THE POPPY PAPER Official Monthly Publication of the Boosters of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park A Non-Profit Organization February 2015 This New Year began by celebrating the life of Mary Ellen Young and by honoring her many contributions to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and the State of California. A lovely and intimate prayer vigil was held at Conrad Mortunary Chapel in Lemon Grove on the evening of January 8, with the funeral services at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church on the following morning. A beautiful reception was provided and catered by Mary Ellen’s long-time colleagues and friends, Diane Powers and Julie Bell Gastelum. Mary Ellen would be tickled to see how many of us came together…to shed some tears, to share some stories, and to celebrate the life of our “matriarch.” She always loved to come up with ways to bring everyone together, and we all felt her presence with us as we shared our memories. She would be deeply touched by the admiration and affection expressed by so many! Since the last issue of this publication, we received a few photos and several personal tributes to the memory of Mary Ellen; plus several folks requested that we publish the eulogy, delivered at the services by retired State Park Superintendent Bob Wohl. So, we have dedicated the first half of this month’s issue to share those tributes. We hope you enjoy the remembrances of this very special lady, Mary Ellen Young… President’s Notes by Jeanne Ferrell A Legend is one that inspires us and achieves legendary fame. Mary Ellen Young was, as they say, a legend in her our time! Her accomplishment in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and in Parks across the State of California have been duly noted and proclaimed by many. I am not a writer; and I feel overwhelmed trying to find the words to explain her spirit. She will always be on the balcony of the Robinson Rose House, directing us and telling us what a marvelous job we are doing. A Legacy is something handed down from the past or from someone in the past. Mary Ellen’s legacy to the Park, and to all of us, is a legacy of Love and Respect. She will always be with all of us who were privileged to be part of her life. pg. 1 EULOGY FOR MARY ELLEN YOUNG January 9, 2015 by Bob Wohl Back in 1999, I thought I knew what I was getting into when I agreed to go down to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and “help out with the staffing situation.” When I arrived, I was greeted by an obstreperous superintendent and a delighted Mary Ellen Young. “I’ve been trying to get you down here at Old Town for a long time! You are going to be great!” Her unwavering support was fantastic, and gave me the strength to make the necessary adjustments at Old Town. Mary Ellen Young was my friend and advisor. Sometimes it was like a mother-son relationship. She would come upstairs to my office, with her punch list of event concerns, and I would have to say, “Mother, Please!!!” Then she would take up her “captain’s chair” position on the Robinson-Rose balcony and evaluate the proceedings, calling out improvements and ideas – or critiques: “Oh, LOOK at what he’s wearing!” We had worked together on CALPA conferences at Torrey Pines and Old Town over the years. She had set up statewide workshops and programs. She also knew how to run a volunteer and training program, organize and fund events, schedule school group tours, and do outreach. She had devoted friends in high places, had spent considerable time in Sacramento as the President of CALPA (California League of Park Associations), and could boast of the numerous times she had been invited to meet and consult with 35 years’ worth of California State Park Directors in their offices. A pipeline of phone calls passed between Mary Ellen and the Sacramento chiefs! Mary Ellen and Tom Young were a team! I would watch Tom while Mary Ellen spoke, and think that she was the force behind their efforts. But, I learned early on that Tom could be just as forceful as Mary Ellen when it came to Living History and Old Town. They went everywhere together. She was the presenter, and he was her unwavering pillar of strength. Mary Ellen was one of California State Parks’ strongest advocates for authentic period attire and living history vignettes. I chose her for a Period Attire Committee of experts. We asked all our volunteers to bring in their outfits for “inspection.” When I heard that long-time docents were storming out of the viewing room with tears in their eyes, I knew I had to sit in on the process. Was Mary Ellen too tough on them? Well, NO…it was the other experts who were telling docents gruffly to get rid of all their false attire! (“No eucalyptus button necklace!”) But, not Mary Ellen! She was cordial and sympathetic and supportive. I finally reduced the judges to two people: Mary Ellen and Gregg Giacopuzzi. So Much Better. Mary Ellen supported all our innovations with enthusiasm and campaigned for the Boosters Funding Support, not always easy after my predecessor. With her backing, we turned around the period attire program, made an in-house orientation film with staff, bought two donkeys and sustained them through BOOT funding, expanded the blacksmith program, increased events, evening activities, hiring film makers and an acting coach, and rebuilt our relationship with the Old Town Concessionaires, with the community and Chamber, and with the Descendants group. A BOOT meeting was not complete without advice or news reports from Mary Ellen. Yes, she could get into power struggles, “Who’s running this park, Mary Ellen or State Parks,” screamed one frustrated superintendent. And her loyalties were fierce – she was NOT happy when Diane Powers lost her bid. But, her greatest loyalty, besides her family, was to State Parks and its mission. We will miss her. Her presence here was a constant. Her aura infused the Park with her efforts and zeal. She was a phenomenon! A force of nature! She was irrepressible and irreplaceable! We all have been privileged to have lived and worked in her time. The interpretive present of Old Town San Diego is the gift of Mary Ellen Young. There has been no one like her. Her spirit was remarkable. May we all carry on in her spirit! pg. 2 Remembering Mary Ellen I first met Mary Ellen when I attended a gathering for potential volunteers. I had just retired from teaching ESL and was ready to launch into a new endeavor. She suggested that I study up on the history of the Silvas Restaurant so that I could be stationed there to regale visitors with the structure's contribution to Old Town's history. It was fun. As my repertoire expanded, I answered questions about other sites in the park. (Pictured: Estelle Lauer, Bob Wohl, and Mary Ellen) One of her many Park responsibilities was to coordinate BOOT tours. As we got better acquainted, she asked me if I would lead tours. This expanded into a partnership -- she was the person that outside groups contacted to schedule tours; I would round up other tour guides and assign the routes so that we weren't all stepping on each other. It was a smooth partnership. When Bob Wohl was Superintendent, he allowed me to tap park aides to fill in the gaps when there were last minute guide cancelations. At first we didn't charge for the school tours. Then we realized that this could be a major source of income for BOOT. So when requests came in, she quoted the price -- $5.00 per participant. And BOOT coffers expanded. When she found out that I could sew she asked me to help clothe new volunteers. She gave me three yards of plain black material and I produced a gathered skirt for a new participant. It was so "nothing" that I jazzed it up with multi-colored rows of rick-rack. (It took a hunk of time to undecorated!) She asked me to be Secretary of the BOOT Board. I performed this duty for some six years. Because we both lived in East County, we often commuted together and I treasure the opportunities I had to glean her and Tom's history. And I treasure the friendship that we developed. Not just me, but for everyone with whom she came in contact…she left a little bit of herself. I hope those tidbits can be passed onto others. Estelle Lauer Former Volunteer and BOOT Board Member Mary Ellen was a force to be reckoned with when she was in power-mode! She dedicated herself to helping the Old Town State Park with a vengeance! My memories of her coming into Tolers Leather, to pick up donations over the years, will forever be in our hearts. Above all she was a sweet and wonderful person. She will be missed by all. Condolences to her family. Ruby Maginnis Employee of Toler’s Leather Mary Ellen was an inspiration to me as a volunteer. She was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I will always remember the kindness of the meals she prepared for us. She is an enduring treasure for the park. J.P. Gendron Volunteer Gardener pg. 3 I have very fond memories of Mary Ellen Young. My first meeting her was in 1996 at a statewide conference with the League of California State Park Non-Profit Organizations, but I had heard of her for many years. She was an original member of the statewide Cooperating Associations Program task force that began in the early 1990s. This multidisciplinary task force had been charged with creating California State Park’s Cooperating Association Program Manual, published in 1992. Mary Ellen was the President and representative of the League of California State Park Non-Profit Organizations (now the California League of Park Associations) and their representative on the task force. Even after the manual was published, Mary Ellen continued her service by helping to organize workshops and training around the state for many years. Mary Ellen was one of the most active persons I knew in the Cooperating Associations Program and always eager to help. I remember her warm smile, gracious hugs and salutatory comments of love and respect. So, with love and respect, I bid Mary Ellen thanks and farewell. She touched so many and made the world a better place. John D. Mott Cooperating Associations Program Manager-1996-2010 Volunteers in Parks Program Manager-1994-1996 I first met Mary Ellen in early 2003, several months after being hired at San Diego Coast District, when she and Tom invited Elizabeth Allancorte and me over for a Sunday brunch. I remember Tom’s World War II model airplanes, the family scrapbooks, and a conversation abuzz with information about Old Town and its cast of characters, much of which was unfamiliar to me. I quickly realized that Mary Ellen was an organizer, a leader with a passionate commitment to Old Town, its history and its direction. Over the years, I frequently saw her at the park’s activities, often dressed in period attire, attending or organizing anything and everything from guided tours, historic costuming, folkloric dance competitions, and Christmas caroling to Las Posadas candlelight processions, Cinco de Mayo festivities, and Fourth of July celebrations. For Mary Ellen, Old Town’s rich history and legacy had a vitally alive presence to be remembered, engaged, and treasured. She was self-directed, persistent, and opinionated, but always considerate. She cared deeply about her family and friends, Old Town, its resources, staff and volunteers. When I was working on the adobe walls at La Casa de Estudillo from 2007 through 2010, she often stopped by to see how I was doing. Did I need anything? And, she always thanked me for my work. But, what I remember most about Mary Ellen was her indomitable spirit and the genuineness of her convictions. She always told you exactly what she thought or believed. There was no equivocation, no hidden agenda. She was honorable. For me that was her legacy, her greatest gift to everyone who knew her. Victor Walsh CA State Parks Historian (retired) pg. 4 We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Mary Ellen. She was an amazing woman. On behalf of the California League of Park Associations (CALPA), please express our deepest sympathies to the family. We, as the organization that was founded by Mary Ellen several decades ago, will be making a donation to BOOT in her honor. We will also be featuring her in our newsletter this month. And, we are developing a new annual award in her name, to honor an individual member or entire cooperating association which exemplifies outstanding service in support of California State Parks in the spirit that Mary Ellen did. This is the least we can do for the matriarch of our organization. Mary Ellen will truly be missed. Carolyn Christian President, CALPA When I heard that Mary Ellen's funeral was scheduled for our regular craft day, I thought, “That is so like Mary Ellen to invite us to one more party in celebration of her life!” As many of you might know, for many years, Mary Ellen and Tom cooked lunch every second Friday of the month for the Craft Committee and staff who wished to attend. Not only did she do all the cooking, but she presented the food in a festive and creative way...even telling us what ingredients were historically accurate! With the assistance of Estelle Lauer, and later Roseann Cook, everyone was served individually in a gracious manner, and then we all would eat her delicious food. Afterwards, we could ask the staff questions or present concerns. Mary Ellen, of course, did all of this to give us an opportunity to keep connected with the staff and get any problems solved quickly. All of us so appreciated these happy times together and we have tried to continue that tradition of having lunch at a local restaurant on Craft Days after our work is done. To say that Mary Ellen was a dynamic force for parks is an understatement! Her goal was always to work together with love and respect for each other, so that our park could be the best park in the California park system. So, it is with "love and respect" that we will remember her and honor her memory by trying to live up to her cherished dreams for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Deanna Turton Volunteer in the Park Chairperson, Craft Committee and Garden Group Treasurer, BOOT Board of Directors Thank you for the wonderful story and pictures of Mary Ellen in the Poppy Paper. The descendants will truly miss her, too! She was a real supporter, and her presence was seen and felt. I recall her passion for the park was contagious. She certainly inspired me to serve the community through volunteering. Her passing reminds us how quickly life progresses through the cycle. Connie Rascon Gunther President, Descendant of Early San Diego (Pictured: Diane Powers, Tom & Mary Ellen Young, and Cindy Furlong portraying the Bandini family.) pg. 5 Treasurer's Notes by Deanna Turton Well, I can no longer deny it...I need to start thinking about doing the tax forms. It is that time of year. So far, I have paid the fourth quarter taxes and completed about half of the end-of-year balancing. I need to move along with this project because I received a summons for jury service in early February. If the last two years are any judge of how things will go this year, I always get on a trial. Last year it lasted a week, and the year before, I was an alternate juror on a three week trial!!! That long trial was on buying and selling race horses, among other things, and my conclusion from that experience is NEVER buy a race horse as a financial investment. Sometimes a horse with excellent breeding will refuse to run like a champion and, at other times, a horse with a lesser pedigree will win the Kentucky Derby!!! Although December showed a loss in the balance between income and expenses, the amount $1719.13 is not too bad, considering BOOT wrote a check for $4000.00 to help pay for blacksmith and burro handler salaries late in the month. This check is our yearly contribution into the PCA account that enhances the interpretative effort at those two areas of park operations. Other expenses over $300 were: $1080.00 $ 332.97 $ 534.33 $ 495.47 $ 336.87 $1306.61 - sales taxes in the 4th quarter - supplies for the Descendants' workshops - supplies for the Winter Event/Holiday in the Park - burros (food and supplies) - living history supplies - Period Attire (bank needs and subsidies) There were 18 spending categories in December. Poppy Paper readers might also ask - why were there no expenses for the BOOT store this month or the craft committee? Well, the answer is simple, inventory has to be done in January. So, watch out next month…the situation will surely change! BOOT Store income during December was better than most years, but the daily average from donations was very low at $32.65 a day. I also totalled the average daily figure from donations in FY2014, and I am sad to say it did not meet our target figure of $55.00 a day.....coming in at $47.72. This seems strange, as the national economy is doing better and there are surely a lot of tourists in San Diego. Let's hope folks are spending their money at the BOOT store and other concessionaires instead. Additional income was also realized from park aides and volunteers buying fabric and clothing from the Period Attire Bank - $373.79. And finally, BOOT is very grateful for the continued quarterly income from the Round It Up America program - $2119.53. When Chuck Ross of Fiesta de Reyes began this donation program, he intended the money to be used to enhance interpretation in the park. To that end, in FY2015, BOOT has authorized another $8000.00 to be designated for a new PCA account - one that is dedicated to paying Park Aide salaries to keep the schoolhouse open on at least two more days a week. Thank you, Chuck, for bringing this wonderful program to the Park! And The Winner Is… Congratulations to Maggie Hess, the winner of the guide book contest for December! We appreciate all the hard work that the Park Aides do for BOOT, tending the Store and helping to sell our products. Since the BOOT Board authorized a gift certificate of $20 each month for the park aide or volunteer who sells the most tour guide books in a month (ten book minimum), the guide books are “flying off the shelves!” Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and park aides who are helping to make this a successful incentive program! pg. 6 Native American Baskets on Display By Rita Conaty, Park Aide On December 3, 2014 Old Town State Historic Park visitors and staff had the opportunity to view a special exhibit of Native American baskets at the La Casa de Machado y Silvas Museum (also known as The Commercial Restaurant). The artifacts highlighted the similarities in methods and techniques between tribes, yet showed the differences in plant materials based on regional geography. The baskets ranged in origin from Alaska to Florida, with an emphasis on the material culture of the southwest. There was also a section devoted to the Kumeyaay of our area. How did this event come about? It was through the generosity of BOOT Board Members, Bob and Mary Jones! They graciously transported their own private collection to the Park, set up the exhibit, and remained on site to offer interpretive information to the Park visitors. What a privilege to see some of these rare baskets up close and personal! (Mary Jones pictured on left.) Mary Jones, a retired educator, has an extensive knowledge of Native American cultural history. She recalls her childhood, growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, and walking downtown with her mother. The Native Americans would line the sidewalks in front of the stores, selling handcrafted objects. This began her love of the artistry and skill of native work…and that love is evidenced by her outstanding collection! Thank you to Bob and Mary Jones, who do so much each week to bring our park to life, and who made this exhibit possible. Additional thanks go to the Curatorial Staff, Visitor Services Staff, and the Basketry Guild of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. In Sympathy We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Adrian Fernandes, who passed away in early January. Adrian was one of our long-time volunteers who came to Old Town after retiring from a career as an industrial arts teacher. He was a talented landscaper and craftsman, who completely renovated his arts and crafts home in Mission Hills. Although suffering from Parkinson’s disease, in the early 2000s Adrian singlehandedly cleaned up the print shop to get it up and running after several years of nonoperation. After getting it operational, he provided hands-on living history activities in the shop. He also spent many years faithfully working with the Garden Group, often networking with his neighborhood nursery for services and products. Adrian was a kind and gentle man who quietly went about the “business” of the day, and whose talents greatly enhanced the visitors’ experience in the Park. He never complained about his limitations, always offering to help out wherever he could. Thank You, Adrian, for giving us your time and talents for so many years. You are truly missed… (Pictured: Adrian and Ann Fernandes in their Mission Hills home.) pg. 7 POPPY PAPER SUBMISSIONS Staff & Volunteers please submit to your supervisor/lead person. All others may be sent directly to: The Editor, Ruth French [email protected] (Deadline for submissions is the 20th of each month for inclusion in the following month’s issue.) Animal Update by Araceli Ortega, Park Aide Bet you didn’t know that donkeys get the flu! Nineteen sites in the cities of San Diego and Poway Serene landscapes feature CA native and waterwise plants. See creative conservation solutions, Kumeyaay artifacts, and beekeeping. Starting Point: Old Town Native Landscape by McCoy House Museum in Old Town State Park Tickets $25 Kids Free! For more info: Cnpssd.org GardenNative.org It was heartbreaking to see Don Quixote under the weather last week. We’re not sure how he got the flu; but, hopefully, Dulce doesn’t catch it. Be assured that Don is fast recovering and feeling much better this week. You should come by and visit him…he would like that. ATTENTION MEMBERS: REFER A FRIEND IN 2015!!! Help us kick off our 2015 Membership Drive!!! We are offering a free one year’s membership to current BOOT members who recruit a new member! It doesn’t matter when your membership expires, or if you just renewed. When we receive a new membership application with your name on it as the referring member, we will automatically give you an extra year! Start thinking of your friends and family who might be good candidates to help sustain our good work as Boosters of Old Town! Watch the mail…as you will soon be receiving a special invitation to be part of this special membership drive for 2015. In the meantime, you can simply cut off the back page of this edition (or print out the back page - if you are reading the online version); give it to your friend(s); and don’t forget to tell everyone how much we DO for Old Town San Diego State Historic Park! Please remember…every dollar that BOOT raises stays right HERE in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to support all the work projects, special events, and interpretive activities throughout the year! IF YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER NOW, PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING US THIS YEAR… OUR MEMBERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!! (For 2015, we have found it necessary to increase the annual membership fees by $5.00 to cover the ever increasing postage and printing costs. This is the first increase in membership in nearly a decade. Thank you for your support!) pg. 8 THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE MEMBERS! BOOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEE YOUR AD HERE!!! President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: BOOT Store: Historian: Restoration Spec: Web Master: Board Members: Jeanne Ferrell (619) 543-9057 Gary Turton (619) 222-0047 Linda Jacobo Deanna Turton (619) 222-0047 Mary Jones Bob Wohl Chuck Ferrell Bob Jones Mary Ellen Young Tom Young Cindy Furlong Poppy Paper Editor: Ruth French [email protected] Join these businesses in their support of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Old Town Market Old Town Trolley Tours Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) Toby’s Candle and Soap Shop Write Out Loud Please refer to the back cover page for more details. BOOT Website: http://boostersofoldtown.com/ Park Website: www.parks.ca.gov/oldtownsandiego pg. 9 BOOSTERS OF OLD TOWN San Diego State Historic Park 4002 Wallace Street San Diego, CA 92110 NOTICE: If you have a friend who would like to learn more about San Diego History, enjoys meeting people, and likes to have a good time, give him/her this application form to fill out and send in. **Current BOOT Members will receive a free year of membership!** Please make sure the BOOT Member’s name appears here in order for us to give credit for his/her referral. Referred by: ________________________________________________________ MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION ____ $ 25.00 – Single Supporting Member ____ $ 40.00 – Family (2 or more individuals) ____ $ 20.00 – Senior (62+ years)/Student Single ____ $ 30.00 – Senior Couple (62+ years) ____$155.00 – Life Member (62+ years) ____$ 55.00 – Corporate Membership* (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper and on our website for one month) ____$130.00 – Enhanced Corporate Membership* (includes business card sized ad in the Poppy Paper and on our website for 12 months) *Corporate Applications Only: Please enclose a business card or corporate logo with your payment. NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________ CITY __________________________________STATE _______ ZIP________________ PHONE ______________________E-MAIL ____________________________________ Make your check out to “BOOT” and mail to: BOOT Membership Committee, 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, CA 92110 pg. 10
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