Well, that certainly made me cry. Eloquent, heartfelt words, Clayton! Thank you.
Love ya, Claire Claire Szabo-Cassella csc1...@icloud.com 503 619 9664 > On Oct 1, 2015, at 5:56 AM, Clayton Stromberger > <cstromber...@austin.utexas.edu> wrote: > > Hey thanks everybody for all the thumbs-up (not “thumbs-ups,” right?)…. much > appreciated. And fun to hear your voices again! > > But I need to clarify one important thing, re Jerald’s original shout-out: > > That prestigious honor is for the school and its staff, not those of us who > pop in for a few hours a week. I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to > be a small part of what they have cooking now. And I’m one of a little gang > of arts educators who are in that school every week; when we met for > orientation, it was the first time in all my years in the schools that I’d > found Shakespeare sitting right alongside orchestra, photography, fairy tale > theater, ballet, and piano lessons (the latter for children with an > incarcerated parent). I step gingerly past two dozen ukuleles every day on > my way up to fourth grade classrooms. I don’t stand out when I walk into the > office to sign in — and often I have to wait behind the two young people > toting their viola cases. It’s wonderful. I hope someday every school I > visit is like that. > > The Blackshear teachers who work with those students all day, and work with > their parents, and try to squeeze in as much real learning as they can while > being told from upon high what to teach and when — those folks are the real > heroes. I remember what a tough day at Blackshear took out of you (I was 38 > at the time, just a kid) and I honestly don’t think I could survive it now. > Just for starters, the drive I make from one school to another is a break > those teachers never get. > > Second important thing I need to say….: Carl, re your loving comment, you > ALL care that way. (Okay, yes, except for maybe Donald Trump. And those > knuckleheads in the Texas Legislature… and....) I’m starting with everyone > on this list and that’s a lot of people. And then I would spread that > outward to all of your close friends and family members. I know for a > rock-solid fact that every one of you carries through your daily life that > same spirit of courage and devotion and generosity that you shared with your > classmates and the community and the audiences in your time at Winedale. I > saw it alive in every one of you in the reunion group. We saw it in Lou and > Gabe and Hutch. And all of us saw it in Doc, who devoted hours and hours of > his time over the past year to make that week possible and made every moment > count and inspired us (again — and how fortunate we are, all these years > later) to do the same. We remember it in those who were not able to be there > for that gathering. > > And there are real heroes among us who are not glimpsed fleetingly in tv news > reports. Not all of you may know that Jeff Larsen is an immigration lawyer > in Houston. Talk about someone in the trenches and fighting the good fight. > Then there’s the guy whose sitcom could be called, “Five Ain’t Enough,” > because at an age when I’m ready to collapse as a father of two, he and his > wife adopted a young boy and made him the sixth and littlest of the > Little-Meyers. Then there are those of you caring for a parent or sibling or > friend in failing health, physical or emotional. Artists overcoming endless > obstacles to hold the mirror up to nature. The team bringing The Play’s the > Thing to young patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. And on and on. So > don't get me started on the rest of you. > > You all give your all in your work and life, I know that to be true. And > when you can’t for whatever reason, you fight like hell to get back to being > able to give it again. That’s why it’s really an honor to be considered a > friend by all of you. > > I really feel what I’m doing in the schools is attempting to share something > of what we all discovered out at Winedale together. For whatever reason, > this is the way I’m able to offer it. And I know each of you does that every > day, in your own utterly original way. That’s why the sparks fly when a > bunch of us get back together. We want to make something happen. We know > what can happen in a week. Doc taught us that decades ago and yes we still > burn. > > What I was lucky enough to find when I began doing this work 25 years ago in > the Seattle area is that there are kids who are thirsty for this experience, > just like we were. It’s a real privilege to be able to help bring it to them > in whatever way I can, for however many hours a year I can. Some are > low-income, others are not. But they dive into it joyfully. I think they > need it, just like we did. Something in them responds to the invitation. > The invitation started with Miss Ima and it’s still going, in all of us. > > cheers, > > cs > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Clayton Stromberger > Outreach Coordinator, UT Shakespeare at Winedale > cstromber...@austin.utexas.edu > www.shakespeare-winedale.org > cell: 512-363-6864 > office: 512-471-8367 > >> On Oct 1, 2015, at 7:14 AM, Anne Engelking Smith <anklek...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >> Wow!!! Congratulations!! >> What an achievement for you to relish...no, that the kids will relish the >> rest of their lives! >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >> On Oct 1, 2015, at 7:10 AM, Suhler, Jayne <jsuh...@mail.smu.edu> wrote: >> >>> Only a tiny fraction (.25 percent) of K-12 schools in the U.S. are >>> designated Blue Ribbon. Parents in Dallas have slept in tents to be in line >>> for transfer seats at the handful of schools here that have received the >>> award over the years. What Clayton’s school has achieved is remarkable and >>> his contributions can be traced directly to the award. All this is a nice >>> way of saying CLAYTON YOU ARE ONE B.A.M.F.!!! jayne >>> >>> From: Winedale-l <winedale-l-boun...@lists.wikimedia.org> on behalf of Mary >>> Collins <mmcollin...@yahoo.com> >>> Date: Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 4:33 AM >>> To: Clayton Stromberger <cstromber...@austin.utexas.edu> >>> Cc: "shakespeare-at-winedale-email-l...@googlegroups.com" >>> <shakespeare-at-winedale-email-l...@googlegroups.com>, >>> "winedale-l@lists.wikimedia.org" <winedale-l@lists.wikimedia.org> >>> Subject: Re: [Winedale-l] Because it has been on my mind-- >>> >>> Dearest Clayton, >>> You rock! You are an inspiration. Congratulations to all of you. Love. >>> Mary >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>> On Sep 30, 2015, at 9:18 PM, Clayton Stromberger >>> <cstromber...@austin.utexas.edu> wrote: >>> >>>> Thanks y'all — a pretty neat group of kids, they actually cheered this >>>> afternoon when I told them I’d brought the rest of Hamlet 1.1 for them to >>>> take home (we’ve been working on the first 20 or so lines). They were >>>> unfazed to see Fred Cantu and his cameraman in the little “theater room” >>>> built over the summer and eagerly volunteered for their turn at Bernardo, >>>> Francisco, et al. >>>> >>>> Very impressive and heartening what’s going on at Blackshear; next door to >>>> us in the dance studio, I saw a class of first graders in socks lining up >>>> on their tippytoes for ballet lessons. I’m so glad the principal, Betty >>>> Jenkins, is receiving this Blue Ribbon recognition for her determination >>>> to make the school the first Fine Arts Magnet at the elementary level in >>>> the district. It’s a remarkable sea change from the atmosphere of even a >>>> decade ago — when arts were tossed aside the moment scores dipped — and I >>>> hope this award will give other elementary-level administrators in >>>> low-income communities the courage and incentive to make the arts an >>>> integral part of their students’ day. >>>> >>>> Especially sweet since I was run off from Blackshear 16 years ago largely >>>> for doing Shakespeare with my classes when I should have been drilling >>>> them for the TAAS test…! >>>> >>>> cs >>>> >>>> >>>>> On Sep 30, 2015, at 7:43 PM, Aubrey Carter <aubreycar...@sbcglobal.net> >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Great work Clayton. >>>>> >>>>> ACDO >>>>> 1401 E. 7th St. >>>>> Austin, TX 78702 >>>>> 512-472-3393 >>>>> >>>>> On Sep 30, 2015, at 6:30 PM, Jerald Head <jlhead1...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> I just saw Clayton on the local news working with the kids at Blackshear >>>>>> Elementary, which was awarded a Blue Ribbon status. The arts program >>>>>> there was mentioned as a real plus. Good job kids, teachers, and >>>>>> Clayton.👏👏👏👏 >>>>>> >>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>> >>>>>> On Sep 29, 2015, at 10:59 PM, Susan Todd <susangaylet...@gmail.com> >>>>>> wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Love and big smooches to all of you! What a thrill it was to have Doc >>>>>>> and JoAnn and such a goodly herd of our beloveds in the theater. I'm >>>>>>> sorry the Ghost of Scottish Rite Theater targeted Lynn in its naughty >>>>>>> shenanigans. I promise to get Stan to smudge the place in preparation >>>>>>> for any of you who dare to enter and sit in the seats. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Terry, your email enchants me. Thank you for that. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Dream, dream, dream! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Susan >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 29, 2015 at 8:29 PM, Lynn McGuire >>>>>>>> <lynnedwardsmcgu...@hotmail.com> wrote: >>>>>>>> Jerald - glad I could be your buffer and I enjoyed Susan's production >>>>>>>> of COE too - very creative and entertaining! The theatre and sets were >>>>>>>> gorgeous... But do check your chair backs before sitting down. I had >>>>>>>> an entanglement with my first choice which had a broken back and >>>>>>>> almost broke mine as we collapsed to the floor! Our two wonderful >>>>>>>> doctors - Craig and Jerald came to my rescue, prescribed Advil and >>>>>>>> ice, and we then all enjoyed the show. Of course Jerald had to inform >>>>>>>> me how sore I would be in the morning! Anyway - come see the show and >>>>>>>> let's all go to dinner! >>>>>>>> And Terry, thanks for your lovely words! They mean a lot! It also >>>>>>>> meant the world to me that you came to our performances- you were >>>>>>>> missed during the week! >>>>>>>> And to the rest of you- keep writing, it is joyful to hear your >>>>>>>> voices! Love, Lynn >>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> On Sep 29, 2015, at 2:04 PM, "Jerald Head" <jlhead1...@gmail.com> >>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Sunday I went to the Scottish Rite Theater to see “The Comedy of >>>>>>>>> Errors,” which is always such fun. This time it was directed by >>>>>>>>> reunion alum Susan Todd and one of the Dromio’s was played by Kathy >>>>>>>>> Blackbird who was a real hoot. I just love to see those Dromios >>>>>>>>> receiving a few licks. . I know I loved beating Mary Collins in 1978, >>>>>>>>> when she was my Dromio.. There were several other Winedale alums in >>>>>>>>> the show as well. Zaniness ensued. There was a mini reunion in the >>>>>>>>> audience. Hurwitz, Lynn, Joy, Mike Mergan, Doc, and Joann were all >>>>>>>>> in attendance as was Jonathan and Whitney Ayres. It was good to see >>>>>>>>> them all . Thankfully, Lynn sat between Joy and I so Joy’s >>>>>>>>> harassment of me was kept to a minimum. The theater itself is worth >>>>>>>>> seeing as well which was built in 1871 and if I am not mistaken, some >>>>>>>>> of the fly/ sets used in CE were original. It looked great. The show >>>>>>>>> runs for a while longer so if you are in Austin, and looking for an >>>>>>>>> escape from the ACL hoards, go support some local theater, and of >>>>>>>>> course our friends as well. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Jerald >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> On Sep 29, 2015, at 12:53 PM, tlgalloway via Shakespeare at Winedale >>>>>>>>> Email List <shakespeare-at-winedale-email-l...@googlegroups.com> >>>>>>>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> These last few days, I have been falling into reveries about the >>>>>>>>>> reunion plays. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I can't get over how tightly they were performed. Crisp and >>>>>>>>>> energetic and funny and moving. Both of them. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> When I was there watching it seemed well, of course-- that's the way >>>>>>>>>> Winedale works. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> But now that a few weeks have gone by, I am struck once again by >>>>>>>>>> what a miracle it is that two plays can be so perfectly realized in >>>>>>>>>> just a week. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And I wanted to say again to all of you who performed at the >>>>>>>>>> reunion, what a profound pleasure it was to witness the results of >>>>>>>>>> your thought, your sweat, yours whims, your camaraderie and your >>>>>>>>>> playing. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> It was enchanting. Just like it should be, has always been, and >>>>>>>>>> always will be. >>>>>>>>>> Love to you. >>>>>>>>>> Terry >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>>>>> From: Mike Godwin <mnemo...@gmail.com> >>>>>>>>>> To: Shakespeare at Winedale 1970-2000 alums >>>>>>>>>> <winedale-l@lists.wikimedia.org>; Shakespeare Winedale >>>>>>>>>> <shakespeare-at-winedale-email-l...@googlegroups.com> >>>>>>>>>> Sent: Tue, Sep 29, 2015 8:29 am >>>>>>>>>> Subject: Welcoming Linda Addison, Winedale Spring 1971 class >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Linda, whom many of you may remember for her involvement in the early >>>>>>>>>> years of >>>>>>>>>> Eeyore's Birthday Party, is reachable at >>>>>>>>>> linda.addi...@nortonrosefulbright.com. >>>>>>>>>> She's now on both the Google >>>>>>>>>> Groups and Wikimedia Winedale-alum mailing >>>>>>>>>> lists. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Welcome! >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> --Mike >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are >>>>>>>>>> subscribed to the Google Groups "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" >>>>>>>>>> group. >>>>>>>>>> To >>>>>>>>>> unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>>>>>>> an email to >>>>>>>>>> shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>>>> For more >>>>>>>>>> options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>>>> Groups "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. >>>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>>>>>> send an email to >>>>>>>>>> shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>>> Groups "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. >>>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, >>>>>>>>> send an email to >>>>>>>>> shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> -- >>>>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google >>>>>>>> Groups "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. >>>>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send >>>>>>>> an email to >>>>>>>> shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Winedale-l mailing list >>>>>> Winedale-l@lists.wikimedia.org >>>>>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/winedale-l >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>>>> "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. >>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>>>> email to shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>>>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Winedale-l mailing list >>>> Winedale-l@lists.wikimedia.org >>>> https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/winedale-l >>> >>> >>> -- >>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >>> "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. >>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >>> email to shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. >>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Shakespeare at Winedale Email List" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to shakespeare-at-winedale-email-list+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
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