2020 Jan-Feb News Notes

Immaculate Heart Community

News Notes

Contents Page 2 President Page 3 Vice President Page 4 IHM Residence Page 5 La Casa de Maria Page 6 Casa Esperanza Page 7 Healthcare Page 8/9 Ethel Swain Obituary & Homily Page 10 Corita Update Birthdays Page 11 Messages & Prayers Page 12 Save the Dates

Jan/Feb 2020

Selecting an Architect for the Retreat Center We are thrilled to announce that on December 6th, the IHC Board of Trustees approved the selection of RCH Studios of LA as our Master Architect for La Casa de Maria.

Community members' input, The Spirit Document, and practical considerations.

Three firms were chosen as finalists and they returned to the property for a more in-depth look and in-person interviews with the committee. All three firms gave compelling presentations but there was a clear leader.

In August, we released a public Request for Qualifications and sent it to 40+ architecture firms, of which, 17 firms responded with proposals.

RCH Studios looked at our mission statement and translated that into actionable design goals; invested time in searching through the UC Santa Barbara archives to find property maps from 1872 and analyzed aerial photographs from the 20s to the present. They came to us with detailed knowledge of the property and a rough sketch of their ideas for the site. No other firm did that. Most importantly, RCH demonstrated passion for the renewal of the land in harmony with the goals and values of IHC. If you'd like to learn more, go to www.rchstudios.com.

by Laura Seitz, Executive Assistant Executive Assistant, IHC

The selection committee was made up of Ray Mattes, IHM, Karol Schulkin, IHM, Steph Glatt, IHM, Linda Alexander, Kathleen Buczko and Cindy Faith Swain.

KENMORE ACCESS SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT We have upgraded our security access protocol at the Residence. Instead of a physical key, residents and staff now use an electronic fob that unlocks the door. No key required. At present, keys still work, but the plan is to cutover to all electronic access on February 28. If you are a regular visitor to the Residence with a key, please contact Deidra Goulding to be assigned an electronic fob. Send email to dgoulding@ihmresidence.org, or call (213) 388-5783, x 209.

Thank you!

The field of 17 firms was narrowed to six semi-finalists. Each committee member evaluated the six finalists against a list of criteria that we developed with 1

Jan/Feb 2020

20 years ago in Iraq, has taught us this can mean launching air strikes that destroy essential infrastructure of roads, bridges, water sources and and electrical power systems. Very quickly, hospitals, schools and homes become “collateral damage” along with the local citizens as well. The spiral of violence grows.

President’s Message Let Love Prevail On January 9th, the morning news reported that a dozen Iranian missiles had struck two Iraqi bases which housed both US and Iraqi military personnel. Iran clearly stated that the strikes were in retaliation for the killing of their top General Qassem Suleimani days earlier by a targeted drone strike launched by the United States. I read the news that morning and thought, the “Spiral of Violence” which Martin Luther King and others warned against has begun. Violence begets violence. An eye for an eye makes two people (or thousands) blind.

Even aside from the shadow of war, what we see, hear and choose to do has vast implications. Jesus taught that “the kin-dom of God is within us.” Taking these words to heart, the Quakers have a practice of “recognizing that of God in everyone they meet.” This practice led them to found the American Friends Services Committee through which they actively find ways to help others survive and overcome all kinds of violence. They are creating villages, towns and cities where every person is helped to live in safety and peace.

I’m sure they wouldn’t mind us including “joy” in that list as well.

I use this NewsNotes space to write about what we read or hear in the daily news because it matters how we, as people of faith and followers of Jesus respond in times like these. What guides our action or inaction? Do we join vigils or marches or prayer services in opposition to the threat of war and the tragic reality of neighborhood killings for that matter? Do we make time to call or write our Congress persons and beseech them to do everything in their power to stop the amassing of weapons, be they ballistic missiles or hand guns?

Each of us, too, can act right now to help bring greater peace and justice to our world.

Whenever we find our own selves in an adversarial situation, whether verbally, physically, or emotionally we can interrupt that spiral toward violence by finding safer, more healthy alternatives. It would be so helpful, and less devastating to both others and ourselves, if we managed to pause, breathe, and then respond rather than react.

Picture how helpful this would be in our own difficult or polarized situations.

Surely we have learned by now from the experience of thoughtful German people who deeply regret that they did not act sooner to stop the trains packed with Jewish people destined for Buchenwald and Auschwitz. By asking questions, standing up, speaking up, making heard our opposition, we help to break the silence which allows violence to spread.

Personally, I have found this to be a learn-asyou-go process. It’s difficult and not always successful, but definitely worth the effort. In the end we will only help change the world by changing our own hearts. Inspired by our faith and empowered by the Spirit which leads us, we will find the “cour-age”to act on what we know. I am learning that in the end, there is no one and no living being that is unworthy of our love............

Continued at the bottom of page 3

I wonder why we think we have the right to maintain a “military presence” in another nations’ land? The justification seems to be we have “vital interests” in that region. Recent history, i.e. the “shock & awe campaign" 2

Jan/Feb 2020

the Immaculate Heart Community as we look forward to celebrating 50 years together. A committee is busily planning a series of events; you will be included in the news. Let Karol & Rod know if you would like to share your ideas and help.

Vice President’s Message “Love is the only way to rescue humanity from all its ills.”

And, it is a Jubilee Year for 21 IHMs who will be celebrating a total of 780 years together.

Stay tuned for further details as their plans take form.

~ Leo Tolstoy

As Pope Francis has urged in Laudato Si, our care for the earth for the common good of all is of utmost importance. From the recent volcano eruptions in the Philippines, to the earthquakes in Puerto Rico, and from the flooding of Venice, Italy to the unprecedented vast Australian wildfires, we can no longer deny the disastrous impact that climate change is having upon the whole world right now.

We all experience ups and downs in our lives.

As we mature spiritually, we learn to trust and open our hearts more freely. In 2019 we had 10 of our beloved Community members pass from this earthly life into eternal life. Our lives have been enriched by each of these pillars of our Community. So, be especially kind to each other now, because no one knows what the future holds for any of us. Mary’s heart embraces us. Love ties us together.

Just two years ago when La Casa de Maria was threatened by the Thomas Fire and then its subsequent destructive mudslide, we experienced personally the ravages of climate change. Our Environmental Commission has been consistently updating us on the many ways we can learn to be kinder to our planet, that each consumer choice we make matters.

Let us love our earth; it’s the only planet we have. We trust that love conquers all.

For all that has been, thank you. For all that is to come, yes. ~ Dag Hammarskjold

Victoria Berry, IHM

Now in this current climate of a series of political crises around the world, we need to extend our loving prayers even more than ever before. The famine and violence that are causing vast migrations globally is a cry to open our heart wider and wider. At the annual LCWR assembly in Phoenix, we were encouraged to blur the boundaries between congregations and all people.

Continuation from page 2 The status quo is no longer acceptable. The possible has become necessary. As Terry Tempest Williams writes, “The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people. It does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, story tellers and lovers of every kind.”

Let love prevail, Karol Schulkin, IHM

As we step into this brand-new year, we foresee the challenges and the opportunities, the downs and ups. This is a Jubilee year for 3

Jan/Feb 2020

IHM Residence At the Residence last month, we set up the new creche generously donated last summer. Only a few of the pieces at first, and of course the star, a jumble of gospel stories ringing as we moved toward Christmas.

The creche came with a full-standing donkey, presumably the one that carried Mary to Bethlehem. So, the donkey was positioned early, along with Mary and Joseph. And it’s a good thing, too, because Mary Lyons remembers how important the donkey in the nativity scene was to Doris Murphy, almost as important to Mary as Joseph himself, the humble animal that supported her through that unpredictable journey.

The completed creche at the IHM Residence.

We feted the staff this Christmas on our recycle money, Olive Garden pasta bar and cake from Porto’s. It was comfortable and calming with carols faintly playing, a little magic in the air.

We put up lights around the front door canopy and enjoyed our DIY performance of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” in full costume, on the eve of Christmas Eve.

Catherine Smith’s favorite of this new creche is a woman steadying a basket of fruit on her head while carrying a child in her arm. The kindly neighbor who knows the holy family needs something different than gold, frankincense and myrrh, needs something more practical, like food, as Catherine tells it.

I’m partial to the Magi, those seekers who’ll travel so far, following a sign that’s sure to turn up something worth seeking.

The holiday sugar poured in from well-wishers near and far, comfort and joy to us all. Our food management company gifted us with all the table decorations for Christmas dinner this year, another way this Christmas gave so much. And Ethel turned 100 before parting, sheer gift to all of us who reveled in a different sort of Christmas miracle.

by Deidra Goulding Director, IHM Residence

Mid-month, more pieces to the creche came unexpectedly, a cow, a ram, another shepherd and a star of Bethlehem, and we await how each will speak, a little Jungian sand play at work this season summoning up unspoken needs of the heart.

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Jan/Feb 2020

La Casa de Maria & Center for Spiritual Renewal

I finally took a good picture of CET (with Enrique & Santiago); they've been such a helpful bunch. Their last day of work was to be December, but the funding was renewed so the CET work program is being extended through March 2020!

We had a beautiful crop of persimmons this year; Fuyu and Hachiya. The Fuyu are a pale-ish yellow/orange and are like a cross between a Fuji apple and Jicama and are delicious, sweet and crunchy. The other, Hachiya, are acorn shaped, fleshy, soft and sweet.

It’s hard to believe but December 4th was the 2nd anniversary of the start of the Thomas Fire.

Santa Barbara County officials gave a very well-prepared presentation on December 5th and introduced a new “Thomas Fires Storm Impact Considerations” map. This map is intended to assist public safety officials and community members in identifying areas that may be impacted by storm events. While this map is helpful, it does not impact or supersede the existing FEMA/County map which remains unchanged. According to county officials, the map we’ve been using will continue to be the map used for rebuilding.

After shopping at the the market before Thanksgiving where organic persimmons were $4.99, I was so pleased that FoodBank of Santa Barbara came to pick up about 250 lbs. to be donated. Shalom Garden produced its first delicious pomegranates.

by Cindy Faith Swain LCDM Facilities Manager

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Jan/Feb 2020

We are also excited to report that our ballet folklórico dancers were invited to perform at several local holiday functions, including our Assembly-Member Nazarian holiday open house. Ten of our dancers performed at the event and were acknowledged and thanked by the Assemblyman.

Casa Esperanza UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic Recently, we partnered with the UCLA Stein Eye Institute and their mobile eye clinic. A fully equipped van came to Casa and performed free eye exams and provided free glasses to several of our Casa clients. The photo shows one of our youth, Juliana, getting ready for her exam.

Our classes are being taught by a former Casa youth, Diana. Now in her early twenties, Diana is using some of the lessons she received from Casa to lead folklórico classes throughout the San Fernando Valley.

The holiday season also finds us busy (and grateful) with organizing toy and other donations. We are the fortunate beneficiaries of the Van Nuys Rotary Club, the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office, the Department of Water and Power, and several members of the Immaculate Heart Community.

Thank you, UCLA Mobile Eye Clinic!

As many of you know, Casa Esperanza has a history of providing a safe and welcoming environment for spiritual support.

I want to thank all the IHC members who have supported us this year. There is an open invitation for any IHC member to call me to talk about programs or come to Casa for a tour.

Looking forward to 2020!

From December 4-12, an average of 30 community members a day convened in our parking lot, praying novenas. Due to mobility and other issues, many of the participants are not able to attend services at a church so Casa Esperanza provides a safe and trusted location for prayer.

by Jaren Sorkow Director, Casa Esperanza

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Jan/Feb 2020

Options for Long-Term Health Care

The PACE program was established by Medicare to help independent seniors with complex medical needs. The program helps participants receive the care and services necessary to help them continue living in their own home. Transportation, social services, opportunities for socialization and meals are also offered through PACE.

While we all plan to live long and healthy lives, it’s difficult to consider the thought that we may have medical, physical or cognitive limitations that will make aging more challenging.

Another common concern of aging is that we haven’t saved enough to pay for our long-term care needs.

The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a newer program Home and Community-Based waiver that was created to test the efficacy of assisted living facilities as a Medi-Cal benefit. If you would like additional information on Medi-Cal eligibility or any of the programs mentioned, feel free to email me at DTraboulsi@ihmresidence.org.

“The cost of long-term care can really add up – with an average annual cost of nearly $30,000 per year.”

If your monthly income is not enough to pay for the cost of long-term care or if you have outlived your savings/ investments, Medi-Cal may be a viable option. Medi-Cal is a health insurance program for seniors over 65 and persons with disabilities whose income is below 138% of the federal poverty limit.

by Denise Traboulsi Care Coordinator “Pity The Nation”

by Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Your monthly income and assets will determine if you are eligible for Medi-Cal. A few examples of MediCal programs for long term care at home, as alternatives to nursing home placement are: In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), and the Assisted Living Waiver program.

Pity the nation whose people are sheep, and whose shepherds mislead them.

Pity the nation whose leaders are liars, whose sages are silenced, and whose bigots haunt the airwaves.

Pity the nation that raises not its voice, except to praise conquerors and acclaim the bully as hero and aims to rule the world with force and by torture.

Pity the nation that knows no other language but its own and no other culture but its own.

The IHSS Program will pay for services provided to you so that you can remain safely in your own home. IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.

Pity the nation whose breath is money and sleeps the sleep of the too well fed.

Pity the nation — oh, pity the people who allow their rights to erode and their freedoms to be washed away.

My country, tears of thee, sweet land of liberty.

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Jan/Feb 2020

Eulogy for Ethel Swain, IHM December 23, 1919 - December 23, 2019 January 8, 2020 – Sister Mary Ethel Swain was born Helen Regina December 23, 1919 in Denver, Colorado. She had one brother, Frank who is deceased. When Ethel was six, the family moved to Los Angeles. Entering Immaculate Heart Community in 1936 Ethel was just beginning her junior year in high school. After 5 years she professed her final vows March 3, 1941. Ethel was a dedicated teacher of young children. For 47 years, she taught primary grades, also serving as superior and principal. She loved her students. She was a creative artist in watercolors, charcoal, acrylics, carving, sculpting and needlework as evidenced on the cover of the Mass booklet.

As a young sister, Ethel was always willing to help or direct in a loving way whenever and wherever she was needed. She volunteered in the Community office, spending many hours in development, preparing copies as needed and helped with the mailings. She gave of herself to help others. She was welcoming, easy to pray with and upbeat in her responses with those with whom she shared everyday life at the Kenmore Residence. She loved reading and listening to music. When Ethel celebrated her 80th Jubilee in 2016, Catherine Smith asked her, “What gets you out of bed in the morning?” Her answer was: “I look out the window and I see light, sometime sunlight, and that says to me God has given me another day. A day to be ready for whatever He may ask of me. It may be something difficult some suffering of some kind or it may be something easy-feeling good and happy. I ask Him to give me strength and to accept whatever the day brings. Also, it is another day to help those around me in some way.”

Twenty years later, this is good advice for all of us here today celebrating her life. From the CNAs who take care of the IHMs at the residence, a few special remembrances were noted. “Ethel loved her artichokes, so delicious. She liked to help, willing to fold clothes; nothing was too small or great for her to do. She was a happy person and grateful for anything anyone did for her. She asked for God’s blessings for the nurse and CNAs.” Ethel is survived by her three nephews, Dick and his wife Rebecca, John and his wife Stacey, and Joseph and his wife Ann. Our prayers go out to the family. In conclusion, as one fellow resident shared, “Ethel was fun loving, always up for a party, full of puns, generous and prayerful.” She always had a smile on her face. As was read in the Gospel, “All who believe in the Son will have eternal life and I will raise them to life again on the last day.” This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice with Ethel celebrating in heaven.

by Rose Chamberlin, IHM 8

Jan/Feb 2020

Homily for Ethel Swain The psalmist exults, “Let us rejoice and be glad.” Who of us when remembering Ethel can refrain from rejoicing and being glad? She has been described by many who knew her as happy, as “always having a smile on her face.”

The psalmist proclaims that Yahweh will “wipe away all tears from all faces". So it was with our dear Ethel.

She freely loved and so she freely served.

“Freely we serve because we freely love.”

Another poet, Percy Shelley, made the statement that “Familiar acts are made beautiful through love.” Many acts in Ethel’s life were made beautiful through love; whether it was going to or giving a party, whether it was giving a massage, whether it was welcoming a guest, whether it was cooking a meal for her sisters in Community or whether it was finding the humor in an event; all were made beautiful through the love with which she performed them. “Familiar acts are made beautiful through love.”

Ethel was so human. These human experiences are the “present things” that Paul speaks of in the epistle to the Romans. Though suffering these human realities, Ethel was constant in her love for others. In this way she was constant in her love for Christ as Christ is present in the family, the children, the Community.

Those to whom I spoke to about Ethel always mentioned that she was a prayerful woman, and when she prayed you knew she was communicating with the Divine. Prayer sustained her, strengthened her and drew her close to the Jesus she believed in. At her resurrection moment I can imagine Ethel echoing the words of Ted Loder in his poem on Resurrection Madness:

In John’s gospel, written to a community of Jewish Christians at a time when they were being expelled from the Synagogue due to the Christian’s “divergent interpretation of the meaning of the inherited tradition”, John had Jesus accepting all who came to Him. “I will never turn away anyone who comes to me.”

Ethel took this seriously. She did not turn others away but listened and counseled everyone who came to her. If she had doubts, she would listen carefully and seek the Christ in others and make a fair judgment.

The poet John Milton wrote, “Freely we serve because we freely love.” Again, in the words of those who knew her, Ethel freely gave of herself because she freely loved. She helped wherever needed. Nothing was too small or too great for her to willingly be present to another, and whatever task was needed, it was done happily and with a smile.

Enjoy your new life, Ethel, enjoy it with a pun, a smile, and have an everlasting adventure.

by Lee Justen, IHM 9

Jan/Feb 2020

Corita Art Center Staff Feature Hello Immaculate Heart Community! My name is Andrew Greene and I am the new Gallery Administrative Coordinator at the Corita Art Center. Over the past several months I have interacted with many of you in my day to day at the CAC— thank you for your warmth and kindness.

At the CAC I work closely with Nellie and Olivian to provide support on a wide range of projects from merchandising to liaising with our gallery and vendors to streamlining the day to day operations in the office. My experience working with other artist estates: The Estate of Anne Truitt and the Mike Kelley Foundation as well as my experience on the commercial side of the art world working for Andrew Kreps Gallery and Modica Carr Art Advisory gave me a unique set of skills and perspective that I’m excited to bring to the Corita team.

I was introduced to Corita’s work as a high school design student in the suburbs of Chicago, and her work offered an inspiring bridge between the language of design, art and activism. Her work and legacy have been important to me ever since. I look forward to being a part of the Immaculate Heart Community and hope to make a lasting contribution to the Corita Art Center.

by Andrew Greene Coordinator, Corita Art Center

The Corita Art Center and the IHC Women’s Commission joined the 2020 Women’s March in Los Angeles again this year!

In advance of the Women’s March, an art-making party and potluck was hosted in partnership with Metabolic Studio. Carol Wells, the Executive Director of Center for the Study of Political Graphics spoke about political sign-making and its role in movement building.

February Birthdays

January Birthdays 1/2 Pauline Krismanich 1/3 Vivian Gabehart 1/4 Ana Rubyn 1/5 Sharon Bagley 1/7 Lynn Enloe 1/12 Anna Maria Prieto

1/14 1/15 1/18 1/19 1/20 1/23

Gloria Kolarik 1/23 Ken Murphy Dorothy Washle 1/29 Silvia Gutierrez Donna Alioto (Candidate) Leila Justen 1/31 Ann Chamberlin Hermine Lees Ella Mae Lorack 10

2/5 2/16 2/19 2/19

Heather Sourial Craigie (Candidate) Pat Dominguez Virginia Hurst Mary Lyons

Jan/Feb 2020

Messages & Prayer Requests Dear Hearts, Please pray for my nephew Amir. He is a 19-year-old young man living with his parents in San Francisco. He fell in with a tough crowd and has been missing since last Wednesday. A social media post claims that he was beaten and thrown off a bridge in San Francisco. My sister Joan, her husband, Sultan, and Amir all need your prayers. Hopefully he is still alive. Regardless, that clarity comes on his whereabouts. It has been a very challenging couple of years for this family.

Thanks, Jean Holsten, IHM Dear Hearts, God answered our prayers for a quick end to this long road. My Dad died in the early morning hours of Dec. 4. I was there with my Mom by his bedside. It was very peaceful and an honor to have been there to say goodbye. I have no doubt that he is now at peace and comfort, no longer in pain or struggling to understand, when his brain couldn’t make sense of things. Now, we can all just remember the good times and the Dad we all knew and loved! My Mom is doing very, very well too. Thanks everyone for keeping us in your prayers!

Kim Keelin, IHM Dear Hearts, Saturday, January 11 Maria Inez was moved to Casa Salisbury, 264 Salisbury Ave, Goleta 93117, (805) 770-5050 for Hospice Care. When we visited her she was in good spirits, and was happy to receive visitors.

We didn’t stay too long as her breathing was a little labored. Her hospital bed looks out on two lovely trees, one is bearing oranges. Many bouquets of flowers followed here there from the hospital. Maria Inez really appreciates the love and prayers that have been showered upon her. Please do continue your loving prayers as they have such power. We trust all is in God’s hands.

In Mary’s Heart, Victoria Dear Friends of Joe, Just in case you haven’t yet heard, our wonderful Joe died December 11; very early in the morning. We are surrounded by both love and sadness and we are supported by Joe’s own strength. Joe’s illness was quick and relatively painless. He first went into the hospital after Thanksgiving with complications of pneumonia and saline imbalance and, in the end, his heart failed. Here is a direct quote from Joe, in a letter with his wishes penciled back in 2003: "I have loved life and have clung to it as much as anyone who faces death. At the same time, I have a deep curiosity that feels like homesickness for what will follow. The Spirit of God seems full of promise.” Please forgive that this message is such a “group” event. Joe had so many friends and we do not want to miss any one of them! (There was a Celebration of Joe’s Life on January 11, 2020 at 11 am at Santa Rosa Parish in Cambria. A reception in the Parish Hall followed the service. If you could not come that distance, we will know you were here with us in spirit. Jess and I, along with Kevin, Miriam and Jack, send our love to you.

Mary Fay-Zenk, IHM Dear Hearts, please pray for Michael Roback, my dear friend, has had another heart surgery on Wednesday, January 15, at Cedars-Sinai. He and I thank you for your prayers for his previous surgery that lasted 8 hours. He came through just fine and we are so grateful for your prayers.

Tristine Rainer, IHM Dear Hearts, Please pray for my sister, Sister Genevieve Underwood, RSHM, who is now in Hospice at the Care Center of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange County.

Thank you, Patrice Underwood, IHM

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Jan/Feb 2020

IMMACULATE HEART COMMUNITY 5515 Franklin Avenue, Suite A Los Angeles, CA 90028 (323) 466-2157 News Notes is published by and for members of the Immaculate Heart Community.

Editors: Victoria Berry, IHM, Lenore Dowling, IHM, Rose Chamberlin, IHM Production: Nickie Strother, Administrative Assistant & Community Support Specialist Note: If you would like to submit something for publication in March/April News Notes, please submit your article and/or information no later than February 15th to Nickie Strother at nstrother@ihworks.org and Victoria Berry vberry@ihmoffice.org.

Printed on Recycled Paper

Save the Date Feb 1 Board of Trustees at IHC

April 4 Board of Trustees at IHC

March 7 Board of Trustees at IHC

April 5 Candidate Workshop

March 13 - 15 Lenten Retreat Mary & Joseph Retreat Center Rancho Palos Verdes

April 11 Holy Spirit (50th) Event Westminster Gardens Packard Hall

March 28 Marking IHC 50th Regionally and Election Discernment

April 18 Pre-Assembly Workshop IHHS Cotsen Center

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April 22 Earth Day

Jan/Feb 2020