc, resulting from purely local circumstances.
The main entrance to the Old Congregation synagogue is situated beside the teivah, to the south, while an additional side entrance is located in the extreme northeast corner, for the use of the Jews who lived in the eastern part of the neighborhood. Six pairs of elongated and arched windows are located on the south wall, while the north part is divided into two floors. The upper one contains the women's gallery, situated atop the side aisle, which can be reached from an outer staircase built in the southern wall. A separate and later entrance is on the northern side of the outer wall, probably dating from the late renovation in 1877. The synagogue has seating for about 700 people-- eloquent testimony to what was once a large, thriving community. Marble plaques, attached to the north, east and western walls further commemorate the life of this community. The exterior is painted in blue and white.
The Minyan
The only remnants of the small synagogue (Minyan), which was situated in the northeast corner of the Old Congregation compound are the north and east walls, which shared the exterior wall surrounding the compound and the ruins of the south wall.
The name and the use of this building became clear while documenting some ritual objects with dedicatory inscriptions which mentioned a certain small synagogue. A dedicatory plaque revealed that the Minyan was built in 1868 and was called "The House of Abraham," (Minyan Beit Avraham) after the patron who donated the funds to build it. A dedicatory plaque, which probably originally belonged to this Minyan had been attached to the facade of the Old Congregation synagogue and indicates the year 1874 as the year it was established. It also commemorates the soul of Abraham Salomon (Avraham Shlomo) by his wife Sarah. An additional marble plate found in the back yard revealed the whole story. It appears that Abraham Salomon died in 1868, leaving a debt to the Old Congregation synagogue. His wife Sarah had to pay the debt through a guardian and thus she was obliged to build the small synagogue (Minyan) which she named after her husband. The building was completed after three years, in 1874 – the year indicated on the plaque. Several years ago the Center documented an Ioanninan community synagogue built in 1920 in Jerusalem bearing the same name – a fragment of tradition which immigrated with the Ioanninan Jews to Israel.
During the war the Nazis destroyed the entire compound of the New Congregation synagogue, which was built outside of the Ottoman's city walls. The only remnants of the structure are archival photographs, historical documents, and interviews with the elders of the community. They all suggest that the New Congregation synagogue shared a common plan with the Old Congregation synagogue, and featured the same components. Thus it was built as a rectangular broad house structure divided into three broad sections by three arcades. The Torah ark and the large Reader's desk (teivah) were built within niches creating a liturgical bifocal synagogue. Dedicatory inscriptions engraved on various ritual objects documented during our expeditions and some rabbinical responsa also revealed the circumstances and the date that the new compound was built.
The New Congregation
It seems that as a result of the Sephardi Jewish immigration during the 16th century, the disparate communities were forced to pray in the same synagogue. Despite their different customs and liturgy, two of the rabbinical leaders, Rabbi Benjamin son of Shemaria and Rabbi Samuel from the house of Kalai, of the city of Arta, forbade the members of the community to pray in different synagogues. In spite of the rabbinical opinion, dedicatory inscriptions engraved on shada'iot indicate that during the beginning of the 18th century a certain New Congregation was established. It is obvious that a synagogue designated as "new" underscores the existence of an old, already existing one. Hence, the sole synagogue in Ioannina gained its name the "Old" Congregation synagogue as a result of the new one. The earliest evidence indicating the New Congregation dates to 1725. It is not the only evidence. According to the marble dedicatory plaque found in the back yard of the Old Congregation building it appears that in 1874 a new synagogue was built and in 1859, a new Talmud Torah was established by an Italian Jewish family named Batinno. Whether it marks the construction of a new building, a renovation or an entirely different structure, is still unclear.
It is also not known who made up the congregation that established the synagogue and under what circumstances. The appearance of some Italian names may suggest that it was an Italian community. Some of the members of the community who still live in Ioannina are Italian speakers and share some Italian customs and traditions. Although the names of some of the members of the New Congregation were Italian, it seems that they merged within the local community, and eventually may have adopted the Romaniot rite and customs. The formulas of the dedicatory inscriptions and the variety of the ritual objects that belong to the synagogue indicate Romaniot rites and customs. The minyan of the New synagogue was called "Minyan Hadash", a new minyan.
The only surviving Romaniot synagogue on the island of Corfu also has a liturgical bifocal configuration, although within a different structure. The seventeenth-century rectangular synagogue is three storeys high, one of the highest buildings within the quarter. On the first floor are communal rooms and an inner courtyard used for a sukkah. The elongated rectangular prayer hall is on the second floor. The ark and teivah are situated at opposite ends of the rectangle – in the southeast and northwest respectively. The women's gallery, probably an eighteenth-century addition, is built along the northeast and northwest sides. The gallery is not accessible today since its door is blocked and the staircase was demolished. The seating arrangement of the main hall is along the side walls.
The Jewish communities living in Corfu, the northern island in the Ionic Sea, were divided into three main congregations. Each prayed in its own synagogue and conducted different customs and rites. Out of the three synagogues, only the Greca synagogue, conducting the Romaniot rite, remained. The members of the Scoula Italiana originated from Venice and Spain, while the Sicilian Jews prayed in Scoula Corfiuty. The Greca synagogue is built within the former Jewish quarter, which at present is inhabited by local Greeks. Although the basic liturgy and customs in this synagogue were Romaniot, the members of the community absorbed the Italian culture and combined it with their own Greek culture.
Their Italian Jewish tradition is noticeable in the shape and style of their ritual objects as well as in the structure of their synagogue. The Torah ark in Corfu dated 1786 is a massive decorated wooden cupboard, extending into the inner space and situated in the middle of the southeast wall. It is a polygonal structure consisting of a facade with six wooden pillars supporting an entablature, and a drum, topped by a cupola. Evidence of repairs in the exterior wall corresponding to the location of the ark, may suggest that the original structure of the ark protruded beyond the present wall, although the few members of the community who still reside on the island do not recall whether this was the case. The teivah is located on the northwest wall opposite the ark, and placed upon a high podium that can be reached by two side staircases.
Despite the resemblance in the bifocal structure and the high built podium, the Greca synagogue also reflects Italian influences. The teivah is a baldachin-like structure composed of a cupola supported by four columns emerging from a wooden balustrade. The wooden structure is adorned with golden acanthus leaves and with openwork carving. The ceiling is marked with an oval contour. These contours, as well as the design of the ark and teivah, and their bifocal placement are characteristic of central Italian synagogues, notably similar to the seventeenth-century Scuola Italiana and Spaniola in Venice. However, unlike the rich Baroque decoration of the Venetian synagogues, the one in Corfu reflects a local Greek decorative concept of simplicity with an almost undecorated interior.
Ritual Objects
The features which distinguish each community can also be seen in their ritual objects, their shape, variety and dedicatory inscription formulas.
Shada'iot and other Dedicatory Plaques
Amongst the most important finds of the Romaniot community are silver dedicatory plaques from the communities of Ioannina, Arta and Previzia dating from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries. The plaques are called shada'iot, after shadai, the name of God engraved on most of the plaques. The name Shadai and most of the inscriptions were believed to have apotropaic powers. The source of this special custom is still obscure; although it may well have its roots in Italy, tracing its source requires in-depth research.
The shada'iot were donated to the synagogue for a variety of reasons, some private, such as an appeal for a better livelihood, a cure for an illness or for God's protection of a newborn baby. Some inscriptions were dedicated for the exaltation of the soul of a parent or a child who died. Others bear communal information that also serve as historical documents: for example, the death of members of the congregation during pogroms, a fire in the Jewish quarter, a burglary of sacred objects and their return to the synagogue. A specific example of such an event is seen in twin shada'iot (Inv. 98.54; 98.55) dedicated in gratitude to God for the rescue of a family and the town's citizens during the Greek war of independence against Turkey in 1913. A relatively large number of plaques mention deaths of infants and children, which may attest to a high child mortality rate, which might have been the result of poor health care, a disease or an epidemic.
A special group of plaques bearing the Priestly Benediction (Numbers 6:24) are donations made in honor of living youths. It is still unclear whether these were dedicatory plaques marking a Jewish life cycle event – perhaps a rite of passage such as becoming a bar mitzvah, or perhaps a special custom that was related to the youth of the community.
The inscriptions are engraved in Hebrew, in most cases clearly written in square letters by a silversmith who was familiar with the language. Some of the inscriptions reflect the local pronunciation of Hebrew. For example, instead of pronouncing "sh" the Greeks pronounce "s"; instead of the guttural "ch," they pronounce "k." Thus "taksit" replaced the word "tachshit," which means ornament. Other inscriptions are crudely engraved. Some engravers seem to have copied inscriptions without understanding their meaning. Thus words are at times not divided correctly. These differences in the inscriptions may indicate the work of different silversmiths, possibly non-Jews or artisans not familiar with the language.
The silver plaques are designed in several shapes; some have a drop-like shape, others dating from the end of the nineteenth century, are shaped like an eight-pointed star. Several inscriptions were engraved upon segments of silver belt links. Of special interest are the plaques shaped as a double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Greek-Orthodox Church (also adopted as the Jewish Museum emblem). Since most of them were cast, it is possible that members of the community bought them at the local market and used them for this exalted purpose.
The plaques dedicated to the synagogue were sewn to the Torah ark curtain according to the Romaniot tradition. Although dedicatory plaques are known from other communities, they were hardly ever donated as mere plaques, but usually as attachments to other ritual objects. The Romaniot plaques are unique, since they are objects unto themselves.
Four different dedicatory plaques also originating in Ioannina were documented in the Jewish Museum of Greece. These plaques do not have the word "shadai" which characterizes "shada'iot." They are pear-shaped, topped by an arch with a round medallion in their centre enclosing a dedicatory inscription written in ink on paper. It appears that they were used as Torah case plaques. Since such plaques were not seen in the Ioannina synagogue itself or elsewhere, and the fact that three of the donors of these plaques are members of the same family, leads us to believe that this type of plaque is a specific local object and does not reflect a tradition.
Alongside the shada'iot, which display a uniquely Romaniot custom, other objects found among the Romaniot communities, differ from their counterparts in the Sephardi communities.
Torah Cases and Mantles
Unlike the Sephardi and the Italian communities, who keep the Torah scrolls in textile mantles, the Romaniot Jews, including those of Corfu, cover their scrolls in wooden cases in keeping with Eastern Jewish custom. The cases consist of several types, the most common being a polygonal case with ten to twelve facets. It has a flat roof and is surrounded by coronet-like crenellations. The earliest case found dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Most cases of this type are painted with foliate motifs in various colors.
Different features characterize the place of origin within Greece of these Torah cases: for example, the front and back openings of most cases originating in Corfu are accentuated by protruding wooden bars, which are lacking on the other Romaniot cases. A unique type is the faceted Torah case with a flat top, enclosing an additional inner cupola. The lace-like carved cupola resembles the structure and decoration of the teivah, which stands within the synagogue. Most of these cases are decorated with stucco attachments of foliate motifs, mostly painted in gold, blue and red. This type was found only in Corfu, and it is still unclear whether it resulted from local traditions or reflects a Venetian influence.
Mappot – Torah Case Wrappers
Additional artifacts used by the Romaniot communities are Torah case wrappers, put upon wooden cases, and named "mappot" (mappah-singular). Most wrappers documented originated in Ioannina, (although they were documented in the Jewish Museum), while a few others originated in diverse places. The Torah case wrappers can be divided into several groups: the first is a rectangular cloth enclosing a central section usually made of a costume in a secondary use. Above this central section, a long narrow strip is attached in a "ח" shape. The strips bear dedicatory Hebrew inscriptions containing the donor's name, the occasion, and the date. At times the name of the New congregation synagogue appears. (It should be noted that no mention of the Old congregation synagogue in Ioannina is made on these wrappers. It is still uncertain whether the wrappers are a custom developed in the New congregation synagogue or whether the wrappers from the Old congregation did not reach the museum.) Most of the donors are women, although a few are men.
The wrappers reflect the impact of local customs and crafts on Jewish objects. Hence, the hand-made woven strips are traditional non-Jewish artifacts made by local women in the Ioannina region (the technique is named kaltsodeta in Greek). The strips were part of a man's costume and served to hold up the men's socks. From comparisons the team found that the sock strips also bear inscriptions, the name of the sock's wearer. Since this woven work was considered women's work, Jewish women in all likelihood crafted the wrapper's strips. The strips are one example of traditional local crafts which were assimilated into Jewish life. Another example is a decorative strip named "ieratiki tressa" which literally means the priest's braid. These strips were originally woven for garments worn by the Christian priests. It is possible that some of the strips were bought in the local market.
The second group of mappot share the same structure and shape, but lack the strips and the inscriptions. A few wrappers are rectangular cloths with or without inscriptions, probably originating in places other than Ioannina. An example is the wrapper with Hebrew and Greek dedicatory inscriptions, given to the museum by the synagogue in Patrass at 1978 (78.224). The dedication indicates a donation by Miss Bond Elhdi, in 1913 to a congregation called "Kandia" (Heracleion). Strangely, most wrappers are dated to the mid-nineteenth century, especially the years 1847 - 1949. The reason for this is still unclear.
Me'ilim - Torah Mantles
As mentioned previously the Sephardi communities use Torah mantles. Most mantles were documented in the Jewish Museum, and were made after the war. They can be divided into two groups. The first are trapezoid mantles with a "soft" top, while the second are cylindrical mantles with stiff wooden tops. Both groups have Ladino inscriptions along with Hebrew dedications.
A few cylindrical mantles were dedicated to members of the congregation who were executed in Nazi extermination camps. An example is the mantle donated to the Holy congregation "Beit Shalom" in Athens for the eternal memory and repose of the family members Hayim (and) Elijah Ha'elyon, who died in concentration camps in Poland. (Dedicated in) Athens the month of Shvat 5707 = 1947" (81.17).
Unfortunately World War II and the Nazi acts against the Jewish population of Thessaloniki almost succeeded to annihilate the Jewish visual culture of one of the largest and most important communities of Greece. In the museum, there are no mantles originating in Thessaloniki. It should be mentioned that the only surviving ritual objects which were carried by victims of the Nazis from Thessaloniki to Auschwitz, were found and documented by a team of researchers from our Center in 1992, at the Jewish Historical Institute in Warsaw.
Rimonim - Torah Finials
Unlike the objects which characterize the Romaniot or the Sephardi communities, Torah finials are used by both communities. They differ due to various factors, such as Italian or Ottoman design influences. The characteristic features that were found can define the city of origin as well as the style of its crafts. For example finials crafted in Ioannina are bulbous-shaped, common among Jewish communities which lived under Ottoman rule. They differ however, in proportion and decoration. Their elongated shafts are faceted and usually engraved with dedicatory inscriptions. Their body forms slices decorated with foliate motifs.
Among the Torah finials used by the Greca community in Corfu, was a pair of eighteenth-century finials originating in Venice. These tower-shaped finials are composed of three diminishing tiers with several arched niches in each tier. The Sanctuary Implements, which are usually attached to the niches in Venetian finials, are missing. They were found attached to the back wall of an eighteenth century Venetian-type Hanukkah lamp. Joining them are other Implement motifs, such as the Four Species which do not commonly appear on Venetian finials or Hanukkah Lamps. The donors of the lamp must have commissioned additional elements to fill the space of the lamp's back wall.
Dedicatory Inscriptions
The plaques and other ritual objects donated by the Romaniot communities share the same dedicatory formulas. One of the most common is the biblical paraphrase: "In the day that he goeth into the sanctuary" (Exodus 28, 29; Leviticus 10, 18; 16, 23; Ezekiel 44, 27). The biblical verse relates to the Temple sacrifice of purification, but here it relates to the donation to the synagogue, which may serve as a replacement for sacrifice of purification.
Another formula is the Mishnaic phrase, which appears only on Torah finials: "(Rabbi Simeon said: there are three crowns) the crown of the Law, the crown of Priesthood and the crown of Kingship; the crown of a Good Name excels them all" (Mishnah Avot 4:13). This phrase is not unique to Greek ritual objects; it appears on ritual objects such as Torah crowns, mantles and Torah ark valances from other Jewish communities.
Led by Ariella Amar, Head of the Synagogues and Ritual Objects Section of the Index, the team consisted of researchers Ya'arah Morris, Einat Ron and Irena Chernetsky, architect Boris Lekar and photographer Zev Radovan. Four synagogues and six hundred ritual objects were documented as well as the collection of Jewish ritual objects in the Jewish Museum of Greece in Athens.
The Jewish Museum of Greece was established in 1977 by Nikos Stavrolakis in order to preserve the Greek-Jewish visual heritage. The current director is Zanet Battinou who assisted us greatly in our work at the museum. Over the years, the museum has collected objects from different communities around Greece. Some of the objects exhibited here are the only remnants of many local communities.


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Employer Profile
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Washington, DC USA
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Negotiating Project Management into Corporate Strategy
Hampton Dowling, MBA, PMP
PMIWDC Non-Member Rate
This page is from a past PMIWDC event.
If this is not what you were looking for, visit the M2D2 Monthly Downtown DC Meetings page to find out about upcoming events, or read more about why PMIWDC does not delete these pages.
USDA Building, use WING 3 (guards will not know about the event, say you are going to the cafeteria)
12th and Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC, 20250
People are always negotiating, just as countries, companies and all parties in-between. Indeed, it's about outcomes; all of which requires knowing how to negotiate and recognizing necessary preparations. So, with respect to project management, do you recognize when and how to negotiate advantageous outcomes? Do you know that you can, and are often expected, to negotiate for (not simply request) project management equities within an organizational structure? Do you really know where project management fits within your corporate strategy? Chances are you don't. That's ok, you're not alone, and it's what we'll talk about.
You have to know the answers. It's about how effective you can be effective. It's a matter of professional survival. You'll know more after we spend time together. PM's must understand and recognize when it's time to step up and negotiate better outcomes. It's not about process. It's about business. Let's talk about it.
About the Speaker
Hampton Dowling, MBA, PMP
Hampton Dowling is Managing Partner of his international professional services company, the HCB Group LLC, providing executive management and advisory services to private and public sectors. Mr. Dowling has developed and managed large integrated programs, as well as, facilitated strategic partnerships, alliances and multi-vertical pursuits. He leads and serves with intent; bringing relevant experience, reputation and expedient upside results to near-to-midterm challenges facing public policies, and domestic and int'l institutions.
Mr. Dowling served as a career naval officer before retiring in the rank of Commander. Distinguished assignments included Special Assistant to the US Vice President; and as a Senior Program Manager at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency leading tier-one analytic, R&D and technology-applied programs; the results of which had Executive Branch bearing on Service-level policies, appropriations, and new relations with developing nations and NGOs. In the private sector, Mr. Dowling led double-digit profitability managing $90M+ P&L lines of business, achieved 80%-win rate of $5B for new company-wide business across a diversity of markets, and provided strategic advisory services to non-US companies and public sectors to increase revenues and stabilize governance. In C-Suite roles, he's established PPPs, JVs, leveraged VCs and M&As, and reversed high-risk distributed organizations in revenue deficit or cost overrun positions while improving enterprise-scale performance, market penetration and brand reputation.
Career examples include: as a homeland security Account Manager for Pacific Region at SAIC, Mr. Dowling led a then first-ever consortium of business units introducing new, smart technologies and impact strategies to mitigate broad post-911 vulnerabilities facing US Territories and Partner Nations. As a Senior PM at Lockheed Martin, led distributed organizations delivering solutions for port, maritime security (ports, watercraft) & coastal fixed-array surveillance, offshore energy & environment protection, agile infrastructure, and secure logistics capabilities across five continents – 20 countries. As a VP, Mr. Dowling facilitated PPPs in Croatia, Americas and SE Asia to resource and manage compliant maritime trade, communication, energy security & surveillance capabilities that lowered risk, increased public revenues. For the US Gov't, Mr. Dowling led a comprehensive assessment of US counter-illicit trafficking (land, air, sea, rivers) and cyber-threat activities in Central & South America; the findings and recommendations of which shaped much of today's related special operations programs. As Sr Exec Director, Sabre-i3 Ltd, Mr. Dowling established, managed a JV with support consortium of 20 int'l companies to provide comprehensive $4B+ homeland security scope in N Africa. Today, Mr. Dowling provides program management and consultancy in Central Asia, Central America, and US domestic energy and data security markets.
Mr. Dowling's experience is also applicable for the returning emphasis to on-shoring productivity and evolving US Federal and Defense Sectors where foreign investment in the US industrial base is increasing and federal departments are transforming in terms of budget, structure, policy and acquisition. His stewardship within the C-Suite leverages such changing market demand signals, investor expectations and tech convergence that favor exemplary leaders of broader experience and practical exposure to shape strategy, establish effective market presence and achieve higher profitability.
Mr. Dowling's experience extends from mature countries to fragile states with credentials further codified from testimony before congressional sub-committees, as a frequent speaker at int'l forums, and featured contributor to various media. He serves as a magazine editorial director and board member to int'l organizations, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California at Los Angeles, an MBA from Golden Gate University, and certified Project Management Professional in both private industry and from the US Department of Defense.
About the M2D2 Monthly Downtown DC Meetings
PMIWDC holds a free monthly brown bag meeting at the US Department of Agriculture. These meetings are free, and open to the public, but preregistration is required.


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What is Elder Law?
February 2019
What is the difference between elder law and estate planning? Isn't it the same thing? Although there is certainly some overlap between the disciplines of estate planning and elder law, the two are not the same.
Elder Law is Interdisciplinary
Instead of focusing on a field within the practice of law, elder law takes as its focus the whole person. Traditionally, elder law is a practice that crosses disciplinary boundaries. For example, an elder law attorney may have experience with estate planning, health care law, landlord/tenant law, real estate law, and personal injury. That's because an elder client may present with a number of issues, such as a person who is injured in an assisted living facility, has issues with the facility's housing agreement, and also has trouble paying for care. These issues cross over into personal injury law, housing law, and health care law. Not all elder law attorneys practice in all of these disciplines, and some may focus in a certain area, but often an elder law attorney has some familiarity with all of these issues and can help the individual client navigate similarly complex situations. By focusing on a client population instead of an abstract discipline, elder law attorneys gain skills and experience in the challenges that face this population and how best to assist clients who are similarly situated. With these unique skills, an elder law attorney can provide superior service to seniors and their families.
Estate Planning, Plus
Elder law can be considered "estate planning, plus". Increasingly, traditional estate plans are being complicated by the high cost and unpredictability of long term care. In part, this is due to demographic changes, like the fact that aging "baby boomers" are greatly increasing the number of people in need of long term care. And in part, the change is due to the ever-increasing cost of care. The average cost of nursing home care in Minnesota is over $7,000 a month, and for memory care, it can be twice that. Estimates indicate that around half of all people will require long term care services, which means more and more people need to factor long term care costs into their retirement planning and estate plans.
A traditional estate planning attorney primarily deals with wills and trusts and is concerned mainly with minimizing the cost of transferring assets at death, which might include tax planning or probate avoidance. But a traditional estate planning attorney may not understand the impact that an illness requiring long term care may have on a client's intentions to pass assets on to the next generation, and may not know how to leverage the resources available to minimize the financial impact of necessary care. That's where an elder law attorney can make a difference. For a client who is concerned about the impact that the need for long-term care may have on their business succession plan or their wealth transfer objectives, an elder law attorney can provide invaluable guidance.
Peace of Mind
An elder law attorney can provide their clients with a sense of assurance that, if long term care is anticipated, all necessary care will be provided without totally derailing the clients' other objectives, such as providing for a spouse or disabled child or leaving a legacy for the next generation. When faced with a diagnosis like dementia or Parkinson's, clients often fear that they will lose everything they own or will have to divorce their spouse. The elder law attorney can help the client in this situation to develop a plan to ensure that their quality of life will not suffer even though their cost of care increases dramatically. An elder law attorney can help clients navigate the maze of complicated healthcare programs, rules, and regulations, and provide guidance on care and housing alternatives to meet a client's goal to age in place as long as possible. With the tools that an elder law attorney can provide, clients can feel empowered to take back control of the process and make a plan that suits them.
If you're interested in learning more about elder law, contact FMJ's Trusts & Estates group.


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The vibrant Indian vice-captain Virat Kohli has predicted an "exciting" tussle between Indian batsmen and South Africa's bowlers during Sunday's pool B World Cup encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The victory in this match will pave way for the winning team to enter quarter –finals. Kohli said, "Both sides are balanced, so it all depends on how you play on the day".
It is interesting to note that both teams have won their opening games – defending champions India had thrashed arch-rival Pakistan by 76 runs in Adelaide last Sunday whereas South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 62 runs in Hamilton also on Sunday.
Kohli, who had taken charge for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni at Saturday's pre-match media conference, opined that the hard pitch with extra bounce at the MCG will be prove to be a big challenge for both the two teams.
He said, "They have good fast bowlers and we have the batsmen. So it should be an exciting contest between their bowlers and our batsmen. The key will be to sustain the momentum for the whole innings. It is not easy to clear boundaries at a big ground like the MCG, so trying to step it up towards the end won't be easy. We need a calculated approach to batting."
It is important to note that the MCG has proved very favorable for Kohli who had scored 169 and 54 during the drawn Test against Australia in December. Also, a match-winning 107 feast in the World Cup opener against Pakistan in Adelaide will remain in the memory of fans for a long time.
Team India's key batsman Kohli and the others will have to face the deadly attack of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, backed by Kyle Abbott and Wayne Parnell. Although Kohli has got a distinct advantage of having played alongside the fearsome Steyn and AB de Villers for the same Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in the Indian Premier League, he admitted –
"Dale is a good friend, I get the biggest hug from him when we meet. But when we get on the field, he will look to dominate me and I will try to dominate him. There is a good reason why he is one of the best fast bowlers in the game and why AB is a world-class batsmen. We will have plans for every player. But some players have the ability to play the opposite of what we have planned for them."
Kohli is seemingly very excited at the prospect of playing in front of an estimated crowd of over 80,000 fans at the MCG. As a big relief for Team India, it is estimated that almost 80 percent of them will be Indian fans.
He exclaimed, "I just love playing in a full stadium. It is very satisfying when one plays well and makes people happy. It is not always that you will succeed, but if you do, others will be delighted. It excites me to be playing here. A win here will give us immense self-belief that we can beat a good side. If we get over this hurdle it will be a huge morale-booster for the tougher games ahead. But I am not one to look too far ahead. It is better to take it one match at a time. We just have to play well as a unit. There is nothing to prove to anyone."
But on a personal note, it is a matter of great concern that India have never beaten South Africa in the World Cup. They have in the past, had lost all three times they met in 1992, 1999 and 2011. But then we are known for striking good at the right moment, at the right time and in a thrilling manner.
Get the latest news and updates from Indian Premier League, ICC World Cup 2019, Match Prediction & Fantasy cricket. Follow SportzWiki for all cricket news, WWE News & Sports News.


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Dee Zee NXc Running Board Steps - The NXc step is designed for today's crossover utility vehicles (CUV). A universal board combined with custom fit brackets (sold separately) fit all listed applications. The lightweight aluminum board features protective accent trim. Slip resistant raised rubber grommets on step area give a sure step every time. NXc Running Boards are available in 3 distinct: Black powder coat board with black powder coat trim, Black powder coat board with UltraShine trim, stainless steel board with black powder coat trim. Custom fit bracket kit required (sold separately).


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Call or Text Lien to make an appointment at
We have always understood the benefits of massage both physiologically and psychologically. The power of touch has never been more prevalent and there are many schools of thought about this subject from energy fields to moving chi energy.
The Touch Research Institutes has conducted over 100 studies on the positive effects of massage therapy on many functions and medical conditions in varied age groups. Among the significant research findings are: enhanced growth (i.e. infants); diminished pain (i.e. fibromyalgia); decreased autoimmune problems (e.g., increased pulmonary function in asthma and decreased glucose levels in diabetes); enhanced immune function (i.e. increased natural killer cells in HIV); and enhanced alertness and performance (i.e. EEG pattern of alertness and better performance on math computations). Many of these effects appear to be mediated by increased relaxation activity and decreased stress hormones.
Research findings from The Touch Research Institute in Miami has proven that massage:
Stress Therapy Treatment benefits
By working on the area closest to the spine we are able to influence the Central Nervous System, accessing the whole body, thereby inducing a deep relaxation from head to toe. Ideal for both male and female clients, the treatment may be completed in just 30 minutes. The movements used in this very specialized treatment will not only stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, but will also assist in balancing the flow of Chi energy.
This means that increased nutrients (e.g. Oxygen and glucose) will be brought to each and every cell, and the byproducts of metabolism, such as Carbon Dioxide, Lactic Acid and fluids are removed more efficiently. Since accumulation of these wastes in the muscles can cause fatigue and tension, the increased circulation of tissue fluids initiated by the massage help attain the desired relaxation effect. This is perfect for the busy career men and women of the 21st Century, that so much need to escape from everyday stressful situations.
Thanks to Lien, my bad lash days are over. She is a master at her craft. Go see her for your lash needs…you won't be disappointed.read more
Since coming to you(facial service) my stress level has been reduce dramatically. Gracias!!read more
It's worth the trip coming all the way from San Diego to do this.read more
I was due to have a baby and wanted to get my lashes as a little present to me. I called Lien on a Sunday and she able to schedule me in the same day. She was very pleasant and made you feel comfortable. Her place is clean and my lashes are amazing!! Very natural and I get lots of complements.read more
The eyelashes lasted for months and it looks great. Thank you!read more


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Aptec rolls out educational initiatives for partners
Regional VAD conducts a series of solutions forums across Middle East, Turkey and Africa
Ingram Micro's Aptec, a regional VAD, has successfully completed a series of educational forums aimed at empowering partners.
According to the company, the educational forums were co-hosted by vendor partners including Cisco, NetApp and APC by Schneider Electric.
Aptec said during the Solution Forums, it launched its FlexPod Partner Programme in the presence of more than 40 channel partners.
Varuna Shah, marketing manager, Gulf at Aptec, said: "The vision for Aptec in 2015 is to focus on solutions-selling and these forums are the first step in enabling our channel partners. We are constantly forming solutions with complementing vendors' products and launching that to partners with the simple objective of providing further business opportunities to them. We are happy that the forums have been well accepted by the partners and they are showing keen interest in solutions-selling."
The Solution Forums were held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.


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JUUL Labs' mission is simple – to improve the lives of the world's one billion adult smokers by providing the first true alternative to combustible cigarettes.
Smoking combustible cigarettes is the number one cause of preventable death. In the U.S., half of cigarette smokers will die from a tobacco-related illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
So, our success ultimately depends on our ability to get our product in the hands of the adult smokers and out of the hands of youth. When adult smokers try it, it works. And, the impact is life-changing.
The new JUUL Labs adult education campaign features testimonials as a continuation of our efforts to educate adult smokers about switching to the JUUL system. These stories highlight former smokers who made the switch from combustible cigarettes.
Pat's Story:
Mimi's Story:
Carolyn's Story:
These stories, which have already appeared in print, online and on radio, will now be featured on television and include adult smokers describing the impact switching from cigarettes has had on their lives. We want adult smokers to hear directly from former adult smokers that JUUL Labs provides a true alternative to combustible cigarettes and is showing unprecedented success, with studies showing 40 to 56 percent of adult smokers fully switching within 90 days of use.
Each story strictly adheres to our marketing code, which ensures that we carefully target adult smokers and forego paid promotion on social media platforms.
Some examples of our full-page ads:
August 5, 2020
Today, Juul Labs, Inc. and its Canadian affiliate, Juul Labs Canada Ltd. filed litigation against an illicit global network of entities and individuals that illegally sourced and resold authentic JUULpods and devices in the U.S. and abroad.
July 30, 2020
The company's submission includes comprehensive scientific evidence for the JUUL Device and JUULpods in Virginia Tobacco and Menthol flavors at nicotine concentrations of 5.0% and 3.0%, as well as information on its data-driven measures to address underage use of its products.
July 10, 2020
Juul Labs Seeks To Clear Market Of All Unauthorized Compatible Products


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Ever since he left Dior, we've been waiting for Raf Simons to resurface and work his magic on another label. In August, Calvin Klein confirmed (after months of rumours) that Raf would be taking the reigns at the brand, and now, the date on which his debut collection for the brand will be released has been revealed.
Raf will show his first collection for the brand on February 10 next year during New York Fashion Week. The location of the show has not yet been revealed.
It will reportedly feature men's and women's ready-to-wear, according to WWD, joining the likes of Gucci, Burberry and Bottega Veneta, who announced overnight that it would be switching to a unisex show format from next season.
It remains to be seen just how the Raf effect will take hold at Calvin Klein but we're sure it's going to be cool.


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Terri's Story
This is Terri's Story. Please click here to watch her film and find out more.
Posted on 04/10/2018
Chloe was struggling with her self-confidence and education following her parent's divorce, so we provided her with a mentor in Tracey.
After 18 months of mentoring support, Chloe told us:
Mentor Link has helped me with my confidence because when my Mum and Dad broke up I got really shy and Mentor Link helped me with confidence and my behaviour and anger.
Her parents write:
Mentor Link is the one thing that has helped Chloe overcome difficult times and look forward to her future with confidence. That little hand brake in Chloe's mind supressing her confidence has been released through Mentor Link's help. Chloe is a different child, fully engaged in school life and striding forward with reading, writing, maths, essentially everything she does. Mentor Link continues to be a powerful positive influence on Chloe's life.
This is Terri's Story. Please click here to watch her film and find out more.
This is Luke's Story. Please click here to watch his film and find out more.


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The quaint European village of Oberammergau is world famous for the spectacular Passion Play performed solely by its residents just once every 10 years. Keeping A pledge made nearly 400 years ago, this reenactment of the crucifixion of Christ preserves the Health and well-being of Oberammergau's residents to this day and is regarded as the most important passion play in the world.
Globus will once again lead the way in bringing the legendary Oberammergau experience to travelers. For this 2020 event, we will offer [LEAK] variety of special vacations that include the Passion Play experience. When you book with Globus, you will be seated in a premier location, providing you with the best Passion Play experience.
So, whether it's an extended family looking for a once-in-a lifetime experience or a church group looking to connect and reflect on their faith, Oberammergau offers an experience that will send you and your group back enchanted and excited. With almost 90 years of recognized worldwide excellence, Globus is a company you can trust, providing you with a seamless vacation, peace of mind and an incredible Passion Play experience.
Germany is a country filled with spectacular scenery, medieval towns, Fairytale castles, a fascinating history, and world-class beer. On this Germany tour, see Germany's highlights and visit its most famous cities, medieval towns, and scenic areas. Your vacation begins and ends in Frankfurt with overnights also in Cologne, Berlin, Dresden, Nuremberg, Munich, Oberammergau, and the Black Forest. You'll visit the must-see attractions in each city, including Cologne's famous gothic cathedral, with its twin-steepled towers, and Berlin's Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, badly damaged during the war and today a symbol of reconciliation.
Magnificent scenery also awaits you on this Germany vacation. Enjoy a Rhine cruise along the Rhine River's most scenic section, with castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, and pretty wine towns. Visit King Ludwig II's Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled high in the Alps. Drive on the panoramic German Alpine Road to beautiful Lake Constance, Europe's largest freshwater reservoir, and to the charming Island of Lindau. Stop in Rothenburg, a walled town that has retained its medieval character, and enjoy Germany's lush Black Forest region, where you'll learn about woodcarving and enjoy coffee and Black Forest Cake—a special experience included by Globus.
A tour to Germany would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine and beer. That's why Globus has included a beer at a famous brewery in Cologne, founded over 100 years ago. Bratwurst has been a tradition in Nuremberg for many centuries, and Globus has included dinner at a local Nuremberg restaurant to taste the traditional Nürnberger Bratwürste. But that's not all…Globus has included first-class seats to the Passion Play in Oberammergau. Performed every 10 years and set with the majestic alpine scenery as a backdrop, it's a magnificent experience.
From the beautiful scenery and exciting cities to the traditional food and wonderful beer, this Germany tour has it all!
This vacation, which includes tickets for the world-famous Oberammergau Passion Play, requires an additional deposit of $350 per person in June 2019.
Time to rest or to start exploring the bustling metropolis on the Main River. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and leave the hotel for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
A special Treat at the very start of your journey through Germany is a romantic RHINE CRUISE along the most scenic section of the Rhine River, with castle-crested hills, terraced vineyards, pretty wine towns, and the Lorelei rock. Disembark and drive to Cologne to visit the awesome gothic CATHEDRAL. Its Twin 515-foot towers, five naves, splendid stained-glass windows, and The Shrine of the Three Holy Kings are Eloquent testimony to the quality of medieval engineering and craftsmanship. Afterwards, enjoy Globus Local Favorite a beer at the Cölner Hofbräu Früh, one of Cologne's famous breweries.
Ride the ICE Train to Berlin, capital of reunited Germany, where sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the elegant Ku'damm, the restored Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, a picture stop at monumental Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial, and the 210-foot Victory Column in the vast Tiergarten park. Visit the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH with its bomb-damaged tower, drive along Unter den Linden boulevard, and pass the State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie.
A full day at leisure gives you a chance to join one of our exciting optional excursions, like to nearby Potsdam.
Arrive in Dresden, former capital of Saxony. Badly damaged by Allied bombing in February 1945, the City has since been restored to its baroque splendor. During your orientation, see the Zwinger Palace COURTYARD to admire its impressive architecture; the magnificent baroque Semper Opera, originally built in 1841, once destroyed by fire, then destroyed by bombing, and finally restored in 1985; and the newly rebuilt Frauenkirche.
Stop in Bayreuth for an orientation of this city, of festival fame. Richard Wagner came to Bayreuth in 1871 and was not satisfied with the existing 18th-century theater, the Markgräfliches Opernhaus, so he had a new one built. Today, the Festival Hall is used exclusively for the Bayreuth Festival, and only works by Wagner are performed there. Continue to Nuremberg, the town of children's toys and gingerbread. Admire the impressive medieval ramparts and walk through the pedestrian area of the charming Old Town to St. Sebald Church, painstakingly reconstructed as a monument to peace from the rubble of near-total wartime destruction, and admire the Schöner Brunnen, a 14th-century fountain dedicated to the Holy Roman Empire. It is Said that it Brings good luck to spin the two brass rings. Then, have Globus Local Favorite dinner at Bratwurst Röslein restaurant to taste the traditional Nürnberger Bratwürste.
In medieval Rothenburg, admire its ramparts and towers, cobblestone lanes, and 16th-century houses during your walking tour. Hear how the town survived the Thirty Years' War, and shop for Christmas ornaments, for which this pretty town is famous. Next is the Bavarian capital, Munich. Tonight, you may wish to join an exciting optional dinner outing.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide of Germany's "Secret Capital" features the Olympic Stadium, built for the 1972 Olympics; the 1,000-foot-high Olympic Tower; and Königsplatz, used for Nazi rallies during World War II. Drive along the Ludwigstrasse, and see the Bavarian Arch of Triumph and Field Marshall Hall. Also visit lively MARIENPLATZ with the Old and the New Town Halls and the gothic Frauenkirche. In the late afternoon, drive to the romantic Passion Play town of Oberammergau, where you will stay for the next two nights.
Afternoon and evening are dedicated to the world-famous PASSION PLAY.
Start today with a visit to King Ludwig's magnificent NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE, which inspired Walt Disney. Follow your Local Guide through this fairytale castle on its craggy outcrop high above a sparkling lake. Then, continue along the panoramic German Alpine Road to the sunny northern shore of Lake Constance, Europe's largest freshwater reservoir. Visit the charming island of Lindau and the baroque CHURCH at Birnau before entering the lush Black Forest for your overnight stay.
This morning, drive deeper into the Black Forest, then stop for Globus Local Favorite a WOODCARVING DEMONSTRATION and Kaffee und Schwarzwaldkuchen (coffee and Black Forest Cake). Arrive in Heidelberg, Germany's oldest university town, of Student Prince fame. Time to stroll around in the Old Town, then Ride the FUNICULAR up the hill and visit the red-walled CASTLE where the GREAT VAT, a 58,000-gallon 18th-century wine cask, attracts particular attention. Return to Frankfurt, where a farewell dinner has been prepared to say auf Wiedersehen!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Oberammergau - Zu den Passionsspielen 2020
Mittwoch, 23.September 2020
Alpine Europe Pilgrimage
Montag, 14.September 2020
Passion Play 2020- Tulsa Group
Samstag, 05.September 2020
The Passion Play September 2020 - New dates!
Montag, 07.September 2020


text: We use the pound or number sign (#) for numbers, on phones, or when we play tic, tac, toe. But the pound sign was not considered an important symbol in our lives until Chris Messina decided to use it as a way for groups of people to discuss topics without getting lost in the chaos of messages. That was in 2007. Soon after, Twitter adopted the hashtag system and turned the pound sign into a code so that any word prepended with a hash automatically becomes hyperlinked1. The newly coined "hashtag" quickly caught on and has since been implemented by Instagram, Tumblr, Facebook, Pinterest and many other social networks. You can even Google a hashtag to see posts across different social media platforms. Continue reading


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As I watch, and listen to, the presidential campaign, I see it as a macrocosm of what we, as leaders, experience in our own environments. I'm reminded that the more exposure a leadership role generates, the more vulnerable the leader is to mixed reviews and feedback. It's unavoidable.
Personal or group interpretations, assumptions, and judgments—true or false—about our actions, intent, and competence, become part of how our employees and colleagues evaluate our ability to lead effectively. More importantly, our ability to ask ourselves how we may be contributing to whatever is causing employees or colleagues to validate or question our effectiveness, is the very information we need to most effectively respond and lead.


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Third Comic Strip StandingLeave a comment
March 7, 2013 by phicks2012
As I stated in several previous posts, I am the Chronicler for our local SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) chapter (The Shire of Sol Haven), and thus responsible to putting out the monthly newsletter (The Equinox). In my case, the "Creative" part has been very important to me, and I've created both poetry and art (along with articles, puzzles, quizzes, and other items) for use in the newsletter, especially in times when my readers haven't been forthcoming themselves about contributing work for publication.
After 23+ years of producing this newsletter (which averages over 36 pages an issue) you learn how to fill the space, and back in 2002 when I had a half-page to fill I pressured a member of my group into giving me something. She prompty sat down and drew a simple comic poking fun at a colorful local Knight, and I published it. But she wouldn't do another one the next month, so I figured I'd try doing something of the same sort myself. After all, while no Rembrandt or Michaelangelo, I did "draw", and I figured that I ought to be able to manage a simple comic! Taking my lead from what she'd done the month before, I drew a comic poking fun at the Lady who had given me the first one, and knowing she had a great sense of humor and wouldn't object.
I never really anticipated doing more comic strips, but when other people badgered me to create more installments, and kept supplying me with ideas, I kept going. I expanded on the original notion to include more characters, chosing other people with quirky personalities and well-developed senses of humor, and they actually seemed to be flattered. In fact, they appeared to love it, and they generated yet more ideas! They furnished me with so many ideas that I very soon had more than enough drawn to cover the full year, and I was fearful, as a result, that the jokes were going to be outdated before they could be published. Humor can be like that, so I needed a solution — especially since the ideas just kept on coming in.
The answer, supplied by one of my "characters", was to print more than one comic in each issue of the newsletter — so I started printing two in each issue, and after a couple of years it was up to three, and eventually to four — at which number it still currently stands.
Over time I think I've improved my ability to capture closer likenesses to the people portrayed, and to the other pop culture characters sometimes included for fun, and I've also added other improvements to the strips. I hope you agree as I continue to include installments in my posts!
The comics continue to be archived at http://www.covingtoncastle.com/solhaven/sscom.htm for anyone wanting to check them out, and I do allow them to be reprinted in other SCA newsletters if the local Chroniclers contact me for permission.
I make no claims to great artistic talent, but I do enjoy doing the strips! Below are some selections from the Third Year (2004), and I hope you enjoy them.