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| OHCC LIVING | FEBRUARY 2021 |23 Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Art room We are so pleased this month to feature the art of Bob Wong, a 22-year resident of OHCC… a much appreciated artist, floral arranger, teacher, decorator of our beautiful Christmas trees and our Veterans' Day wreaths, coordinator of the Chinese Brush painting exhibits in the Art Room, and a man who has given much of himself to life in Ocean Hills Country Club. Bob attended Chouinard Art Institute for several years and then earned a teaching credential at Long Beach State. He specialized in teaching floral design at colleges, night school, and senior centers, and provided floral designs for weddings and churches. For years, he created the environmental designs for conventions at the San Diego Convention Center for the Diocese of San Diego. Bob and his wife, Patricia, were living in a large house with their three children. When the kids left for college, he and Pat decided to downsize and discovered OHCC, which provided just the relaxed style of living they were seeking. Also, Bob's interest was sparked by the Chinese Brush Painting Class given at the Clubhouse, and taught by Josephine Merley who was a student of Ning Yeh, the "master of masters" of Chinese Art! Furthering Bob's own study of Chinese Art, he practiced the technique where a single stroke of the brush can create floral interpretations, landscape scenes and animals… like his beautiful work we feature today. When Josephine left the area, Bob and a fellow student, Marian Crosby, led the class. When Marian passed away a few years later, he became the solo instructor. According to Bob, it was a case of the "blind leading the blind," but we doubt that his students suffered! After teaching the class for more than 10 years, and at the wonderful age of 90, Bob turned the class over to Peggy Newburg, a very capable professional interior designer and artist. Hopefully, when the COVID vaccine calms the pandemic, classes for the eager artists can resume. In his years of teaching, Bob followed the age-old methods of the masters: (1) clear your mind by practicing Chinese calligraphy with brush and ink; (2) concentrate on just one feature of a painting: a bird or a tree or a single flower; and (3) assemble the features into a single composition. Bob had many devoted students who blossomed under his tutelage, creating fascinating and inventive art with their personal interpretation. Today we present Bob's watercolor of imaginary fish, and the Red-Crowned Crane that signifies longevity and immortality. Judy Harris and Lainy Vinikow coordinate the art displays in the Galleria Art Frame and the Art Studio (when open!) and function independently, not as a part of the Art Lovers Club. We have been so blessed to have Bob Wong in our midst, as he has so generously given to our community through his 22 years as a resident of OHCC. Thank you Bob! Birdwatchers Looking for a winter birding spot? Try Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve at Santee in the East County. There are seven recycled water lakes to explore. Each lake has flat paved walking trails allowing close up viewing of birds. Now that we are in the winter migration months, hundreds of various duck species can be seen. Some species favor one lake over another. The most notable are northern shoveler, ruddy, wood and ring-neck ducks, and cinnamon teal. A variety of other birds can also be found here including snowy and great egrets, great blue heron, belted kingfisher, cormorants, Canada geese, and white pelicans. The general store is being rebuilt; paddle boats are not operating; but fishing is permitted and restrooms are available. There is a $4 per car charge on weekdays. The lakes are worth the drive; you won't be disappointed. Cinnamon Teal Duck Ring Necked Duck Wood Duck

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