Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage
PAID
TABLE
San Francisco, CA
Permit No. 116
2017
94110-2570
bethanycenter.org
ruthstable.org
ANNUAL
Watch Us Grow
Construction continues (on schedule!) as Bethany Center is
upgraded and our new Ruth’s Table building rises next door.
Work will be completed by October 2018, in time for
REPORT
BETHANY CENTER NEWS is an annual publication of Bethany Center Senior Housing and Ruth’s Table,
which fosters opportunities for people of all ages to engage in creative expression.
our 50th Anniversary Celebration.
Editor Contributors Chief Executive Officer
Read more on page 4
Karl Soehnlein Jerry W. Brown, caspf Jerry W. Brown, caspf
Marika Brussel
Design Irene Carvajal VP, Programming and Development
Kevin Clarke Deng, Qing Zhi and Jessica McCracken
Wen, Xiu Qiong
Photography Austen Diliberto Websites
Monica Lee Photography Ken Donnelly www.bethanycenter.org
Jessica McCracken Frances Hildebrand www.ruthstable.org
Esther Koc
Correspondence Bethany Center News is
Bruce Lanyon
Bethany Center Foundation printed on paper made from
Monica Lee
of San Francisco well-managed forests.
Jessica McCracken
580 Capp Street
Margarita Mukhsinova
San Francisco, CA 94110-2570
Benson Lee
Workshop Location Jackie Tan
RUTH’S
3171 21st Street Gerrit Veneman TABLE
San Francisco, CA Rafael Zamudio
94110-2570
BETHANY CENTER
2017 ANNUAL REPORT
NEWS
B E T H A N Y C EN T E R A N D RU T H ’ S TA B L E / 5 8 0 C A P P S T REE T S A N F R A N CIS C O C A 9 4110 / W W W.B E T H A N YC EN T E R.O R G / W W W. RU T H S TA B L E .O R G
Windows of Our World more accessible, we’ve improved security, and we’ve added wonderful natural
light from the north and south sides. If you’re driving through the neighborhood,
Multicolored window frames facing Capp Street, take a look at the progress.
inspired by the palette of the Bauhaus art move- If you’re on foot, pause to view the beautiful exterior mural on Capp Street,
ment, will evoke the diverse backgrounds of our hand-painted by residents, community members, and professional artists. You
residents—such as Mark and Asya Lazarevskiy, can read more in these pages about the mural project, overseen by Jessica
below—and our neighbors. McCracken, Vice President of Programming and Development, and Margarita
Rendering by Gelfand Partners Mukhsinova, Program Coordinator, who are both doing a fantastic job grow-
ing our Ruth’s Table offerings. During construction, the windows at 3171 21st
Street, our temporary Ruth’s Table gallery, have been alive with the work of
visiting artists and workshop participants, reaching many more clients than in
previous years.
After 50 years of excellence, Bethany Center is looking forward to new ex-
pressions of creativity for our residents, supporters, and our neighboring com-
munities. In these divisive times, we are promoting harmony as the key to our
shared future and our personal and collective growth as humans.
OLDER want to miss! Take a tour of our remodeled home and beau-
tiful garden. Step inside the new Ruth’s Table gallery space.
Mingle with residents, staff, board members, friends, family,
October 18, 2018 and more as we honor our past and reach toward the future.
A LETTER FROM KEN DONNELLY, BETHANY CENTER SENIOR HOUSING BOARD PRESIDENT
Bruce Lanyon
I was searching for an organization in which I and the Board of the Carey School. In my day job,
could invest my time and experience when I ran I do real estate development for the expansion of
into Ruth’s Table programming committee member UCSF; previously I worked for The Presidio Trust
Hanna Regev at an art exhibition, and she intro- during its redevelopment from a military base to
duced me to Bethany Center. I have served on the a National Park. I’m excited to bring my skills to
Governing Board for the Peninsula Museum of Art the Board at this time of growth.
Frances Hildebrand
I began serving seniors nearly 30 years ago as Bethany Center and Ruth’s Table. This amazing
Board President of a startup agency, Center for initiative, bringing art to low-income residents, is
Elderly Suicide Prevention, and helped inte- unique for affordable senior housing in the United
grate that agency into the Institute on Aging. States. As a member of the Board, I would like to
As Development Director at Community Music ensure that Ruth’s Table flourishes and can poten-
Center, where I was responsible for programs for tially be replicated by other organizations, so that
seniors, I worked side-by-side with the staff at more seniors can enjoy this special opportunity.
3
VOICES FROM THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Gerrit Veneman
GERRIT VENEMAN,
The new Ruth’s Table building rises steadily Superintendent, Cahill Contractors
as Bethany Center is remodeled next door
“Rehabilitations can be both fun and chal-
lenging from a construction standpoint.
RAFAEL ZAMUDIO, Facilities Manager, Unfortunately, the immediate impact on peo-
Bethany Center Senior Housing ple’s lives is probably more noise and incon-
“The changes we’re making are really ex- venience, which is tough. Our goal, however,
citing. The greatest impact of the new con- is to be as courteous and unobtrusive as we
struction will be the safety features, like a can during construction and ultimately de-
more comprehensive sprinkler system that liver a wonderful space. I’m a big fan of the
will statistically improve chances of surviv- murals in the temporary entrance and lobby!
ing a fire if we ever have to face that. The Bethany is getting a much safer building with
lighting is improved, so people can see bet- the addition of sprinklers, emergency power,
ter and get around more safely. The upgrad- and improved connectivity of the fire alarm
ed emergency call system will have a huge system. They’re also getting two major new
impact; we went from a button that some- structural elements that will improve the
one had to reach for, to a cord right next to building’s performance in a seismic event.
the bed. Even the choice to color-code the The other exciting aspect of this project is
carpet and wall-finish of each floor will help getting to add so much color and natural
residents more easily identify their location. light. The effect on the residential corridors
Additional natural light and brighter colors is pretty dramatic, and I think that’s going to
really make an impression on your mood. Rafael Zamudio be magnified on the first floor as well as the
We are all happier—staff and residents alike.” new building. I’ve been most impressed with
the friendliness of the residents, the profes-
AUSTEN DILIBERTO, sionalism of the staff, and the community’s
Associate, Gelfand Partners Architects commitment to the arts.”
“I’m excited to bring healthy, well lit, open
spaces for the residents to enjoy. The new
The Cahill crew raises
building and backyard will do a lot to enrich the first gallery walls
the lives of the residents. I hope the new
colors and fresh finishes energize the resi-
dents and motivate them to make the most
of the creative programs Bethany offers.
When it comes to providing stimulating ac-
tivities and spaces in which its residents can
Austen Diliberto
thrive, Bethany goes above and beyond.”
4
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE IRENE CARVAJAL
Clothes Encounters
“Artmaking should be a vehicle for commu- makes a larger point they met with Span-
nication and dialogue,” says recent Ruth’s about how globaliza- ish-speaking Bethany
Table artist-in-residence Irene Carvajal. “If tion affects women, be- residents as well as
I have to explain it, then it defeats the pur- cause women are most with young students at
pose.” For Irene, much gallery art (“art in- often the workers of the Spanish-immersion
side the white cube”) can seem “esoteric mass-produced clothes school Marshall Ele-
and unapproachable.” In this, she’s taken in the global economy. mentary. “My students
inspiration from Ruth Asawa, explaining, “Bethany Center is the learn to speak Spanish
“As a minority female artist in the Bay Area, home to many Latina by studying art. I bring
I’ve always loved Ruth’s ideas about art as and Chinese residents, them to San Francisco
community engagement.” who come from coun- Irene Carvajal and give them a tour in
In her own work, Irene puts a focus on tries that are big players Spanish of the Precita
clothing. “We all wear clothes, so everyone in garment production,” she says. “I col- Eyes murals around the Mission. They en-
can relate to it,” she says, and from there she lage a lot of clothes and make these large, counter people who speak Spanish fluently,
very delicate prints. At Bethany and they have these meaningful conver-
Center, I taught a printmaking sations outside of the academic world. We
method called collagraph, where share an exchange of information and deep-
you press textures into a soft ma- en our respect as we learn from each other.”
terial such as clay. I taught the Though her residency and exhibition have
residents to roll out this clay into concluded, Irene has continued to work with
slabs and press textures into that, Ruth’s Table, managing the Improves with
and then fold them like clothing. Age mural project painted during construc-
When they dried, they looked tion. (See cover story.) For Irene, all of these
like folded clothes.” components are linked. “We’re using art
A highlight of her residency to bring together people of different ages,
Irene Carvajal with assistant Clara
was bringing her Stanford stu- cultures, and backgrounds to find common
dents to the exhibition, where ground.”
and still dances three times per week. The belonging to her mother and her mother’s
things that you were interested in through partner on the dancing figures she painted.
your twenties, thirties, and forties are still The mural artists expressed joy at working
important to you, no matter your age. We amid Bethany Center’s residents, some of
evolve, but we stay the same person.” Irene, whom sat on a bench while the paint was
who often uses clothing as an element of her applied. “One of the beauties of muralism is
art (see story above), incorporated clothes you get instant connections. You get instant Zhang Wong, Margie Ramirez, Esther Koc
5
Always Active exercise class
participants
Movers
Shakers
Shall We Dance?
Every Wednesday at Ruth’s Table, seniors,
&
Taking It to the Streets
On one recent afternoon, a group of staff
and anyone else interested, get the chance and residents embarked on a walking tour
to dance. Led by ODC Dance Commons of neighborhood murals, singing as they
instructor Marika Brussel, this profession- strolled. (“That’s how we roll,” says Jessica
ally choreographed gathering brings our McCracken.) From a nearby stoop, two
residents together socially and promotes the young siblings joined the chorus, then were
positive effects of physical joined by friends who
health. showed up to see what
Marika, who has been was going on. Soon a
trained by the Parkinson’s gaggle of neighborhood
Dance Program, employs kids were singing and
a technique that encour- dancing on the sidewalk
ages balance, with moves with our elder residents. Li, Qing An in Golden Gate Park
that put both the left and Ruth’s Table’s monthly
right side of the body into cultural outings, paired youth; and further, increasing accessibility
action. “I challenge them with walking tours of in our cultural institutions, which shape
with things that take a lit- the neighborhood, have the life of our city.
tle while to get good at, no Marika Brussel leads her class a beautiful ripple effect: The National Endowment for the Arts
matter their age or cogni- first, fighting isolation recently published a report examining
tion level,” she explains. “The movement among our seniors; beyond that, creating arts participation and its effects on health,
builds muscle memory and stimulates brain empathy in our neighbors, including local showing that those who attended cultural
waves.” She plays a variety of music—from institutions had a slower rate of
blues to ’80s hits to “Cubano Beatles”—and cognitive decline and lower rate
she ends every class with a dance party. of hypertension. As experts in
“They all end up smiling,” she says. “We the field of aging, we work with
don’t all speak the same language, but we these institutions to teach them
communicate with our faces and gestures. how best to host a group such as
Afterwards, they always want a hug, even if ours—knowledge they can use to
we’ve never had a conversation.” With up- serve other groups better, too.
lifting music and a challenging, encouraging Tours and outings allow Beth-
instructor, Ruth’s Table participants dance any Residents to interact with the
like no one is watching, but don’t mind if city, and remind our neighbors
Dance class participants stay flexible
anyone does! that we are still here and kicking.
6
STAYING CONNECTED
Grow With Us
Aging is a spectrum, a journey we all travel. At Ruth’s Table we are
constantly reminded that we don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Staying connected to others improves our quality of life, which is
why building bridges between people is a goal of every Ruth’s Table
activity. We believe in the power of a healthy community, one that
Bethany Center resident Gloria Hasbun
celebrates individuality and diverse perspectives. We also believe with students from Marshall Elementary School
in creativity across the lifespan. Our programming is designed to
be accessible to all ages and abilities.
Our programming is designed to be
When we remind ourselves to pay attention to what inspires us,
we then inspire others in turn. We can teach our children by con- accessible to all ages and abilities.
necting them to our elders and in the process, we can affirm what
we value.
With great eagerness,
we encourage each mem-
ber of our community to
grow with us. From at-
tending workshops and
gallery events, to donating
resources or volunteering
time, there are many ways
to take a place at our table.
(L-R): Margie Ramirez with (L-R): Jessica McCracken, Esperanza Torrez, Queen Krubally,
artist-in-residence Monica Lee Pull up a chair, and let the art instructor Emilia Summelius with daughter, Pranee Brown
journey begin.
JESSICA M c CRACKEN ON CREATIVE AGING management. “I wanted to ensure that everybody could access
arts programming,” she says. “I knew there was a gap in terms
“We Don’t Age Alone” of who had that access.” Her interest led to her “dream job” at
the Institute on Aging. “I worked with seniors in residential care
When asked about the origins of her overlapping interests in facilities, people who’d left their homes and their connection
seniors and the arts, Jessica McCracken recalls growing up with to family—everything that makes you feel like yourself.” She
her grandmother on a 40-acre farm in Michigan. “My Grandma made it her goal to bring in professional artists, which led to art
was an artist,” events, readings, and other gatherings for seniors. After this, she
she says. “She directed social day programs for people living with Alzheimer’s,
was a widow, changing the existing model to be art-forward and person-cen-
but she had a tered. “What I’ve learned is, we don’t age alone. Our level of
great group of independence affects the people who love us. It takes more than
friends who’d just an immediate family to be healthy and successful.”
come over to A wellspring of creative energy, Jessica has big goals for Ruth’s
play bridge. I’d Table. “I see us having a greater impact—changing what aging
can look like, bringing together
Jessica McCracken with Savita Patel community around the creative
process.” Being at Bethany Cen-
perform for them: play violin, ter keeps alive the spirit of her
read poetry, serve cookies.” From grandmother. “I feel like I’m al-
these humble roots, Jessica went ways finding my Grandma in the
on to study ceramics, acting, di- unconditional love I receive here.
recting, literature, and puppetry. If I stay present, open and happy,
In San Francisco, she earned I receive so much joy in return.
a masters in public administra- I want everyone who comes to
tion, focusing on nonprofit arts Ruth’s Table to feel that.”
Jessica McCracken
7
INTRODUCING
8
MEET OUR RESIDENTS
9
ANNUAL REPORT
18 4
2017 fy 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy 2017 ytd 2016 cy
27% 68%
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: ART CLASSES 4%
& WELLNESS CLASSES 3,894 7,912 66%
Programming
Residents 3,333 7,361
Community Members 561 551 Fundraising 29%
Administration
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: EXHIBITIONS.
CELEBRATIONS & SPECIAL EVENTS 1,545 465
Residents 1,253 432 2016 cy
Community Members 292 33
ORGANIZATIONS
For over 48 years, Bethany The Bethany Center Ruth’s Table is a center
Center has been proud Foundation of San for creative learning rooted
to welcome people of all Francisco, founded in in the life of artist Ruth
backgrounds as they age 2005, raises funds for Asawa. It is a center which
productively and with dignity programs at Bethany fosters opportunities for
in our housing community at Center Senior Housing people of all ages to engage
Capp and 21st Street in San and Ruth’s Table. in creative expression.
Francisco’s Mission District.
10
THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 CONTRIBUTORS*
*Donations to Bethany Center Foundation between July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017.
MAKE AN IMPACT
You Can Help Us Build a
More Vibrant Community
All donations support programs like these in 2018:
Dance Program Our professionally led, weekly classes let seniors
and drop-in guests exercise, socialize, and lift their spirits as they
move together. Help us continue
year-round programs
Monthly Outings Trips to the city’s museums, galleries, and other for seniors
cultural sites are great opportunities for our residents to connect
with people of all ages while stimulating their minds and bodies.
Creative Wellness Fair This annual Ruth’s Table expo gathers Catch the Holiday Spirit
together the best the Bay has to offer in creativity and health. Art, Thur., Dec. 14, 5-8pm and Sat., Dec. 16 1-5pm
movement, brain fitness, even pet therapy—this “Spring Fling” 3171 21st Street, San Francisco
reminds us that staying active and engaged is excellent preventa- Looking for holiday gift ideas that also give back? Visit our Holiday
tive medicine. Bazaar, a “pop-up shop” featuring handmade, one-of-a-kind goods.
Carnaval San Francisco We partner with Mission Cultural It’s an open house! It’s a fundraiser! It’s a celebration of another
Center to participate as a contingent in one of the city’s most fab- year of creativity at Ruth’s Table! Proceeds support our year-round
ulous events. We’ll dress in parade-attire created in workshops led programs. Come meet the makers, join our hands-on activity sta-
by Trash MashUp, the local eco-arts program. Promote the power tion, and strike a pose at our photo booth. We’re ready to share
of music, dance, and art to heal and unite! the holiday spirit with you.
Please use the enclosed envelope to make your gift today. Find more information at www.ruthstable.org
11