Historical Society meets, farmers market gone, Dunbar talent

Dunbar discovers talent

Other young folks in the news today are the talented crew of kids at Dunbar School. On a recent foggy day, where the sun hardly appeared by afternoon, I nonetheless felt the warmth and brightness of our local elementary school kids. It was talent show day.

Back in the long ago times, when our two boys were students at Dunbar and we were members of the enthusiastic parent audience, the talent show took place in the evening. It was easier for parents to attend then. One show I remember with great surprise was when Diana Rhoten was the talent show organizer, working with Dunbar’s afterschool classes. One of the final performances in that show was a version of “Splish, Splash, I was taking a bath,” a 1950s hit song by Bobby Darin. Bobby Darin was long gone by the time these Dunbar kids were singing his hit in the 1980s, but the song has remained popular.

My surprise: the bather was none other than our elder son, Schuyler, wearing only a towel (or so it appeared from the audience). Our generally shy son pranced around the stage surrounded by a gaggle of beautiful sixth-grade girls. What a riot. Leave it to clever Diana Rhoten to come up with such a hoot.

That was only surpassed some years later when our second son, Gabriel, surprised us at Andrews Hall in a St. Francis School production of “South Pacific” wearing a grass skirt and two coconut shells. That was the madcap creation of Julia Maffei, another clever choreographer who likes to surprise parents.

Surefire lift to spirits

But back to last week’s Dunbar Show. Talent shows have a surefire way of lifting my spirits.  

I arrived at Dunbar early enough to grab a seat, which I find is essential now for these events. That gave me time to sit and contemplate the backdrop for the talent show. The wall behind the performers was covered with a U.S. map and Cat in the Hat decorations, as the students of the school prepare for their Read Across America event.

Left of the stage on the back wall of the auditorium is Dunbar’s beautiful quilt, made many years ago by a talented volunteer team of quilters including Mary Ann Carr, Margie Foster and others. The quilt depicts two children, a brown-haired boy and a blond girl, who sit reading in the golden California grass, beneath a towering oak whose branches spread to the borders, while the treetop reaches the blazing blue sky of the quilt. Each part of the quilt, from ground to tree to sky, children included, is formed of tiny squares, each scrap of fabric contributed by Dunbar families. And so, the quilt carries thousands of memories from many different folks, representing a multitude of good times, at a school still beloved by many.

Remembering Nicole, Jake and Corey

As I look at the quilt, awaiting the talent show’s beginning, I remember Nicole Burns, Jake Atkinson and Corey Dern, just a few of the former students of Dunbar. I recall good memories of times long past. Nicole was always the bright-eyed, beautiful shy girl, while Jake was a class leader, thoughtful and friendly to all. Corey, a member of my Cub Scout troop, could make the whole gang of boys chuckle with his tricks. I miss them all, but have learned, with effort, to look at the quilt and concentrate on the good times of Dunbar in the past, and the good times of Dunbar today.

Clever as ever

I experienced joy in full measure last week attending the talent show. As the kids file into the auditorium I’m struck how bright and talented they look, and clever as ever. It’s a good school.

Among the audience members was my Vox Populi friend, Robbie Leed and his partner Sean Elizabeth Lemurt. Robbie made sure that I would notice his beloved guitar playing mentee, David. Robbie was clearly very proud of him.

Then, Tom Elster, sitting next to me, pointed out his son’s name on the program. Mason Elster would be singing a song. Tom shared that Mason had been practicing for weeks. I was alert to watching for both of these two kids performances.

David played a beautiful, mellow and melodic version of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” It was perfect and stunningly moving. Robbie, who has always loved music, has a right to be proud.

Mason’s personal rendition of “Boogie Train” was spot on. His costume was outstanding. A pink and black-stripped suit with a snazzy hat gracing his long blond hair. He was just too cute. And talented, too.

But truly, I have to admit that my favorite performer of the day was lovely Luna Michelis, playing a beautiful Mozart piece that had her hands racing around the keyboard. It was fast, and she was entirely adept, performing with grace and style. Of course, I have to credit Luna with great talent, but she’s also benefitted from having a top piano teacher, beautiful Deirdre Egan.

Dance, magic and a breaking of boards

Other kids in the Dunbar talent show included Riley, a kindergartener who sang a sweet and moving version of our national anthem. Magic tricks were shared throughout the show. Kindergartener Jaidyn, brother and sister team Luis and Fiona, and Justin Crook all shared their prestidigitation skills. (Presti-what? Look it up, kids.)

You may notice, by the way, that I cite only first names here unless I have parent permission to cite last names, too. But kids reading this will know who they are. (And kids: you do read the Index-Tribune twice a week, don’t you?)

Silly jokes that made parents and kids alike chuckle included comic teams Riley and Jaidyn, Diego and Escarly, and a solo comic routine by Gabe. Gabe Gissel came up to me after the show and thanked me for mentioning him in the paper last year. A polite and charming fellow.

Dance routines were performed by hula hooping trio of Abby, Emily and Ana, and later, by the team of Shelby and Sarah. Esteban and Carlos also danced, while Chloe performed a cheerleading dance that featured her awesome gymnastic talents. Another trio, made up of Emma, Lily and Lailie danced also. Two sisters, Victoria and Isabella and their mum (Dunbar teacher Renea Magnani) did a stunning choreographed tap dance that was just too cute. The mum’s optical illusion dress swirled and moved with each tap. I suggest for next year’s show, they all wear such a fancy dress. It truly highlighted the moves.  

Talented karate and taekwondo performances were offered by Dolce, Antonia and Valerie, who appeared with her karate instructor. She efficiently and gracefully broke two boards.

Poetry and song

My favorite recitation was by Carlie and Daphne who did Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream,” followed by a comic poem, “Midterm Science Test.”

There were many singers, including Sofia’s sweet version of “The Princess” song. An entire group, including Jessy, Faith, Jose, Brayden, Luis, Sean, Miguel, Kathy and Jacy performed the “Seasons Rap,” with a grand array of props, including a lovely antique sleigh.

Abby sang in a lovely sparkly, black costume, Alondra sang, too as did Sara and Michaela, who sang Sara’s beautiful, original song, “Dunbar Dolphins.” Ariel shared “Be Okay.” My favorite song was undoubtedly a plaintive and beautiful song by Renad sung in Arabic.

Finally, we enjoyed the skits by Raul and Max, Sophie, Mason and Esteban.

Remembering Kathy Krempley

At the end of the show, as the students were filing out, many saw Dennis Krempely, husband of the late and beloved Dunbar teacher Kathy Krempely. They ran up and hugged him with enthusiasm. It was touching to see them interacting, each sharing Kathy’s love with one another. As I talked with Dennis, he shared how healing it is to visit the school and to talk with students who still remember his wife.

Want to see your own name in the news? Share your stories with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call or write me at 996-5995 or P.O. Box 518, GE 95442. Or email me at Creekbottom@earthlink.net. Glen Ellen chatter rarely requires timeliness; however, if your news does, please be sure to contact me at least two weeks before your desired publication date.