Bess Myerson: The One and Only Jewish Miss America Film and Discussion
September 8 at 4 p.m. via Zoom

Get ready for a fascinating virtual afternoon with a special program presented by the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. No famous lox and bagels from the museum’s Cafe Bergson, but get an order from your local bagel shop and have fun in the comfort of your home. In September 1945, Bess Myerson, Miss New York City, made history at the most famous beauty pageant in the world. In spite of anonymous phone calls to judges, threats from sponsors, and growing antisemitism, the daughter of struggling immigrants from Russia became the first Jewish Miss America. The judges could not change the point count: the beauty queen from the Bronx won the swimsuit competition, tied for first place in talent, and was top-ranked in the interview and evening gown categories. But was the country ready for a Jewish Miss America? Bess Myerson: The One and Only Jewish Miss America tells the surprising story of Bess, her parents and sisters, and the Sholom Aleichem housing project that shaped so many Jewish families starting out in the United States. This one-hour documentary follows Bess from her improbable entrance in her local pageant through her heartbreak when sponsors withdrew their support and restricted tour stops closed their doors on Jews. Join an interesting discussion of the film with director David Arond, Museum of Heritage Board of Trustees Vice Chairman and ADL National Director Emeritus Abraham Foxman (who is featured in the film), and Bess’ daughter, screenwriter and actress Barra Grant.

Information
$10 suggested donation with the registration
Suggestion: Watch the film in advance of the discussion
Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York
646-437-4202
MJHNY.org
Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

Have a Mask? Enjoy Five Perfect Picnic Places Around the Bay
Walnut Creek, Lafayette, San Jose, Oakland and Mountain View

Now that your basket is ready to go with an extra blanket and lots of hand sanitizer, the next question is: where to? From Lafayette to San Jose, I have a few wonderful neighborhood places to recommend for you and your family for a lovely fall picnic. Most parks welcome your favorite well-behaved pooches, like my Kona.
Civic Park in Walnut Creek: 1375 Civic Drive
Lafayette Plaza Park in Lafayette: 3535 Plaza Way
Alum Rock Park in San Jose: 15350 Penitencia Creek Road
Morcom Rose Garden in Oakland: 700 Jean Street
Rengstorff Park in Mountain View: 201 South Rengstorff Avenue

In addition to picnics, the parks are great for hiking, playing volleyball and lots of other physical fun activities–a welcome respite from the motionless cocooning time you’ve spent by your addictive laptop or cell phone for the past 5 months. Now that you’ve selected your picnic’s location, the delicious provisions are up to you. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Morcom Rose Garden and cascading fountain in Oakland

Zoom with the French Impressionists at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
September 13 at 8 a.m.

Forget politics and explore the art in Washington D.C. with Meghan Hanson as she walks you virtually through the rise and fall of the fabulous Impressionist period with several iconic artists and their work: Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, George Seurat and Vincent van Gogh. At this virtual tour of the impressive French Impressionism Art Collection at the National Gallery of Art, you will enjoy seeing several works by Claude Monet and works from the Post-Impressionist period, and learn what defines impressionist art. You will start the tour by looking at the iconic Little Dancer sculpture by Edgar Degas before moving into the National Gallery of Art Impressionism Exhibit Hall. Impressionism is one of the most popular and beloved art movements to date. The National Gallery of Art has spectacular Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks that will change the way you understand Impressionism.

Information
Cost: $17.55
1-202-737-4215
Order tickets on eventbrite.com
Tour will be conducted online through Zoom
The National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. National Gallery of Art
nga.gov

Photo of Meghan Hanson courtesy of the National Gallery of Art

SUP: Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Sausalito
Every weekend at 8:30 a.m.

Time to try something new and exciting. Explore Richardson Bay on a stand-up paddleboard with stunning views of Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island, the magnificent jewels of small towns along the Sausalito waterfront. This is an excellent 2-hour learning opportunity for beginning paddlers under the watchful eye of professional instructors who will introduce you to this fabulous sport. Starting from Sea Trek’s location in Bay Model, you will get outfitted with life jackets, paddles, and paddleboards. After a brief introductory training session, it’s time to hit the water. The wildlife in Richardson Bay is diverse, and includes harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and more. You will also paddle by the local houseboat community, where many Sausalito residents make their home, and your guides can tell you about the history of this eclectic seaside town. The company assured me that no previous experience is necessary and paddlers of all skill levels can go on this trip. This adventure will open new beautiful vistas of California.

Information
Cost: $85
415-332-8494
seatrek.com
Minimum age: 16

Photo courtesy of Sea Trek

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.