MPTF’s Lifelong Learning Program kicks off a three-part Gourmet Living cooking program tomorrow with Chef Stuart Drexler. Drexler, known as Chef Stu, has made a second career as a personal chef. He trained at Le Cordon Bleu where he graduated with Honors. He has worked as a chef in country clubs, restaurants, banquet service, catering and as a personal chef. If you are tired of the same old dishes and want to wake-up your palette, Chef Stu will be giving a lively lecture on a different topic each week for the next three weeks. Tomorrow, Chef Stu starts with the indulgence of chocolate, then honey on March 9 and finally apples on March 23. Each session costs only $12, and is limited to 25 participants. To sign up, call (310) 475-4911 x2200. But if you can’t make it in-person, or the classes are already filled-up, fear not! Each session will be webcast live. Just go to http://www.mptvfund.org/chefstu. And bon appétit!
Archive for the ‘Community Programs’ Category
Watch Chef Stu LIVE on MPTF Website
Monday, March 1st, 2010Yoga and I
Thursday, February 25th, 2010I couldn’t wait to audit the Yoga Class that Carol Takakura conducts twice a week in the Katzenberg Pavilion on the MPTF Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills.
Every day of my life, I wake up, meditate and then go through about a fifteen-minute yoga routine. I wanted to see if what I was practicing was up to date with Carol¹s class.
I sat on my little chair and observed as one man and seven or eight women went through their tenderly guided class with Carol.
Breathing, stretching, strengthening, and relaxing seemed to be the heart and soul of the hour long session.
Mats on the floor, bodies up and down, gently stretching, turning and gently touched – never without permission asked by Carol – to make sure each position was being properly practiced.
As I sat and watched, I felt like I was in the audience of a wonderful ballet or master synchronized dance class. The rhythm and motion of every member in the class seemed to move in a smooth, beautiful swan-like wave.
There were a few grunts, a few grimaces, some serious concentration, and a whole lot of effort put forth during the hour.
The ten minutes of lying silently on their backs and concentrating on quiet breathing seemed to put each and every person in the room into a wonderful trance like state; the perfect ending.
Jennifer Clymer, who runs our Channel 22, participated in the class and I asked her how she felt as she began the class, and (more…)
Me, Orson Welles, Christian McKay and Norman Loyd
Friday, January 22nd, 2010
I had the privilege to host/moderate a conversation for MPTF’s Channel 22 with Christian McKay, the star of “Me and Orson Welles.” Joining us was Norman Lloyd who was an original member of Welles’ Mercury Theater group and one of the principal actors in Welles’ first Broadway play, “Julius Caesar” (1937).
I firmly believe Mr. McKay should get an Oscar nomination for his work in “Me and Orson Welles.” Not only is his acting brilliant but he seems to have channeled the spirit and soul of Welles himself in his portrayal.
To witness the joy he had in meeting with Norman Lloyd, not only put a smile in my heart, but I felt like we captured a moment of history with Mr. Lloyd which connected the brilliant past of Mr. Welles and the super star future of Mr. McKay.
Mr. Lloyd reminisced about his days with Mr. Welles and told so many fascinating stories that no one but he could be aware of. Mr. McKay was a gracious and informative guest on our “Heart of Hollywood” program and displayed his piano playing brilliance for our attending residents both before and after our interview. Another great aspect is that we captured it all for our Channel 22 to broadcast later for the residents who were unable to attend.
What charmed me the most was the excitement Mr. McKay displayed when he discussed meeting Kirk Douglas the evening before at The Writers Guild Theater when Kirk premiered his movie, “Before I Forget”, based on his one-man play at the Kirk Douglas Theater.
Mr. McKay not only appeared for our Channel 22 and then introduced his film for an on-campus screening but he volunteered to perform in (more…)
A Great Way to Start 2010 – Picture Quitting
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Whenever I watch one of those medical shows on TV I’m amazed at all their high-tech equipment. The scripts always end with some fantastic new discovery or technique that saves the day. But sometimes a little low-tech medicine can make all the difference.
If you’re trying to quit smoking – which, if you smoke, I pray you are – among the best ways is one that’s still gadget-free. Picture Quitting is a unique program from the MPTF, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, and the Motion Picture Industry Health Plan to help you get rid of the killer puff habit. They’ve collectively designed a program with entertainment industry pros in mind. They understand the highs and lows, the stress and the general craziness of working in this business, and provide individual quit plans to support your specific needs.
Tina Johnson, who manages the MTPF Wellness Program, points out why Picture Quitting could finally help you quit. “It’s the individual support that really helps. And, we combine that personal counseling with effective medication, which is why our success rates are twice the national average.”
I wish they had this plan years ago; my mom and dad might still be with us to welcome in 2010. So, come on now, today’s the day. Call the Picture Quitting team and get started towards a smoke-free life right now!
(800) 654-WELL (9355)
An Actor’s Life for Me
Monday, December 14th, 2009
Guest blogger Arlene Martel talks about how the Motion Picture & Television Fund understands the creative lives their clients lead.
If you’ve been reading about my recent “adventures” here on Talk to Us, then you know I’m a big fan of the Motion Picture & Television Fund. They helped me through a rough patch with an injured knee and injured finances, and I’ll always be grateful for everything they did for me.
They understand and appreciate that those of us in the entertainment industry don’t live in a 9-to-5 world. Jobs come and go. Schedules fluctuate. To have people listen to you and offer help that supports our often-unpredictable way of life is amazing.
I enjoy creating on so many levels – from acting and writing to singing in a choir. Even my cooking is improvisational. “Oh, that looks interesting; throw in a pinch of that.” “Ah, here’s a new way to go; let’s give it a try.” So many of us in the industry thrive on that creative spark. It’s in integral part of our well-being. The MPTF respects and supports the whole person – mind, body, and soul.
I’ve been encouraging you to call them if you need a hand, but I’d also like to encourage you to call if you can lend a hand. (more…)
