First Flight and Flat Stanley

Wish this picture had turned out better of Mother swinging a child in great delight with hair blowing in the wind. Art can be fun, can be series, can be controversial; but who doesn't enjoy looking at a statue? Don't we all love to pose by statues. See Flat Stanley is no different. This statue, titled "First Flight" in Worthington, Ohio on High Street in the NW quadrant of The Village Green is in front of The Senior Center. It's the only publicly owned piece of art in Worthington. It was purchased in 1998.

The sculpture is Alfred Tibor, a man with a fascinating story. He was born in Feb of 1920 in Hungary with the name Alfred Goldstein. Being Jewish was beyond difficult in those days. He was a very talented gymnast. He was self taught because of being Jewish he wasn't allowed training. But through hard work and dedication, on his part he qualified for The Hungarian Olympic Team. Though he qualified, he was not permitted to attend and compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, simply because he was Jewish. They wouldn't let him register.

In 1940 he was a slave laborer for The Hungarian Army, and was captured by The Soviets and held prisoner for 6 long years in a Siberian Prison Camp. There were 273 men at this camp. Alfred Tibor was one of only 2 men to live through that ordeal, all others, all 271 died. He survived The Holocaust, though most his family didn't. Of the 82 members in his family, only he and his brother Andre lived.

Once freed he changed his name to Tibor after his older brother who'd been executed. He lived in Budapest for 9 years where he worked as the exhibition designer for the Government. He fled the country with his family 2 years after The Hungarian Revolution and made his way to Miami, Florida here in The United States. Sixteen years later he moved to Ohio and has produced many meaningful and beautiful pieces of art. His art can be seen in many outdoor locations around Ohio and The World.

In 2005, he was in the news, but not because of his art. He was injured and hospitalized when a Deer burst through his living room window and attacked him. He's truly a fascinating man and has been honored repeatedly for his wondrous works of art.


Here you can see his signature at the foot of the Statue (on the right), as well as The Statues Title.

Take the kids, walk, ride bikes, stop the car and explore what's around you. Take pictures of the kids individually in front of statues, even the young ones will enjoy it. This topic- in it's detail may not be age appropriate for all; but certainly parts of it are. A wonderful opportunity to discuss religious freedoms. What activity do the kids enjoy, ask them how fair it would be for them not to be able to do it; because they're Catholic, or because they have blue eyes, or red hair?

Have an art activity after you've been to a statue. Does your computer photo software have an option to make coloring book pages? Many do, you take your photo's and with a click can turn them into pages for the kids to color. How cool would that be, with them in the picture? Grab clay or play dough and have the kids make their own statue. As in all previous posts, there's always the math that can be done with dates and ages, places to find on the map, calculate distances, find pictures of flags to color. Make a word puzzle, or look up words in the dictionary.

Active learning is fun and so much more rewarding then too many hours in front of the TV.

Until next time, Friday May 21st Flat Stanley out.

Flat Stanley's Previous Adventures:
First adventure, books and libraries
Second Adventure, Hero or Traitor

Mira The Newfoundland, Miramonte Wineries, Temecula, California

*remember clicking on the pictures enlarges them

We were greeted by Mira, The Newfoundland as soon as we got out of the car. She sauntered slowly over to us from her shady spot under the tree, as if on cue. Unsure where to go, we followered her to the door around back. Mira seemed to know the way. She walked up a ramp, obviously made just for her.....

She walked behind the counter in search of someone to assist us. She continued her trek into the back room where she announced our arrival. Or at least it seemed that way; as immediately thereafter we were greeted by someone to pour wine for us.

Her job done, Mira rejoined us in the main room and laid down at our feet while we tasted wine and chatted with the hostess. We'd been sent to this particularly winery, Miramonte because I like Pinot Grigio Wine. One of the workers from another winery where we lunched (next post); suggested we make a stop here. She said they were known for their Pinot Grigio.

Miramonte was founded in 2000 and since that time has grown by purchasing additional lands to produce more grapes. They have a nice blog and webpage where you can order wine and learn more about their special Etched Bottles. Like many of the wineries in Temecula Valley, California they have a wine club, and wine tasting. They have entertainment on Friday and Sat; though we elected to avoid the crowds we experienced on our last venture to Temecula and opted for a week day visit. The etched bottles probably appeal to the younger set with a large red tongue sticking out. Not a fan personally; but the etching's were indeed not just painted on...they were etched. They also cater large group events.

You can enjoy your wine on the nice outdoor patio. Even if the weather's a bit cool table heaters are provided. The view from the patio was very nice and peaceful. We were here at the end of the business day; so once we did our tasting at the counter indoors, we made a purchase and headed back to our condo.

This nice bottle of Pinot Grigio was carefully packed in my suitcase for the journey home; as were the 2 wine glass. You keep your wine glasses from the wine tasting; as a souvenir, which is also helpful in remembering which winery you enjoyed. Once home I put colorful napkins in the glasses hoping you can see the logo for Miramonte Wineries (front and back).

The journey across the mountain pass to reach Temecula is beautiful. Lots of switchbacks and here's Ernie and I at one of the beautiful vista's along the way.

We had a beautiful day in the sun; though it was quite windy. No doubt that's obvious to you from my blown hairdo. The valley is below us.

If you'd like to learn more about Newfoundlands, please visit my SIL's blog and be sure and tell her I sent ya. She takes part in rescues.

HEY...did you miss Stanley's adventure?