August
17
- Dr. Bruce Goldberg, hypnotist, on overcoming phobias
August
24
- Bunni Dybnis of LivHome, on elder care
August
31
- DARK in anticipation of Labor Day
ISSUE
NO. 5
AUGUST 3, 2001
OUR
80th YEAR
www.RotaryClubofSantaMonica.org
RESCUING RUINED MASTERPIECES
What
can be done for a masterly painting that has moldered in a basement or attic
for a century or two? Probably it’s scratched and scarred by the weight of
other objects stacked on it. It may be warped out of shape. Dirt may be deeply
ingrained. Glancing at it, finders might not realize that it’s even a
painting. Is there any hope for it?
Yes
indeed. A few experts have spent careers finding ways to restore and
rejuvenate old paintings. They’ll spend weeks working fleck by fleck on one
artwork, and eventually it may look as beautiful as when the artist first
lifted it off his easel.
Probably
the world’s most artful miracle-worker in this small but demanding field is
our speaker this Friday – Andrea Robert Rothe, Conservator-in-Charge since
1981 at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Ever
since he broke in as a young intern at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy,
in 1959, he has specialized in restoring artworks to their original glory.
Mr.
Rothe’s childhood was spent hurrying, with his family, from place to place
to avoid the strife of World War II. His parents were German but he was born
in Italy, and lived mostly in France and Spain until the war was over. Then
the family moved to the U.S. He thought he would become an art historian, and
won acceptance in New York University’s art history program. But before he
could enroll, the family took a trip to Europe, and a letter of introduction
brought him a position at Uffizi. So he stayed in Italy for the next 22 years,
until Getty made him an offer he couldn’t refuse.
During
his years at Getty he took time out, in 1987-88, to advise the Los Angeles
public library on how to restore wall paintings nearly ruined by the big fire
there. We’ll hear how he does some of his rehabilitation at this Friday’s
meeting.
|
GET
YER RED HOTS HERE!! And
your hamburgers! On August 10, in honor of our guest speaker Roger Owens
(famed peanut vendor at Dodgers Stadium), we’re inviting you all to
bring your kids to this meeting. In addition to our regular buffet
luncheon we’ll have hot dogs and hamburgers and french fries for all of
the young folks. Children six and under will be fed free of charge, and
those aged seven to fourteen will be charged a maximum of $10.00. |
JULY
20TH -- $450 OF TAX RELIEF
(Taxes
assessed to date: $1,525.00)
Harris
Levey
asserted he sang in a bordello, and was therefore charged a Sin Tax of $50. You
did well, Harris.
Hal
Quigley
taxed Nancy Freedman $75 for touring Peru with hiking friends. There are
about fifteen of them. They regularly hike the Santa Monica Mountains, and once
yearly travel to some other part of the world to visit, hike and enjoy each
other.
On
July 12 Elza and I flew to St. Louis to visit my family. When we claimed
our baggage as we got off, who should we meet at the carousel but Nat Trives
and his wife Ida? They were in St. Louis for a family reunion, held at a
different location each year. Great idea. We all were convinced that we should
be on our best behavior when travelling, because we may be in view of someone
who knows us. For the unbelievable coincidental meeting, Nat and I were Flight
Taxed $125 each.
George
Collins was
assessed a Foreign Trade Tax of $75 for going to Russia and spending large sums
there. We’re not sure whether he sought to expand his clientele or to arrange
the next Russian space shot. Anyhow, please George, postpone further moves in
that direction until you’ve completed your year as our program chairman,
because we are enjoying your programs.
-- Lionel Ruhman
|
NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE!
NOTICE! VENICE-MARINA CLUB HAS CHANGED ITS MEETING PLACE. THE CLUB NOW MEETS
AT TONY P’S DOCKSIDE GRILL, 4445 ADMIRALTY WAY. |
COMING
ATTRACTIONS
|
August
17
- Dr. Bruce Goldberg, hypnotist, on overcoming phobias |
|
August
24
- Bunni Dybnis of LivHome, on elder care |
|
August
31
- DARK in anticipation of Labor Day |
FRIDAY
THE 13TH – A FINE DAY, WORTH $650
Our
own Dapper Dan Litigator, Harmon Sieff, was charged $25 for misplacing
his umbrella. On a shiny day what did it matter? Would you agree to appeal,
Harmon?
We
rejoice in the well-being of our orthodontist Sam Muslin, who has brought
improved smiles to many. He underwent a skillful heart procedure. Maybe Sam is
one of the lucky ones who received and heeded a message from his body suggesting
that he slow down. Probably he’s paying the $150 Gain Tax with gratitude.
John
McIntire’s
daughter brought credit to herself and a High Achiever Tax to John by winning
the Kiwanian and Cal Fed music awards. $75 worth of congratulations to the
McIntires.
Bill
Crookston
had a fine article in the Los Angeles Times regarding successful black
professional women. It was worth $50 to us. Congratulations, Bill!
Bob
and Louise Gabriel were again highly acclaimed by the Santa Monica
Women’s Club -- $125 for outstanding community service. If I had National City
Planners capability I would arrange for each city in America to have at least
one Bob and Louise.
It
seems that 52-year class reunions are high-end now. To celebrate the occasion, Bill
and Dolores Fritzsche enjoyed a European trip to celebrate. We hope you
had a great time and saved $100 to pay your E.C. Trip Tax. Note to
non-travelers: E.C. means European Community.
Lastly,
our favorite Pennsylvanian Phil Whiting (WW II Naval Hero) was taxed
$125. Phil keeps company and corresponds with such men as Joe Paterno and
President George W. Bush. In addition to his accounting ability, Phil is smart
in other matters. When I was flying my own airplane years back I invited Phil to
fly with me but he instantly refused, explaining, “I have crash-ditched and
survived in the ocean twice. That’s enough excitement for one lifetime.” I
think he made a wise choice. At times I scared myself.
-- Lionel Ruhman