I woke up this morning thinking about my sweet friend Pam. She has been gone almost 16 years. The anniversary of her death is May 10th, so don’t remember why today would be significant, other than 16 years ago this day she was still living.

She drew Chemo Fairies, while she was getting chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. It helped her to cope and stay present. These fairies became in a book she published.

I can remember standing next to her during a voice lesson with Jesse Richards. Pam launched into her song “Simple Pleasures”. We had no idea she was writing songs. The words to this song haunt me “simple pleasures have new meaning to me, as I think about when I cease to be”. As we age, if are lucky, we learn to appreciate today. Somedays it may be easy to enjoy an vacation to someplace amazing, or the celebrations of births, weddings and graduation. Pam’s song reminds me that there can be joyful pleasure in the smallest things everyday

She was also a member of the Pinckney Players Theater Group, and for at least 10 years after her death there was a memorial scholarship in her name.

I had only known Pam for 10 years before she died. A group of us met in an Artist Way Class, and an instant bond was created. In our short time together she has left me with lasting memories and lessons.

Two years ago when we were all scrambling to figure out how to respond to the pandemic invading our community. Several Ann Arbor Business women stepped forward to aid those in need. Here I will just highlight four who touched our lives. Their story was featured here in the Current. The Article is written by young colleague Arkadia Pereklita.

Irene Mokra and I were inspired by these exceptional people coming forward in unprecedented times. We decided to spotlight them through our art, creating visual narratives in Clay and Drawings. Our hope was to organize a small exhibit in Ann Arbor. Unfortunately, we were not able to secure a venue. Since then I was able to get three of my pieces shown at the Gutman Gallery.

Irene Mokra’s Portraits are on the left my Ceramic Sculptures are on the right.

The first was an homage to Lisa McDonald of the TeaHaus. Lisa began making free meals, initially for school lunches then expanded to working with the Delonis Center and other organizations. Work she continues today.

Next was Lilian Anderson of Sprouting Chefs. She ended up temporarily closing her cooking school in March 2020, and began cooking for Community Action Network (CAN). She did this for nine weeks, then was able to re-open her cooking classes for children at Sprouting Chefs. In addition she continued to teach classes at CAN.

Sylvia Nolasco-Rivers of Pilars Tamales. Sylvia is no stranger to humanitarian causes. Pilar’s Foundation has been working with other community organizations to support immigrants and refugees since before the pandemic. When the pandemic began she partnered with Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (WICIR) to fundraise for local undocumented families affected by Covid-19.

Suzanne Price was the director of Sunshine Special Children’s studio for 35 years. When the pandemic came she decided to remain open. This became a critical life line for both children and parents. Adjustments were made, they only operated at 50% capacity. When weather permitted much of the class time was spent outside. They were also able to utilize grant money to add a new air filtration system. Suzanne has since retired, however, contribution to the community lives on in these children.

These two pieces titled “Full of Grace” and “Sprouting Chefs” are currently on display at the Gutman Gallery 118 N, Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, MI

I know there are more people in our community these are just four who touched our lives. Please consider these businesses and others contributing to make life better for others. Our economic choices can make a difference.

It is a delightful walking town. There is so much to see and the mood changes daily. Rynok Square and other the historical center of the city are my favorite places to walk very little car traffic, with benches and outdoor cafes to sit and just people watch, always lively and full of surprises.

Click to view slideshow.

That said, as a pedestrian you need to be alert. Rush hour traffic is chaotic, too many cars and not enough street. Drivers frequently park their cars on the sidewalks. So far I haven’t seen posted speed limits. My observations as a pedestrian and an Uber passenger is that cars go as fast as they can until they encounter an obstacle.  Caution, you don’t want to be that obstacle. I always cross at the designated cross walk, but I wait for at least one other person to be with me.

When it comes traveling a significant distance, other than walking, my weekly mode of transportation is the “tramvay” or tram.

Fare for the tram is 5 UAH (Ukrainian Hryvnia), which is about 0.19 USD.  You can purchase tickets on the tram. Most rides are on the honor system. On one occasion an inspector entered the tram and asked us to show our tickets. You purchase your ticket, then you need to punch it as soon as possible. On a full tram this can be a challenge. Frequently when people are too crowded to snake their way forward to purchase a ticket they will just pass their money to the person in front of them with instructions for how many and which type of tickets they wish. Then their change and tickets will get passed back to them. Students ride for 2.50 UAH, I know this because two students passed me 5 UAH to buy their tickets.

Click to view slideshow.

Generally my tram experience has been pleasant. I usually haven’t had to wait too long and fortuately my route only involves 4 stops. Twice someone has given me their seat. Unfortunately there have been at least three occasions when my ride was cut short. The driver was stopped in traffic barely moving. She then made a lengthy announcement, some of which I understood. While I was still digesting the message, everyone else on the tram just sttood up, rushed off and started walking. Typically, I am not afraid to go against the crowd, but in cases like this I have learned it is best to follow the lead of the native speakers.

Continuing to learn new lessons everyday.