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Theatre Arts 12 | OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2020 | Yiddish Club Hello Yiddish Clubbers, Hope everyone is staying safe!! As Don Kent and I pose in our "new normal" outfits, ready to dance in the street to the music played by our OHCC bands, an old Sonny and Cher song comes to mind "... And the beat goes on…"! Our lives continue, albeit with our new mask and glove accessories. In the accompanying photo, Yiddish Club Board Members, Batia and Itamar Cagan, show off their very stylish OHCC "Sewing Club" masks! Just as Don and I walk and street dance, I do hope each of you take a bit of pleasure in whatever activities bring you happiness in this time of isolation. Regretfully, as many of you are already aware, there will be no Yiddish Club luncheon in June. Hopefully, social activities will resume at some point in the future. "On hold" and "indefinite" are the words used most often. Passover, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel Memorial and Independence Day have come and gone. Most of us could not be with our family and friends, as in the past, to observe these holidays. However, we look forward to a time when we can be together for these special occasions. On a more positive note, I would like to introduce you to a Yiddish word which represents a concept no longer popular in contemporary society: "SHADCHEN" (rhymes with bodkin). A "shadchen" is a professional matchmaker who brings together, introduces or arranges a meeting between a man and a woman which, hopefully, results in marriage. "Yenta" from Fiddler on the Roof was a matchmaker (shadchen). The song "Matchmaker, Matchmaker" dealt with the trepidation Tevye's daughters had about their potential matches and lack of freedom of choice. Here is an example of "shadchen" humor: "The shadchen was impressing the young man with the boundless virtues of a woman and said, "And to look at her, she's a regular picture!" The young man could not wait for his blind date. But when he confronted the shadchen the next day, his voice was frosty. "Her eyes are crossed, her nose is crooked, and when she smiles one side of her mouth goes down …." "Just a minute," interrupted the shadchen. "Is it my fault you don't like Picasso!" Don Kent's message, as it appeared on the last page of the Observer Magazine, reflects my feelings at this time in our lives: "May the sun always shine through your windows. May you enjoy quiet moments, peaceful hours, and happy memories." Until next time, be well! ~ Elaine Massei, President Sadly, the Clubhouse is still closed and we have no room assignments. Let this be a reminder that the Theatre Arts Club stands shoulder-to- shoulder with the staff and residents in keeping each other healthy. Because the Clubhouse is closed, Actors' Workshop and Reader's Theatre have ceased gathering in public, but each is open for new members. For information, please contact Sally Benton by phone at (602) 228-7541 or email moki2@cox.net. MEMBERS ONLY! Senior Moments Improv Troupe will be offering TWO shows Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. "We just hate turning away people from our sold out shows like poor little Tiny Tim out in the cold!" Stay tuned for further information. Since the Clubhouse is closed and there are no room assignments, members will be informed of any programming by email as things occur. Until this is all over, all in-person performances are on hold! We can report the hugely successful reading via Zoom of Act I of Anita Simons' play, Ladies First. Members, please check your email and tubes for information on the next Zoom performance of Acts II and III of Ladies First. We're holding out hope that we can reserve Abravanel Hall in time for our: June 1 Spring Dinner Dance, which will be open to the entire community -and- Sept. 7 (Labor Day) – Shhhhhh— We're planning a special surprise! Details for the above and any others referenced here will be sent to members via email, so please keep eyes and ears open. A virtual board meeting was held via Zoom March 7, at 2:30 pm. Your Board was able to discuss current issues facing our club and potential presentations. General meetings are usually held the first Monday, 7 pm in Abravanel Hall. Please check your email for exact location, date and time. Only members will be informed of upcoming live events. See how much bang you get for your $10 annual dues. Join Theatre Arts and participate in all of our entertainment and activities… leave your check in our envelope at the front desk when the Clubhouse reopens! We will accept membership checks at our events/activities, so don't miss out… Follow our activities online at http://www.ohccdg.wixsite.com/ theatrearts. Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Elaine & Don Kent Batia & Itamar Cagan in their stylish masks