In one beautifully and artistically composed page with attractive photographs, Ladera Crier presented:

How a Pattern on the Sidewalk Inspired a Very Special Book “ Seeing Hearts” by Dani Chammas

One day, about four years ago, on what otherwise could have been described an “uneventful” neighborhood walk, the Chamry Sisters  ( Zeina 9, Zoe 6. and Sami 4 ) noticed a heart in cement of a sidewalk. Filled with excitement, they all took turns taking pictures of that heart.

Every day since that day, the girls have been searching for hearts throughout the world around them—at home, at school, in nature… some even in Ladera. It is not uncommon for their family activities to be punctuated by the comment, “A heart! I found a heart!” The excitement associated with these moments has persisted through time.

Wanting to share their joy with the world, the girls began collecting pictures of these hidden hearts with the dream of one day using them to create a book to inspire the world. At last “Seeing Hearts” got published and they hope it will MAKE RIPPLES  and add Beauty and Fun to our world!

_________________________________________________

Billy was so Inspired, he immediately wrote to the Ladera Crier’s Editors:

Dear Crier Team,

Thank you for publishing another inspiring issue of Ladera Crier. This time I am especially impressed by the three Chamry sisters who   co-authored “SEEING HEARTS”. It’s simply MOVING. I like to thank them and encourage them to carry on and MAKE WIDER RIPPLES around  the World as they grow older. Since I do not have their email address,  will you kindly deliver my message to them, and indeed I thank you for introducing ZZ&S to our Life in Ladera.

Dear, Zena, Zoe, and Sami,

You have added FUN, JOY, and LOVE, into my life in Ladera. This 92 year old Ladera neighbor of yours truly admires what you are doing. I wish you the very best in promoting a rippling effect around this world. I came to America from China when I was 14, and in trying to make Friends in a new country, I worked hard at how to bond with others Heart to Heart. I have made many good friends, and in fact I have kept in touch with many of my old classmates from Phillips Academy Andover and Yale College. Very recently I was mentioned in Yale Alumni Class 1955 news: It noted :

“Billy Lee sends his cheerful news: While seeking the Fountain of Youth

around the world, he accidentally fell into an Ocean of Joy, Beauty, and Love.

Yes they are all around us. Just See, Seek, Savor, and Enjoy with True Heart.”

Cheers, Hope to become your FUN OLD LADERA FRIEND !

Billy Lee-  271 West Floresta Way Portola Valley, Ca. 94028

<https;//friendshipology.net>

Indeed, Billy wishes to introduce The Chamry Sisters and their “Seeing Hearts” book to his good friends at All China’s Women’s Federation and China National Children’s Center in Beijing where years ago Billy conducted “Heart to Heart “ Friendship Connecting between children from US and China via The 1990 Institute. He thinks that Dr. Ashfaq  Ishaq , Director of ICAF ( International Child Art Foundation in Washington DC } should know about our amazing Ladera Sisters as well.

_______________________________________________

The first Ming’s Clambake gathering took place in 1995 at Lincoln Center in New York City. Initially conceived as an annual portfolio review for young stage designers, it was created by Ming Cho Lee, a celebrated set designer and longtime professor at the Yale School of Drama -with indispensable help from his life partner and wife Betsy. The goal of the event was to provide emerging designers with a space to showcase their work to seasoned professionals, fostering a sense of community and mentorship that spanned multiple institutions and generations of designers

The clambake’s informal setting, paired with the serious artistic discussions that took place, quickly became a favorite among participants, solidifying its place as an annual tradition that continued for more than two decades.

On average, Ming’s Clambake attracted between 100 to 200 attendees each year, consisting of both seasoned professionals and emerging stage designers. This included friends, colleagues, and students of Ming Cho Lee, many of whom were part of the broader theater and design communities. The event typically lasted for one day, often involving portfolio reviews followed by social gatherings where participants could interact informally.

The clambake brought together students and faculty from prominent design schools, most notably the Yale School of Drama, where Ming Cho Lee taught for nearly 50 years. Other institutions that regularly participated included:

• New York University Tisch School of the Arts
• Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama
• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
• University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
• Northwestern University

These schools represent some of the leading stage design programs in the U.S., known for producing talented scenographers, lighting designers, and other theater professionals. The clambake created a cross-institutional platform where designers from these schools could present their work and receive feedback from industry veterans. It also involved collaboration with professional theater organizations such as the Metropolitan Opera, Guthrie Theater, Lincoln Center Theater, and the Public Theater, all of which were frequent partners of Ming Cho Lee.

The consistency of this annual event over many years helped strengthen the relationships between these institutions and foster a wider sense of community within the design world. Many participants who attended year after year developed long-term professional networks and personal friendships, cementing the clambake’s role in building a supportive ecosystem for stage designers.

Entertainment and Uplifting the Spirit:

Beyond the portfolio reviews and professional critiques, the clambake often included social elements designed to foster camaraderie and uplift spirits. These could range from live music performances, such as those by pianist Richard Lee, to readings of “Ming-isms”—witty sayings and life lessons from Ming Cho Lee that were often humorous and inspirational​.

These elements made the event not just about work, but about celebration, personal growth, and shared artistic passion.

The gatherings were known for their informal tone, creating a comfortable space where attendees could share stories and bond over food, art, and mutual admiration. Many attendees have expressed how Ming’s Clambake became a rare opportunity to step out of the pressures of professional life and simply enjoy being part of a creative community.

Yes, clams were indeed served at Ming’s Clambake, lending the event its quirky name. While the event was primarily a professional and artistic gathering, the serving of clams and other seafood became a lighthearted tradition, contributing to the casual, convivial atmosphere. The name “Clambake” was likely chosen because it evoked an image of a relaxed, communal outdoor event, where friends and colleagues come together.

General Reactions:

The reactions from attendees over the years were overwhelmingly positive. Participants often remarked on the sense of inclusivity and mentorship that permeated the event. Younger designers appreciated the opportunity to have their work critiqued in a constructive, supportive environment, while more established professionals enjoyed the opportunity to mentor the next generation. Many saw the clambake as a critical networking event, but also as a place where friendships and long-lasting collaborations were forged.

The combination of food, art, and informal dialogue helped lift the spirits of all who attended, reinforcing the strong bonds within the stage design community and creating lasting memories. The atmosphere of openness and mutual respect left many attendees feeling both inspired and rejuvenated after each gathering.

Ming’s Clambake has long symbolized a unique blend of friendship, mentorship, and creative inspiration, rooted in Ming Cho Lee’s approach to nurturing community among theater designers. The 2022 celebration at the Jack H. Scribal Center for the Performing Arts was no exception. It brought together a cross-section of Lee’s extended “family” — friends, colleagues, and students from his decades-long career in set design and education. The event was filled with moving tributes, shared memories, and reflections that celebrated not just his professional achievements but also the deep camaraderie and friendships he fostered.     For more details, you can explore the event program and related content from  PLSN Magazine and Katherine Lerner Lee

Ming Cho Lee awarded the National Arts Award at the White House  2002

________________________________________________________________

By Mike Crisp –  September 2024

  For the past 50+ years, our family has been fortunate to live in a community that fosters friendship. We understand that we live in a bubble of educated and accomplished individuals. However, that doesn’t fully explain why our small (575 homes) community is such a special place to live. Part of the answer may be that most streets are self-contained cul-de-sacs where it is simple to organize and attend a street party. Also, a cul-de-sac makes it easy for neighbors to truly know each other.  

  Then there is the reality that because our community is self-contained (with a single entrance and exit), we have a common identity. We have a recreation center that provides a pool and bar-b-que grills, as well as tennis, bocce ball and volleyball courts. There is also a field where dog-lovers meet to exercise their pups. Also there are a series of walking paths that terminate in a small shopping center with restaurants, a coffee shop, grocery store, bank, gardening and gift shop and mailing facility. This ensures friends, neighbors and strangers will meet and interact on a daily basis. Finally, there is a community directory and email list-serve where folks can ask for help, volunteer help, donate items that are no longer needed or raise concerns that impact the community. Each month a Newsletter titled The Ladera Crier is published with the slogan, “all the news that is fun to print”. Over time, Ladera has become a melting pot of races, cultures and beliefs that has also helped strengthen the community. 

All of the above provides an environment that encourages friendship to bloom. It does not guarantee it, however. My belief is that most families select Ladera by choice, understanding the benefit of being a part of something special. If you ask people of my generation – what is more important – professional or financial status – or friendship? The answer will always be friendship. As my Dad often said, “there is no honor being the richest person in the cemetery”.  Ladera is not perfect, but for us, it has been a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Michael Crisp Born in Kentucky. Graduate of Colgate University (1959) with a Philosophy major. Coast Guard Lieutenant (jg) (1959-62); Editor-in-Chief, McGraw-Hill (1962-69); Vice-President and Publisher, Science Research Associates (1970-85); Founder, CEO and Chairman Crisp Learning (1985-2003 )Married to Leslie (1965) – three children (Michael, Jennifer and Brooke) – 9 grandchildren.  Their favorit companion is of course their Dog , Sara – short for Serendipity.

____________________________________________________________________

Recently, I was at a party hosted by one of my co-workers from Precita Eyes Muralists, when she made a joke about feeling bad for not inviting our 80-year-old boss Susan Cervantes to the party. We all laughed, thinking of how she would have gotten everyone out of their seats to dance before drinking everyone under the table. Sadly though, most of the other 20-something party goers would have found it strange that an apparently random old lady was at what was supposed to be a cool art party.

Talking across a counter recounting things from yesterday to 15 years ago. Presenting a mural proposal to the community – the lead artist is 20 and the assistant is 45. At a park, a mom and child take turns spray-painting a temporary wall. At Precita Eyes Muralists, a non-profit muralist company based in San Francisco’s Mission District, those of all ages work together every day for one specific goal – creating art. It is truly an environment where knowledge and friendship is freely exchanged, and everyone can learn something new from one another, regardless of age.

Intergenerational Friendships are the bases of all communities. Knowing how to interact with people of any age is an important skill to develop, and has sadly atrophied over the years due to the disappearances of 3rd spaces – places that people can go to that are not home or work/school. Thankfully, Precita Eyes is still a beloved 3rd space where curious teenagers and Urban Youth Art students from 10 years ago can bump into each other and talk about art together. Every day when I walk into work, I meet someone new, someone who I might have not talked to if I wasn’t in this space. Gabrielle Moreta – Assistant to Susan Cervantes

PRECITA EYES MURALISTS  an unique Community led by Susan Cervates    www.precitaeyes.org

Susan Cervantes is an influential muralist and the founder of Precita Eyes Muralists, a community-based mural organization in San Francisco, established in 1977. A prominent figure in the Chicano art movement, Cervantes has dedicated her life to creating and preserving public murals that reflect the cultural diversity, history, and struggles of marginalized communities. Her work focuses on the power of public art to inspire social change, foster community pride, and serve as a visual record of collective experiences. Cervantes has been instrumental in leading collaborative projects, teaching mural-making techniques, and mentoring artists across generations. Through Precita Eyes, she has facilitated the creation of over 400 murals, transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases that celebrate identity, heritage, and social justice

______________+______________________________________

ChatGPT: A sense of belonging is indeed a fundamental human need, deeply intertwined with our overall well-being and happiness. Good friends play a crucial role in fulfilling this need by providing various forms of positive support and avoiding negative behaviors that can harm the relationship. Here’s a detailed look at what good friends can do for each other and what they should avoid:

What Good Friends Can Do for Each Other:

1. Provide Love and Affection:
   • Show genuine care and concern.
   • Express love through words, actions, and gestures.
2. Offer Emotional Support:
   • Listen attentively and empathetically.
   • Validate each other’s feelings and experiences.
   • Offer comfort during difficult times.
3. Give Practical Assistance:
   • Help with tasks and responsibilities.
   • Offer advice and solutions when appropriate.
   • Be there during emergencies or crises.
4. Encourage Personal Growth:
   • Motivate each other to pursue goals and dreams.
   • Celebrate successes and achievements together.
   • Provide constructive feedback in a supportive manner.
5. Promote a Sense of Security:
   • Be reliable and dependable.
   • Maintain confidentiality and trust.
   • Stand up for each other in difficult situations.
6. Share Joy and Fun:
   • Engage in enjoyable activities together.
   • Create positive and memorable experiences.
   • Laugh and have fun, boosting each other’s spirits. Help others make Friends.

What Good Friends Should Avoid:

1. Critical Judgments:
   • Avoid harsh criticisms or negative evaluations.
   • Focus on understanding rather than judging.
   •  
2. Dismissal:
   • Do not belittle or invalidate each other’s feelings and opinions.
   • Show respect and acknowledge each other’s perspectives.
3. Bashing:
   • Refrain from speaking negatively or gossiping about each other.
   • Support each other’s reputation and dignity.
4. Rejection:
   • Avoid excluding or ignoring each other.
   • Foster inclusion and acceptance within the friendship.
5. Manipulation:
   • Do not use guilt, coercion, or pressure to control the other person.
   • Respect each other’s autonomy and decisions.
6. Neglect:
   • Make time for each other and maintain regular contact.
   • Show interest in each other’s lives and well-being.

By focusing on these positive actions and avoiding negative behaviors, friends can create a strong, supportive, and lasting bond that significantly contributes to their sense of belonging and overall happiness.