Now it was time for our program. 
Our guest speakers were Kathy and Barry Fisher. They own the GROW Market that is a "Blue Zone Market." Their market is a gourmet grocery in Manhattan Beach. They sell farm fresh produce and artisan cheeses.
Our President Terri explained to us the meaning of "Blue Zone." She said that there are five "Blue Zones" in the world. "Blue Zones are where people live the longest and are the healthiest. The five "Blue Zones" in the world are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
Kathy and Barry gave a cooking demonstration on how to create a Charcuterie Board.
Thank you, Kathy and Barry, for such an informative demonstration.
Next on the agenda was our business meeting. Vice President Membership Sandy Johnston introduced our guests. They were Linda Swick, Town and Gown Board; Jennifer Noriega, USC Athletics; Mina Martinez, Town and Gown; Leah Levine, USC Associates; Diana Wong; and Jerry Ensom. All of their pictures are in the first four snips.
Near the end of our meeting, Sharon Dolezal Wood presented her "Reflections." She read a poem titled "A Journey to a New Year" by Sumira R. Arain. Here is the thought provoking poem:
A Journey To A New Year
© Sumira R. Arain, 2016
First day of the New Year.
It's time to shine for a new day.
Forget your past,
Your sorrow, your pain.
New ideas are waiting ahead.
It's time to recall all your memories,
Beautiful dreams that remain uncovered,
Painful parts of life when your heart gets crushed.
But don't be afraid.
The future is in your hand.
Hold it in your hand.
Start your race,
A new journey,
That leads you to success.
You will rise again
You will shine again.
Happy New Year!
Then, we were entertained by Sharon Dolezal Wood. Sharon sang three Christmas songs for us. They were "O Holy Night," "Do You Hear What I Hear?" and "Winter Wonderland." Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful voice with us, Sharon!
The last agenda item was the necklace drawing. Our winner was Ann Palmer. Congratulations, Ann!
What a beautiful way to end my December USC TGLA blog article.
Best wishes to all of my USC TGLA friends. Have a safe, healthy, prosperous and, above all, HAPPY 2021!
Our first 2020-2021 USC TGLA general meeting was a Zoom meeting. Trojan Candy took five snips of the members who were in attendance.
Hopefully, I captured everyone.
Our President Terri Boyle called the business part of our meeting to order.
Sharon Wood read her "Reflections."
Here is the "Reflection" that Sharon wrote:
AUTUMN
Fall, fall, fall… how I love to fall…
on a pile of crisp, colorful Autumn leaves,
on a bed of silky, satin Winter snow,
on a pillow of sultry, salty Summer waves,
on a field of riotous, rainbow Spring flowers.
Let go, let go calls the Earth,
Let your cares fly skyward as you revel in each season’s wonders.
Smell the blossoms, pumpkin bread baking, candles and wet dog.
Feel the chill against your skin, heralding the start of sweater weather,
Taste the salty sea air, the first spoonful of homemade soup, the Halloween candy that cannot wait until October 31st.
Watch the yellow orange and russet dancing in the trees, and
Hear the crunching leaves beneath your feet
~ announcing that autumn is here ~
Take Your time. Look around. Notice.
Breathe in the beauty that surrounds you, and is you.
Be in this moment.
Sharon Dolezal Wood
October 7, 2020
What a beautiful Reflection, Sharon!
Next, one new member and several guests were introduced. Luckily, Trojan Candy had previously taken pictures of the new member and each one of our guests. They are used in these introductions.
Vice-President Membership, Sandy Johnston, introduced our newest member Oksana Giebeler who said, "Hello." Trojan Candy took a picture of Oksana in 2019.
Then Sandy acknowledged that member Carina Jacob was able to attend our Zoom meeting today while she was at work. Trojan Candy took a picture of Carina in 2014 at the Caltech Athenaeum after a tour of the Pacific Asia Museum.
Next Sandy introduced the guests who attended our meeting.
Sandy's fourth guest, Jerry Ensom, would be joining the meeting later.
After our Board Members finished their reports, President Terri Boyle introduced Vice-President Programs Linda Waxman and Christine Ofiesh.
Then Christine introduced our featured speaker Cynthia Freeman. She told us that Cynthia is a speaker, author, master certified coach and life strategist. In her 29 years of coaching, corporate training and speaking, Cynthia has met and worked with people on five continents.
Now it was our turn to hear Cynthia's strategies. She said to experience a dynamic life, you should experience the progress. The goal is not the thing. The progress is the thing. The progress is what is important. Then Cynthia showed us her "7 KEYS TO A DYNAMIC LIFE."
The first key is "Relating:" Cynthia said that life seems to run in seven year cycles. Her advice is to make new friendships or reconnect with friends.
"Responding" is the second key: The remedy for any negative incident is to let go, release the wrong. Make a new connection and replace the wrong with rejoicing.
Key number three is "Releasing and Rejoicing": The remedy for any negative instance is joy, laughter and gratitude. Release any wrong you're responsible for. Release the "hold." That release frees you to make a new connection.
The fourth key is "Refocusing": Change your perspective. Look for a new angle. If you refocus you will have a more dynamic life.
"Roadmap to Results" is the fifth key: Take aim at a target. Object is not the list. The object is the outcome. What is your outcome? See the Outcome, Motive, Great Reaction. Plan for success!
The sixth key is "Reflecting and Recreating": Press the pause button. Ask yourself, "What do I really feel about this?" Take time. What emotions will give you what you want? Step out of the whirlwind of life.
The seventh key is "Taking a Risk": On your tombstone there is a date, a dash and then another date. The dash is what is important. Abraham Lincoln said, "It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that matter." Have a spectacular ride!
What a sensational presentation. Thank you Cynthia! You can reach Cynthia for questions at her website: cynthiafreeman.com.
Next on the agenda, our President Terri spoke about our five 2020 Senior Scholars. They are Julia Han, Jeffrey Carrillo, Yasi Pedram, Drew Black and Britt Jacobson. Normally, our scholars are invited to our first USC TGLA meeting where I get to personally interview them and take their pictures. That was impossible this pandemic year. However, if you want to read the interviews that I had written about them this past summer, scroll down until you see the five blogs of July 26, 2020, and earlier. Kudos again to 3rd VP Scholarship’s Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
Another interesting and informative USC TGLA meeting!
Trojan Candy couldn't attend the Town and Gown and USC TGLA 104th birthday celebration for Ruberta Weaver on August 4th. Here is a picture of Ruberta that I took at our USC TGLA meeting on October 1, 2015.
My most recent picture of Ruberta was at the Town and Gown Holiday meeting on December 6, 2016. Ruberta posed with Ann Palmer and Jane Bensussen.
Sandy Johnston and Cheryl Schwartz emailed me pictures and descriptions of the event on August 4th.
Sandy wrote: "We gathered at the home of our past TGLA president, Carol Fox, with social distancing. Many cars were festively adorned with Trojan and birthday greetings. Town and Gown past presidents Yvonne Bogdonovich and Carol Mollett organized a wonderful tribute to Ruberta who has given so much joy to her friends and to USC! TGLA sent greetings in person by Carol Fox, Carol Thueson, Christine Ofiesh and Sandy Johnston. We also had Ann Palmer, Julie Pircher, Cheryl and Elliott Schwartz, Jerry Ensom, D’Arcy McLeod, who some say had the car with the best decor and others from TGLA to celebrate our dear friend’s milestone!" Mary Hall, Kate Farlow and Candy Yee asked Sandy to convey their birthday wishes to Ruberta personally. Thank you, Sandy.
What a memorable birthday celebration. KEEP FIGHTING ON, Ruberta!
USC TGLA 2020 Scholar Britt Jacobson, who lives in Tarzana, is a Senior majoring in Global Studies and minoring in Music Industry. Some unique facts about Britt are, in her own words, "I am a first generation college student, my first language was Hebrew, and I hold dual-citizenship in the US and Israel. I have studied French, Latin, Hebrew and most recently Ancient Egyptian." What linguistic achievements!
Britt chose USC because, "I always wanted to go to SC, being from Los Angeles and seeing what a great time my sister had." Britt's sister Leigh graduated from USC in 2016. FIGHT ON, Leigh!
Now, at USC Britt volunteers with the USC Hillel's Challah for Hunger. After graduating in May 2021, Britt aspires to work in Concert Promotion. Good luck in fulfilling your dreams, Britt!
More personally, Britt's hobbies are playing the violin and collecting records. Quesadillas are her favorite food. As for music, Britt loves all types of music, especially Alternative Rock. Her favorite musician is Canadian Mac DeMarco. When asked about her favorite book, Britt wrote, "It is tough to pick a favorite book, because it changes so often but my favorite author is Etgar Keret." For entertainment, Britt sent this to me, "My favorite movie is Elf, because my birthday is on Christmas Day, even though I am Jewish! My favorite TV show is the comedy-drama The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."
FIGHT ON, Britt!
Another outstanding USC TGLA Scholar who was chosen by our Vice-Presidents Scholarship Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
USC TGLA 2020 Scholar Drew Black, who lives in Santa Clarita, CA, is a Senior majoring in Film and Television Production and minoring in Comedy, Screenwriting and Entertainment Industry. He chose USC because, "USC, being the film powerhouse it is, was always near the top of the list." Also, Drew's sister Devon is a recent graduate from USC's School of Cinematic Arts. FIGHT ON, Devon!
When Trojan Candy asked Drew what job he wants to pursue, Drew, with tongue in cheek, said, "Since you’re asking a film student, I think my answer will be quite similar to acting students. Waiting tables at Sizzler till I get my big break. But in actuality my future job will be show-running a comedy series." Good Luck in your dreams, Drew!
Now, get to know a more personal Drew. For hobbies, Drew said, "At the moment it's currently staying inside and wearing a mask. But honestly, writing/making stuff has always been my hobby. Watching comedy specials, writing shorts, working with friends on projects. That's what excites me. However lately I've been trying to get back into golf."
Drew's favorite food is all types of seafood. As for entertainment, depending on what mood he is in, Drew really enjoys most types of music, but his absolute favorite is Alternative music. The English Pop Rock Band, The 1975 is his favorite band. Drew's favorite book is King Lear. He likes the movie Bridesmaids and the television show Community (because, "It's funny and meta, what more could you ask for?") the most.
FIGHT ON, Drew!
Another outstanding, albeit with much dry humor, USC TGLA Scholar who was chosen by our Vice-Presidents Scholarship Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
USC TGLA 2020 Scholar Yasi Pedram, a Senior who lives in Los Angeles, is majoring in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Her minor is Health Care Studies.
Quoting Yasi on why she chose USC, Yasi said, "I chose USC because my major is relatively unique and I loved all the classes within the realm of my major. I also really liked how my major is within the Keck School of Medicine because it gives me the opportunity to connect with faculty who are performing research on the Keck campus. Being a part of the Trojan family was a huge bonus as well!" Yasi's older brother Nima is also a part of the Trojan family. FIGHT ON, Nima!
As you surmised, Yasi wants to be a physician. She volunteers with the Mobile Clinic at USC, the International Rescue Committee and the LA Food Bank. Her volunteer organizations all care about the wellbeing of others, just like physicians do.
On a more personal note, Yasi plays the viola and loves to go biking. Her favorite food is sushi. Her favorite music type is EDM (electronic dance music), and Russ is the artist she likes the most. The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace is Yasi's favorite book. For entertainment, Yasi likes the movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 2 and the television show, The Handmaid's Tale.
FIGHT ON, Yasi!
Another outstanding USC TGLA Scholar who was chosen by our Vice-Presidents Scholarship Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
USC TGLA 2020 Scholar Jeffrey Carrillo was born in Los Angeles and is the first one in his family to attend college. Trojan Candy is sure glad that he chose USC!
Senior Jeffrey is majoring in Design, with a minor in Theatre. In his own words, Jeffrey wrote, "I chose USC because it had a great architecture program, so I came in for that but realized that design was more my speed and switched over to Roski. I plan to pursue fashion design, my favorite designer is Raf Simons, so I hope to work with him someday." Let's hope that your dreams come true, Jeffrey.
More personally, Jeffrey's hobbies are making art, cutting and sewing clothes, and listening to music. Jeffrey said, "Synth-pop is my favorite genre of music, and where most of my inspiration for art and clothing comes from. My favorite artist is James Turrell, and my favorite band is currently Cocteau Twins."
Jeffrey's favorite food "definitely has to be baked potatoes." His favorite movie is Back to the Future and his favorite television show is Seinfeld.
FIGHT ON, Jeffrey!
Another outstanding USC TGLA Senior Scholar who was chosen by our Vice-Presidents Scholarship Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
USC TGLA 2020 Scholar Julia Han is a Senior majoring in Applied Math and Business Administration. She is from Torrance, California.
In her own words, Julia wrote, "I chose USC because, as a SoCal native, I grew up admiring the Trojan spirit - from cheering at USC football games to seeing the amazing work USC did for the Los Angeles community. After graduation, I hope to pursue management consulting."
More personally, Julia's hobbies are running at the beach, reading and photography. Julia's favorite book is American Dirt. Her favorite food is pasta. As for musicians, Julia likes the Beatles the best. For entertainment, Julia's favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice and her favorite television show is Friends.
Julia is currently volunteering for a local community center.
Julia wrote, "Thank you to the entire guild (USC TGLA) for the scholarship and ongoing support you give current students. Fight on!"
FIGHT ON, Julia!
Another outstanding USC TGLA Scholar who was chosen by our Vice-Presidents Scholarship Lois Booth and Patti Madden.
Trojan Candy walked swiftly from Town and Gown, where I took pictures of Half Century Trojans attending the HCT Going Back to College Day, over to the Davidson Center. I got to my TGLA meeting around 11:10 am.
Luckily, there was a short break before our speaker was to start his presentation. That gave me time to take pictures of our newest new TGLA member Wilma Pinder. Wilma majored in Psychology at USC and graduated in 1962. She was one of the first Human Relations Advisors hired in Los Angeles. Then she became an attorney and worked for 30+ years with the Office of the LA City Attorney. More personally, Wilma and her husband Frank love to travel the world and have been to 30+ countries.
Here is some background information on Dr. Dan Schnur. Dr. Schnur is a professor in the USC Annenberg School of Communication. He teaches courses in Politics, Communication and Leadership. Dr. Schnur has also worked as a political strategist in four presidential elections and three gubernatorial elections.
Dr. Schnur's topic was "What to Look for in the 2020 Elections." The first thing that Dr. Schnur told us is that, when teaching his students, he tells them that he is leaving "politics" at the door and that he expects them to do the same. Then, he told us of the challenges that the Democrats and Republicans have to face. The challenge for the Democrats is to decide "What kind of party do you want to be." The challenge for the Republicans is one of loyalty. They need to ask themselves, "How loyal are we to our President?" He gave us words of advice for the two parties. Both parties need to have "respectful disagreement, but still work together." Both parties need "To put aside our differences and work together." He noted that during President Ronald Reagan's administration, the two parties in the House of Representatives and in the Senate would fight for what they believed in before 6:00 pm, but they were friends after 6:00 pm. These were such words of wisdom. My final quotes from Dr. Schnur are that there are "highly intelligent, smart people in both parties." After the November 2020 election, the Democrats and Republicans need to "resolve their differences and work together across party lines." Thank you, Dr. Schnur for such insight!
What an informative TGLA meeting!