Introducing New Board Chair Susan Amster

S P R I N G
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Introducing New Board Chair
Susan Amster
A
t its December Annual Meeting, Susan Amster was
installed as Chair of the Board of Directors of the
Zimmer Children's Museum. She follows in the path of
outstanding leaders including Founding Chair, Jean
Friedman, Beth Friedman, Beth and Rodney Freeman and
the immediate past Chair, Wendy Moss Klein who served
with distinction during the transition of the Zimmer into a
non-profit 501c3. Under her leadership, Sue will continue
to build an involved and committed Board.
Sue, working in partnership with the Board and Zimmer
management team, envisions fresh and exciting
opportunities for the community with several new and
innovative programs at the Museum and throughout the County. On the agenda is our hope to
The Okum Family: Left to Right,
Todd and Laurie, Susan, and third
generation, Sara, Jonah and Eli
take our very successful BIG IDEAS program into community venues and schools. Our youTHink
reach into public schools will continue to evolve, with new teacher training workshops and
initiatives serving youth across Los Angeles. In addition, there will be new directions related to
the implementation of the Strategic Plan.
A member of the Board of Directors for 9 years, Sue most recently provided exceptional
leadership during her three year term as Finance Chair. She is a partner at WTAS, a national tax
consulting firm. Sue and her husband Aaron are the parents of Lauren, a college sophomore
and Josh a sophomore in high school.
Celebrating
Planet Earth
T
he Museum is pleased
to announce an
expanded exhibit space and
programming related to
nurturing the environment and
our responsibility to the world.
We are grateful to the Susan
Okum Family whose generous
gift in memory of Raymond
Gertz and Evelyn Weissman
enabled the enhancement of
Arts in Action
youTHink students created
animated public service
announcements using cel
animation. They chose immigration
as their topic and, working in
teams, created five public service
announcements. Check them out at
http://youthink.org/yT_psa.html.
See complete story on page 5
the Community Park to include
a grassy picnic area, tables and
benches and many
opportunities for children to
interact with nature including
birdhouses, butterflies and
bugs! And we acknowledge
our continuing gratitude to
Steve and Stacy Parker for the
Museum Garden established in
memory of their daughter
Alyssa Parker.
Rocking at the
Hanukkah Festival
Jewish Federation Tekiah
Circle at the Museum
A
R
s has become tradition, over 350
people launched their Hanukkah
season at the Museum’s annual
ecently the Zimmer Children’s Museum joined with
Federation donors associated with the Tekiah Circle and
their families in creating unique pieces of family artwork at
Hanukkah Mega-Festival. The Museum
the Tekiah Hands-On: A Family Heirloom Art Project.
was in celebration mode with much
Participants were asked to sit with their family and take
loved Doda Mollie leading a rousing sing
time to discuss the content and themes to inspire their
along including the ever popular “Eight
artwork. Once a direction was established, each family created
Days of Hanukkah” and the “Dreidel
a design on paper which was eventually etched onto a piece of
Song.” A Museum favorite, Matt Artson, read stories about
glass. Packets of materials provided by the Zimmer included
the Hanukkah lights and, as Judah Maccabee, led families
clip art, powerful quotes, and texts about community,
through a
Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam – repairing the world.
reenactment of the
The project was
traditional story.
conceived by Tekiah
Families created
Circle chairs Heidi and
unique and
Jon Monkarsh and
creative dreidels
facilitated by Esther
complete with
Netter, CEO of
glitter, sequins
Zimmer Children’s
and feathers –
Museum and
and, best of all,
internationally-
they also spun!
acclaimed artist
Kingsley. It was an
engaging afternoon
for families to create
together, learn
Briana Monkarsh, Tekiah Circle co-chair
Heidi Monkarsh, Joy Monkarsh, and Jonah
Gadinsky. Standing: Russell Monkarsh,
Tekiah Circle co-chair Jon Monkarsh, Julie
Gadinsky, and Issac Gadinsky.
together and leave with a piece of art as a remembrance of a
meaningful afternoon.
Meet Our Staff!
Museum Staff
Esther Shapiro, Director
323-761- 8912
Sara Zolott, Programming and Marketing Coordinator
323-761-8998
Alex Jacoby, Art and Education Specialist
323-761-8973
Gilbert Cheng, Operations and Facilities Manager
323-761-8994
Blyth Baten, Program Assistant
323-761-8910
Left to right: Sara Zolott, Alex Jacoby, Blythe Baten, Gilbert Cheng
2
From Esther Netter, CEO
Upcoming Museum Events
I
Exploring BIG IDEAS Through
Interactive Play
t is a new year and a year of
opportunities and challenges
Beloved Stories of Ezra Jack Keats
March 2 – 3:00 pm
for the ever growing Zimmer
Children’s Museum. We are
Attend readings of the award winning author’s
books The Snowy Day and Peter’s Chair at 3:00pm
in the Slavin Children’s Library and then join us in
the Museum for book related art projects.
moving forward with our plans
to create more outreach
programs for the Museum,
bringing Zimmer BIG IDEAS into
Spring Garden
March 9 – 2:00 and 3:00 pm
local elementary schools. We are
looking to enhance, refurbish
and expand more of our exhibits
at the Museum. youTHink
Roses, lilies, daffodils and tulips! Help us plant
favorite flowers in an imaginary garden in the
Community Park and Museum Garden.
student interns will learn about leadership, advocacy and travel
to the state capital in the spring.
This is the year we bring youTHink into more classrooms, this is
the year we launch our first family concert – Zimmerpalooza. This is
the year that our board, our staff, our members and patrons bring
the Zimmer to new families and community partners.
Purim Costumes
March 16 – 2:00 and 3:00 pm
Get ready for Purim in style! Using pictures for
inspiration, children will make their own original
costumes in preparation for this festive holiday.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
individuals can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that
For information about any of these events,
please contact sara@zimmermuseum.org
or call 323-761-8998.
ever has.” Margaret Mead said that and the Zimmer is a clear
example of her insight. We welcome your involvement, your
support and your vision for our future – for 2008 and beyond.
Parent Education Series
Museum Pajama Party
F
A
s the first of a series on Parent Education, parents
amily fun time at
the Museum on
participated in a session on Reading Readiness.
Children’s librarian Amy Muscoplat MLIS, introduced
December 25 returned for
parents to the Phonics system as well as books, simple
a fourth year as over 200
rhymes and songs to get their children’s minds ready for
people played and partied
reading. She suggested developing children’s critical
in their pajamas, robes
thinking skills by asking questions about the stories read
and fuzzy slippers.
together. Very young children can be asked to point things
Children excitedly made
out in the pictures and older children can “read” to parents
colorful animal masks and
by making up a story based on the pictures.
played the ever popular
The second class in the series will focus on Positive
games of freeze dance,
Discipline Strategies or how to say “no” with love! It
and red light /green light.
will be led by parenting expert (and mother of two)
Bagels, snacks and cookies
Gabrielle Kaufman, MA and is designed to give parents
capped off the morning
practical tools to improve their relationships with
with families telling us
children. Topics include: the terrible twos, sibling rivalry,
what a wonderful time
willful children and much more. For more information
they had.
contact Sara Zolott at sara@zimmermuseum.org or call
323-761-8998.
3
O
Zimmer Children’s Museum
Honors Missy Halperin and
Linda Simensky
ver 300 adults and children enjoyed a Family
Concert at the Montmartre Lounge in Hollywood
on January 13th. Zimmerpalooza featured children’s
O
entertainers Peter Himmelman and Debi Derryberry.
Young and old alike were thrilled with the event,
n November 8, 2007 the Zimmer Children’s Museum held its 7th
Annual Discovery Award Dinner honoring Missy Halperin, Senior
Vice President, Talent Relations for FOX Broadcasting and Linda Simensky,
dancing and singing with the artists, making art,
Senior Director of Children’s Programming for PBS. The Discovery Award is
taking family photos and having a palooza-time! This
given annually to extraordinary individuals who are builders and leaders in
Women’s Leadership Council fundraiser for the Zimmer
their fields and communities. Joely
was the first annual palooza-event. We are looking
Fisher and Willie Garson were
forward to what comes next.
Masters of Ceremonies for the
The Zimmer thanks event sponsors: Allison & Larry Berg,
evening.
Arezou & Stephan Berghoff, Heather & Eugene Dula, Jenna
Previous Discovery Award
& Jason Grosfeld, Melissa & Scott Klein, Jessica & David
Honorees include Jenna & Dan
Limor, Hillary & Lance Milken, Kelly & Jamie Patricof, Kate
Adler, Jennifer Cohen, Barbara
Phillips & Modi Wiczyk, Lisa & John Rocchio, Joan & Ian
Fisher, Beth & Rodney Freeman,
Weingarten, Denley Investment and Montmartre Lounge.
Jean Friedman, Wendy Moss Klein,
And a very special thank you to our Event Co-Chairs Arezou
Gary E. Knell, Andy Heyward, Arthur
Berghoff and Allison Berg for such a wonderful day.
Hiller, Mark Itkin, Gloria & Jerry
Lushing and Cynthia Sikes Yorkin.
Paula Abdul and JT Torregiani
Wendy Moss Klein, Zimmer Board Chair, Honorees Missy Halperin and Linda
Simensky, Sheryl Wachtel and Lisa Cohen, Event Co-Chairs
Pictured left to right: CEO Esther Netter, Women’s Leadership Council
Chair Allison Berg, performers Debi Derryberry and Peter Himmelman
and Event Chair Arezou Berghoff
2008 Patrons Evening
Z
immer Patrons enjoyed a soldout evening at the Disney
Concert Hall where Itzhak Perlman
performed a one night recital.
The evening was chaired by Atoosa
& Alex Nehorai.
Pictured with Missy Halperin: Gabrielle Cateris, Luke Perry, Camryn Manheim,
Joely Fisher and Willie Garson
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E N G A G I N G S T U D E N T S I N C O N T E M P O R A RY I S S U E S A N D C I V I C A C T I O N T H R O U G H A R T • S P R I N G 2 0 0 8
Arts in Action
I
n August, students from 13 middle and high
schools throughout Los Angeles came
together at the Zimmer Children's Museum for
two weeks after school. They came to learn
Supporting Social Justice
Educators
U
nder the leadership of Melinda
Mann Rivera, the Teacher
animation, and to use to it share their views
Services Coordinator, youTHink hosted
about immigration, the issue they chose as the
three teacher events in the fall,
focus for their work.
designed to provide resources,
After discussing their views and concerns
inspiration, support and networking
about immigration, they got to work. Through
for interested teachers within a social
a partnership with City TV, public service
justice framework
announcements which meet their criteria may
Linda Christensen, author of
be broadcast on children’s television. Working
Reading, Writing and Rising Up, was
in teams, students were challenged to reflect
the presenter at the first event. She
Linda Christensen
on their views about immigration and shape
shared her thoughts about teaching for social justice, including a unit she
their messages for a children’s audience. They
developed to help students think about the ways people are targeted for
developed stories and messages, characters and
being different, and the important role of allies in standing up for justice.
storyboards. They drew, traced, colored and
sequenced. They learned how to view the
scenes they developed on the computer, to see
At the second event, in collaboration with Trash for Teaching, participants
made art from manufacturing castoffs and explored how to foster
environmental consciousness, conservation, and creativity in the classroom.
how their animation was shaping up, and to
What Does It Mean
check for flow and speed.
to Be a Social Justice
After six late nights, the tired students felt
Educator? was the title
a tremendous sense of accomplishment! They
of the most recent event,
had taken an idea that they cared about and
which included reading
used art to share their views. The student
and discussing various
teams created five public service
educational texts,
announcements, viewable on our website at
exploring applications
http://youthink.org/yT_psa.html.
and sharing challenges
We thank the LA County Arts Commission,
and ideas for teaching
Starbucks and the Galinson Family Foundation
of the Jewish Community Foundation for
Teachers discuss teaching challenges and strategies.
making this program possible.
practice. Twenty-nine
educators, from
elementary, middle, high schools and universities, representing both public
and private schools, participated in this event, and on a rainy night!
It is clear that teachers are enthusiastic and motivated about youTHink
offering a series of new professional development opportunities for
teachers. As one recent participant commented, “I would love to be part
of a youTHink ongoing social justice affinity group where teachers can talk
about issues and also present our best practices /units relating to social
justice.”
5
Youth Services
y
FROM THE DIRECTOR
ouTHink students have been busy this school year with a wide
range of programming and community involvement
Where are you these days?
I
opportunities.
am often asked that question, but not
about me, personally. Rather, people
are curious about the schools youTHink is
presently serving, and the various ways
our staff and programs can be found
around town.
I am always delighted to respond, since youTHink is
involved in so many different kinds of collaborations,
serving diverse youth across a huge region. For our
youTHink lessons in schools, we have partnerships with a
cross section of elementary through high schools, from the
San Fernando Valley to East L A, from the Westside to
South LA. In addition to our ongoing partnerships with
schools we have served for years, I am pleased to welcome
Students staff environmental art activities at a block party with Ecological
Art LA, encouraging people to make art from materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
a number of new schools and teachers to our partnership
this school year: Beachy Elementary School in Arleta,
Warner Avenue Elementary School in Westwood, Richland
Avenue Elementary School in West LA, Arlington Heights
Elementary School in Los Angeles, Sutter Middle School in
Canoga Park, Palms Middle School in West LA, Gompers
Middle School in Watts, Dorsey High School in South LA
and West Adams Preparatory High School in South LA.
As you can see, youTHink really is all over town!
We also continue to offer a varied range of Youth
Services programming beyond the classroom. Students are
learning about and connecting with community
organizations, cultural institutions and involvement
opportunities throughout the Greater Los Angeles area.
– Shifra Teitelbaum
Students observe a US Naturalization ceremony and help out with voter
registration efforts. The experience emphasized the power of citizenship and
the importance of using that privilege to help make this country a better place.
Diversity in Action
T
his year, youTHink has launched Diversity in Action:
College Intern Program in collaboration with the
Multicultural Center at California State University,
Dominguez Hills (located in Carson). Eight dynamic and
dedicated CSUDH students began their participation in
this 9-month program in September. They are developing
skills in cross-cultural communication, facilitation of human
relations discussions and activities, and leadership.
Additionally, college interns are working with youTHink
Student interns were moved when they learned about the 8.0 magnitude
earthquake in Peru in August and decided to take action. They decided to
collaborate with the Peruvian American Medical Society (PAMS), who are
working to help rebuild a hospital and community center in Chincha and
Pisto, the Peruvian towns hardest hit by the quake. Students have been
working hard to raise money to support their rebuilding efforts.
6
middle and high school students, and planning programs
to make a difference both at Cal State Dominguez Hills
and throughout the Greater L.A. area.
A Student’s Perspective
Beatriz Aguilar, a 10th grader at Huntington Park High School, reflected
on her involvement with youTHink, with guests at the 2007 Zimmer
Discovery Awards Dinner.
I
first got involved with youTHink through my 7th grade English teacher.
I had never been involved with any program like this before. I joined
because I knew it would expose me to new environments, and that I would
meet new students from other
parts of the community. Through
youTHink, I have learned about the
problems in the world and different
A Fairfax HS student presents his social commentary art
project to his classmates.
School Services
y
things we can do to make it better.
I am in my second year as an
intern with youTHink. The
experience has been an eye opener
for me. Where I come from, it’s hard
ouTHink arts-based lessons, available for grades
4-12, explore the major social issues confronting
our world today. youTHink lessons actively challenge
youth to become active participants, artists, teachers
and agents of change. youTHink lessons include: Civic
and Social Responsibility; Who We Are As a Country;
to find programs like this. Through
youTHink, we learn leadership and
communication skills, and
information about what is
happening in our communities.
youTHink teaches us different ways
Knowledge and Education; The Environment; and
we can help, and other skills that we can take with us into the real world.
Visions of Home and Culture. Led by skilled youTHink
facilitators, each youTHink lesson utilizes the same
It’s great!
youTHink represents what I care for, what I believe in, what I stand for,
four youTHink components: Art discussion; art
and more! youTHink has helped me to learn and say what I think about
making; project sharing; and writing to make a
government, global warming, immigration, natural disasters, discrimination,
difference. For more information, or to schedule a
and stereotyping. Even though I was into politics, government and
lesson, please contact Tasha Johnson, School Services
immigration issues since I was small, it feels good to know that I have a
Coordinator at tasha@youthink.org or (323) 761-8911.
place where I can talk with other youth, and not be looked upon as a fool or
weird when trying to discuss these issues.
The most important thing I have learned through my involvement with
youTHink is that there are many problems in our communities and in the
world, and they need the help of students to spread the word. youTHink
has taught me how to see the big picture, how to look at things from
different perspectives, and to try to understand how other people look at
things.
youTHink cares about the opinions of youth, cares about our reactions to
what is happening in our communities, and helps us put all of that to good
use. Through youTHink I learned that youth have a place here, that our
voices can and should be heard. If we put our minds to it, and put every
thing that we have learned at youTHink in practice, we can make an
important difference in our communities, and in our futures.
DIA interns and youTHink interns spent a day
together discussing issues, getting to know each
other, having fun, and making art.
Thank you to the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation and
the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation for their generous support of
youTHink programming.
7
Students Tell
Their Stories
Meet Our New Staff
W
here is your family from
originally? What brought
them to Los Angeles? What
traditions, stories, and heirlooms
remain in your family over the
generations?
We are pleased that youTHink
student interns will be answering these
and other questions as part of
“Movement and Migration,” a youth
radio project made possible through a
grant from the California Council for
the Humanities.
Over three months, students will
Left to right: Tasha Johnson, School Services Coordinator; Amy Reyes Tam, Program
Specialist, Youth Services; Carolina Couto Cervera, Program Assistant, Youth Services;
Melinda Mann Rivera, Teacher Services Coordinator
interview older family members, reflect
on their lives, learn about the history of
the West and migration to and in Los
Angeles, and identify a specific story
about their family’s history that they
A Teacher’s Perspective
J
want to tell for audio broadcast.
Students will record their stories
o Ann Kanshige teaches a 4th-5th grade class at Richland Avenue
working with a radio producer, who will
Elementary School. Her students participated in the Visions of Home lesson
edit the recordings to create a polished
this semester. These are some of her reflections on the experience.
“Through the youTHink lesson my students were able to see different
piece which will be available for radio
broadcast and internet download.
perspectives using symbolism in art. Through my students’ art projects, they
could observe similarities and differences in beliefs, traditions and customs
among themselves.
I see the value of the program for my students as learning through a
different medium. My students have a freedom of expression which they are
not used to; many needed some kind of permission to create what they
wanted. Teachers say they want their students to be ‘creative,’ but never
allow the students freedom to be ‘creative.” It took time for my students to
understand the freedom to create.
My students had fun learning to use different materials and having a
different instructor.
By observing the youTHink facilitator, I learned how to introduce a new
concept using artwork and a different method of teaching art and I learned
to ‘ease up’ and relax when teaching.”
To arrange a visit to see youTHink in action, participate in a teacher
professional development workshop, schedule youTHink lessons for
your classes, or sign up to participate in Youth Services events,
please call our office at (323) 761-8987.
8
About youTHink
youTHink uses the power of art to
foster critical thinking, engage diverse
learners, promote literacy and serve
as a tool for social change. youTHink
provides interactive arts-based lessons
in public school classes, teacher
professional development, and arts
and leadership programming for
middle and high school youth beyond
the classroom. youTHink is a program
of the Zimmer Children’s Museum.
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8987
email: info@youthink.org
www.youthink.org
We Thank Our Gala Sponsors
$10,000+
$2,500-$4,999
Allison & Larry Berg
Jean & Leonard Cohen
Jennifer & Curtis Cohen
COWGIRLS
Shelli & Irving Azoff
Laurice Bell
Allana & James Baroni
Carol Ann Bornstein
Kimberly Brooks
Susan Campos
Trisha Cardoso
Raphaelle & Philip Cassens
Melanie Cook
Kimberly & John Emerson
Quinn Ezralow
Laurie & Jon Feltheimer
Carole Gaba
Dana & Steven Goldinger
Debbie Gruber
Cornelia Guest
Janet Gunn
Jamie & Josh Gutfreund
Liz Heller
Kathy Hurley
Angela Janklow
Nina & Robert Kotick
Ceci Kurzman
Shelley Litvack
Christine Morrow
Judy & Michael Ovitz
Carol Perrin
Cristan & Kevin Reilly
Eloise Rich
Irene & Joe Roth
Andrea Stanford
Tracey & Jake Steinfeld
Kelly & Nicholas Styne
Heather Thomas
Suzanne Todd & Doug Aarniokoski
Stacey Twilley
Mary Nakae Wells
Diane Wolfe
Elisa & Edward Czuker
Susanne & Jan Czuker
Andrea & Frank Epinger
FOX Broadcasting Company
Jean & Jerry Friedman
Shari & Ed Glazer
Missy & John Halperin
Wendy & Joey Klein
Nigel Lythgoe
Camryn Manheim
NBC Universal
PBS KIDS Sprout
Sacks Productions
Jennifer & Manfred Simchowitz
Sheryl & Jeff Wachtel
Jennifer & Larry Bond
Car Talk TV
Tami & Bert Adams
Joy Prefer Cohen & Neil Cohen
Gabrielle & Charlie Isaacs
Elin & David Fury
Linda & Russ Werth
Citi Smith Barney
Elizabeth & Sean Ebrahimian
Peter Gustini
The Jim Henson Company & KCET
Lisa Kudrow & Michel Stern
Lincoln Financial Group
Milken Family Foundation
Tiffany & Co.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Jill & Jon Weiser
Wells Fargo
$5,000-$9,999
Jennifer Bleau
Eve & Bill Gerber
Dick Lippin / The Lippin Group
Ornest Family Foundation
Byrdie & Bruce Pompan
Revolution Studios
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Allison Wright & Andy Kaplan
$1,000-$2,499
2 Friends Entertainment
AmberWatch Foundation
Mae & Brian Appel
Penny & Harold Blumenstein
Marlene & Paul Borman
Maxine & Paul Canvasser
Elaine & Mervyn Manning
Marilyn & Walter Wolpin
Carrie & Bernie Brillstein
Robin & Elliott Broidy
Marilyn & Bud Brown
Creative Artists Agency
Cartoon Network
Lisa & Jeffrey H. Cohen
Nancy Davis
Vin Di Bona
Diva Limousine LTD
Family Communications
Beth & Rodney Freeman
Marilyn & Izzy Freeman
Julie Monkarsh Gadinsky
Terrie Gerber
Linda & Bob Gersh
Roz & Abner Goldstine
Guertie & Mitch Graham
Jenna & Jason Grosfeld
Barbara Grushow & Manny Bujold
Margot & Jerry Halperin
Lisa & Josh Hofheimer
The I-Grace Company
Jean & Stephen Kaplan
Heather Kenyon & Brian Miller
Wendy & Joey Klein
Heidi & Jon Monkarsh
Joy & Jerry Monkarsh
Tanya & Michael Oppenheim
PBS KIDS
Anne & Lee Samson
Dara & Charles Schnee
Annette & Leonard Shapiro
Nancy Steingard & Norm Solomon
Amy & Jeffrey P. Straus
Joel Surnow
W Hotels
Warner Bros. Television
Candie & Richard Weitz
William Morris Agency
Jennifer & Randy Wooster
WordWorld
Jodi & Andrew Zicklin
Belle L. Zwerdling
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Thanks to those who
supported show&tell:
the art of harmony
Jenna & Dan Adler
ART and living Magazine
Allison & Larry Berg
Abigail & Reuben Berman
Adele & Gordon Binder
Joan Borinstein
Joan Bram
Marilyn & Bud Brown
Corinna Cotsen &
Lee Rosenbaum
Godeleine de Rosamel &
Ira Ziering
Sheila Escovedo
Roy Essakow
Rebekah & Howard Farber
Marilyn & Izzy Freeman
Beth & Rodney Freeman
Leeza Gibbons
Sharon & Herbert Glaser
Anita Hirsh
Ada & Jim Horwich
Jeanne & Ira Jacoves
Marta Kauffman &
Michael Skloff
Lynne & Jeff Lainer
Ellie & Mark Lainer
Barbara Lazaroff
Dick Lippin
Mark Mathews
Steve Reiss
Alissa & Warren Roston
Dara & Charles Schnee
Hal Stanton
Amy & Jeffrey P. Straus
Devon Susholtz
Sheryl & Jeff Wachtel
Judy & Marvin Zeidler
Jodi & Andrew Zicklin
More Fun at the Museum
O
n Tuesday afternoons at 3:30, Alex Jacoby
prepares a variety of art medium for the
enjoyment of children at the popular Open Art Studio.
With music in the background, budding artists are free
to experiment and to get as messy they like!
Wednesdays at 4:00 Blythe Baten presides over Story
Time, reading new books as well as old favorites.
Both activities are free to members and free with
Museum admission for non-members. No reservation
necessary – just come and enjoy!
New Volunteer Brochure
Just Off the Press
O
ur latest brochure, describing the many
volunteer opportunities available at the Museum
in 2008, is now available. If you care about children
and want to make a meaningful contribution to their
lives, we have a place for you! We’ll provide training to
assist you in leading school tour groups, greeting
guests at the front desk, helping with art projects,
conducting dance and movement sessions with little
ones - all this and more as you interact with youngsters
and their families. Please be sure to pick up a brochure
at the front desk, contact blythe@zimmermuseum.org
or call 323-761-8910 for more information.
Thank You So Very Much!
The Zimmer gratefully acknowledges our 2007 Donors
DIAMOND BENEFACTORS
$100,000+
The Max & Pauline Zimmer
Family Foundation:
Edith & Jack Flier
Rosanne Keynan & Jonathan Flier
Evelyn & Nathan Krems
Charles Lieberman
Ruth Lieberman
Milton Whitebook*
PLATINUM BENEFACTORS
$50,000-$99,999
The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
Monica & Phil Rosenthal
GOLD BENEFACTORS
$25,000-$49,999
Allison & Larry Berg
Chais Family Foundation
Jean & Jerry Friedman
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert
Foundation
Shari & Ed Glazer
Jenna & Jason Grosfeld
Leo S. Guthman Fund
Barbara Lazaroff
Patricia & Stanley Silver
SILVER BENEFACTORS
$10,000-$24,999
Adele & Gordon Binder
Joan Borinstein
Marilyn & Bud Brown
Jean & Leonard Cohen
Jennifer & Curtis Cohen
Corinna Cotsen & Lee Rosenbaum
Beth & Rodney Freeman
Galinson Family Foundation of the
Jewish Community Foundation
(San Diego)
LA County Arts Commission
Julie Simms Liebman & Brian Liebman
Dick Lippin
Susan Okum
Linda Gach Ray & Steve Ray
Leo Rosner Foundation
Lorraine & Mark Schapiro
Jennifer & Josh Simms
Vicki & Ron Simms
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Edith L. Stoell Fund
Ruth/Allen Ziegler Foundation
MUSEUM FOUNDERS $5,000-$9,999
Jenna & Dan Adler
Susan & Aaron Amster
Leslie & Paul Aronzon
The Jeff Astor Foundation
Frances Bay
Lisa & Jeffrey H. Cohen
Elissa & Edward Czuker
Missy & John Halperin
Hitter Family Foundation
Larry Kohl
Wendy & Joey Klein
Kate Phillips & Modi Wiczyk
Ruth Ornest
Dara & Charles Schnee
The Starbucks Foundation
Amy & Jeffrey P. Straus
Jennifer & Randy Wooster
Jodi & Andrew Zicklin
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE $2,500-$4,999
Linda & Steve Brown
Jila Farahi
Barbara Fisher & Michael Scott
Marilyn & Izzy Freeman
Beth & Josh Friedman
Noralee Gold
Laura Stein Goldfeder & Sam Goldfeder
Brindell Gottlieb
Susan Greer
Lisa & Josh Hofheimer
Jean & Stephen Kaplan
Trudy & Louis Kestenbaum
Melissa & Scott Klein
Anika Lorber
Heidi & Jon Monkarsh
Atoosa & Alex Nehorai
Betsy Newman & Howard Heitner
Barbara & Ed Prober
Lance Rosenzweig
Angel & Alan Schneider
Annette & Leonard Shapiro
Sandra Stein
Betty & Stuart Tochner
Sheryl & Jeff Wachtel
Alice Weit
Chic Wolk
Allison Wright & Andy Kaplan
Marilyn Ziering
BLUE BAGEL CAFÉ SOCIETY
$1,000-$2,499
Mae & Brian Appel
Arezou & Stephan Berghoff
Karen & Adam Berkowitz
Mr. & Mrs. Kal Berson
Kira & Craig Cooper
Heather & Eugene Dula
Jessica Barondes Feingold &
Ben Feingold
Dr. & Mrs. George Fischmann
Ruth Flinkman
Sylvia & Allan Fox
Cindy & Gary Frischling
Julie Monkarsh Gadinsky
Ellen & Mark Genender
Judy & Aryeh Goldberg
Roz & Abner Goldstine
Jill & Brad Grey
Eden & Mary Halfon
Mark Itkin
Dori & Jordan Katz
Brown & Jay Kogen
Deborah Kattler Kupetz &
David Kupetz
Jessica & David Limor
Simone Matzer & Lloyd Wagner
Lynn & Frank Menlo
Sharon & Amos Meron
Hillary & Lance Milken
Joy & Jerry Monkarsh
The Morrison & Foerester Foundation
Nicole Nathanson & Alexander Swiger
Rose D. Ors
Jodi & Michael Price
Pearle Rae & Mark Levey
Alisa & Kevin Ratner
Lisa & Hugo Rose
Kim & Darryl Schall
Elizabeth & Michael Soroudi
Lori & David Sunkin
Dr. S. Jerome & Judith D. Tamkin
Mark Thurman
Barbi & Larry Weinberg
Jodi & Ian Weingarten
Bruce Whizin
Shoshi & Izydor Wilchfort
Cynthia Sikes Yorkin & Bud Yorkin
Judy & Marvin Zeidler
DISCOVERY COUNCIL $500-$999
Jacqui & Tom Biery
Kharlene & Charles Boxenbaum
Nicole & Arik Chaim
Beatrice & Richard Clareman
Sandi & Joel Cohen
Romy & David Cohen
Kimberly & John Emerson
Roy Essakow
The Field Foundation
Helgard & Irwin Field
Sande & Ed Fineman
Judy & Bernard Franklin
Jennifer Freund & Bob Moore
Eveline & Uri Ginzburg
Dana & Steven Goldinger
High Tide Foundation
Tia & David Hoberman
Jeanne & Ira Jacoves
Jane Kaczmarek & Bradley Whitford
Sally & Morton Kirshner
Aliza & Mike Lesser
Barbara Louis
Gloria & Jerry Lushing
Evy & Marty Lutin
Mimi McCracken & Joel Plotch
Sharona R. & Daniel Nazarian
Linda & Barry Perlman
Tara & Jay Reisbaum
The Rosenthal Family Foundation
Sharon & Richard Rosett
Hanna & Bernie Rubinstein
Eden & Jeff Sage
Elizabeth Sampson
Miriam Schaeffer
Alice Schoenfeld
Marcia & Richard Schulman
Dara & Jeffrey Schwartz
Janet Simms
Barbara & Rick Springfield
Andrea Wallace & Jonathan Friedman
Rosalie & Stanley Weiner
Edna Weiss
Harold M. Williams
Jamie & David Wolf
Shirin & Peyman Yadegar
Marcie & Howard Zelikow
GENERAL DONORS $100-$499
Lesia & Doug Adler
Meira & Zev Amster
Rachel Andres & Benjamin Tysch
Etty & Claude Arnall
Cindy & Leonard Atlas
Ora & Arnold Band
Gabriella Bashner
Karen & Michael Binkow
Robin & Mark Blau
Jean & Herb Bloch
Julia Brill
Sandy & Max Candiotty
Ted Chervin
Robert Christiansen
Wendy Prober Cohen & David Cohen
Nancy & Jack Cohen
Karen Constine
Denise & Bob Cook
Mary Levin Cutler
* of blessed memory
10
Bruno Derval
Robin & Hugh Dodson
Barbara & Allen Drapkin
Nancy & Alan Epstein
Helene Feder
Yossi Fendel
Liba Feuerstein
Lois & Jason Frand
Vanessa & Darryl Frank
Holly & James Freedman
Pat & Sandy Gage
Leslie & Jay Gerber
Pam Gerber & Suzanne Slonim
Jill Gilbert
Naomi & Gregg Gittler
Jennifer Glickman-Kurland &
Seth Kurland
Iris & George Goodman
Mikel & Andy Gordon
Sharon & Howard Gorin
Judi & Paul Grodan
Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Gross
Susan Jacobs Halpern & Ira Halpern
Teri Hatcher
Gwen & Arthur Hiller
Barbara Jaffe & Don Wohl
Kristin & John Jameson
Charlotte & Stanley Kandel
Lara & Randall Kaplan
Mannon Kaplan
KASL Foundation
Mariel & Andrew Katz
Wendy Kaufman
Shirley & Aaron Kotler
Deborah Krakow & Michael Firestein
Stephanie & Bob Lakin
Arlene & Marvin Lazar
Sheila & Aaron Leibovic
Peter Levin
Jack Levin
Paulette Light & Jeff Rake
Dorothy Lucey
Judith Marlane & Ron Goldman
Elliot Matloff
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Nagle
Hedy & Ted Orden
Rikie & Yoav Peled
Vicki Reynolds Pepper & Murray Pepper
Marjorie & Rabbi Jacob Pressman
Sandra Radoff-Bernstein
Ryan Rayston
Lynn & Lenard Rioth
Natalie & David Roberts
Lauren & Gilly Rojany
Judy & Jerry Rosenberg
Flora Rosman
Linda & Irving Rubenstein
David Sacks
Janet & Maxwell Salter
Sara & Jay Sanders
Sheila & Martin Seaton
Rivka Seiden
Esther & Milt Shapiro
Joan & Bob Sloan
Diane & Mark Smith
Dana & Jerry Solomon
Melanie Sommers & Jonathan Gordon
Rebecca & Rabbi Ron Stern
Alisa Taylor & Ron Huchinson
Barbara & Bob Terry
Julie & Adam Ware
Jan & Robert Weiss
Joan & Irv White
Lori & Tim Wilson
Rosalind Wyman
Thomsen & Clyde Young
Arlene Zicklin
The Zimmer is pleased to acknowledge our
special relationship with the Jewish
Federation of Greater Los Angeles. As our
largest single donor, the Jewish Federation
provides critical financial support for
our ongoing Museum and youTHink
programs and partners with us on our
show&tell exhibit. The Zimmer Children’s
Museum is proud to be a beneficiary agency
of the Jewish Federation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The BIG
QUESTION?
Ask a question and
you get an answer!
OUR QUESTION:
What is something
you want to learn
in 2008?
Kids answer:
(with no spell-check!)
The Zimmer Mission
T
he mission of the Zimmer Children’s Museum is to
promote values that help make a better society
“I want to learn my
letters”
“I want to learn about
peace”
through interactive learning, creative self-expression and
“To tie my shoes”
art experiences for children and families.
“I would like to learn
how to drive”
We are dedicated to teaching people about the BIG
IDEAS of global citizenship, community responsibility
and cultural sensitivity by highlighting the ideals of
respect for others, generosity of heart, helping those in
need, accepting differences and celebrating uniqueness.
For children up to age 8, the Museum’s hands-on
“I want to go to a real
football game with my
grandpa”
“Multiplication in
math”
are the focal points from which programming about BIG
“To tie my shoes, learn
to skate, ride a bike”
IDEAS engages diverse participants in learning about
“I want to learn to ski”
one another.
“This year I want to
learn to divide”
exhibits, many of which have Jewish cultural themes,
The Zimmer’s school and community-based
program, youTHink, uses the power of art to foster
critical thinking, engage diverse learners, promote
literacy and serve as a tool for social change.
OUR QUESTION:
Why are trees special?
Kids answer:
“Trees give monkeys a
place to play”
Friday Birthday Parties
at the Museum
B
irthday parties at the Museum
are in big demand but there is
often more than a year’s wait for an
available date. Responding to parents’
requests, we are now able to book a
limited number of birthday parties on
Friday afternoons, either from 1:30-3:30 or
2:00-4:00. For information, please contact
“They give us oxygen to
breath”
“Because they can live
for thousands of years”
“They provide shad on
hot sunny days”
“They are special
because they produce
fruit”
“Because they clean
the air”
“I like when the leaves
fall”
blythe@zimmermuseum.org or call 323-761-8910.
11
Susan Amster, Chair
Jean Friedman, Founding Chair
Allison Berg, Vice President
Lisa Cohen, Secretary
Lisa Hofheimer, Treasurer
Barbara Yaroslavsky, Special Projects Chair
Jeffrey H. Cohen
Jennifer Cohen
Barbara Fisher
Beth Freeman I
Rodney Freeman I
Beth Friedman I
Andy Kaplan
Wendy Moss KleinI
Larry Kohl
Dick Lippin
Betsy H. Newman
Lance Rosenzweig
Jeffrey P. Straus
Stuart Tochner
Sheryl Wachtel
Jodi Zicklin
I
Past Chair
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Marilyn Brown
Sandy Candiotty
Wrenn Chais
Phyllis Ann Coblentz
Elissa & Edward Czuker
Susanne Czuker
Jerry Friedman
Noralee Gold
Aryeh Goldberg
Laura Stein Goldfeder
Susan Greer
Josh Hofheimer
Fortuna Ippoliti
Jean Kaplan
Karen Lehmann-Eisner
Julie Simms Liebman
Sharona R. & Daniel Nazarian
Atoosa & Alex Nehorai
David Nimmer
Barbara Prober
Dara Schnee
David Soleymani
Carol Brenglass Spinner
Jonathan Swerdlow
Deborah Taubman
Jan Weiss
Alice Weit
Andy Zicklin
PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY
BOARD
Dan Adler
Tom Barad
Adele & Gordon Binder
Stanley Black
Jona Goldrich
Bram Goldsmith
Brian Henson
Andy Heyward
Arthur Hiller
Mark Itkin
Gary E. Knell
Norman Lear
Gloria & Jerry Lushing
Jeanne Newman
Ellen & Scott Sassa
Nellie Seddigh
Annette Shapiro
Jeff Wachtel
Harold Williams
Bud Yorkin
Bryce Zabel
Richard S. Ziman
show&tell: the art of vision
SAVE THE DATE!
T
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
he Zimmer is thrilled to announce the Exhibit Opening for
Esther Netter
Chief Executive
Officer
show&tell: art of vision on Wednesday evening, May 7,
2008. This new exhibit follows the successes of show&tell: art
of connection; the art of time and the art of harmony. Art of
vision includes work created from optical devices and artifacts by
80 artists, humanitarians, and social activists.
Participating artists include: David Hockney, Raymond
Pettibon, Kingsley, Darryl Pottorf, Barbara Lazaroff, Stanley
Silver, Paul Frank, Linda Dollack, Michael Kalish, Ruth Weisberg,
and Tony Bennett, Julia Butterfly Hill,
environmentalist; and Dean McCreary, humanitarian.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this fantastic exhibit and
purchase a work of art for your collection. All art is for sale with proceeds
benefiting youTHink, an innovative art and education program serving
public school students throughout California.
Opening Reception: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Exhibit Dates: May 7 – June 20, 2008
For more information and to see a complete list of participants, visit
Esther Shapiro
Museum
Director
Shifra Teitelbaum
youTHink
Director
Christine Barber
Director,
Finance
& Administration
Carrie Jacoves
Development
Associate
Zoe Melczer
Administrative
Assistant
www.zimmershowandtell.org. For information about purchasing art, please
call 323-761-8141. (Left: Imagine, Stanley Silver. Top: Self Portrait, Kingsley.)
Ceramic sculpture assemblage, right: Moye Thompson, Bandshells
6505 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 761-8989
www.zimmermuseum.org
www.youthink.org
The Zimmer Children’s Museum
is a beneficiary agency of
The Jewish Federation
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