My Life Here at THD- Free Shakespeare Shows in the Park-Hamlet

Last Sunday, Daughter Dinah pick me up from my gilded cage ( apartment) to attend a Free in the Park Shakespeare Hamlet Presentation by the Vallejo Shakespeare org. It was held in Susana Park, Martinez with temperatures in the high 90's. Luckily there was shade under the huge oak trees in the Park.

My oldest son, Dodie, acted as Polonius/Priest/Sailor in this 3-hour  Shakespeare Play by the Vallejo   Shakespeare organization.  If you have been following my blogs you probably already knew that Dodie retired from his job as prosecuting attorney for Contra Costa County a couple of years ago. Acting is one of Dodie's  favorite activity during his retiring years. This was his second season with the Vallejo Shakespeare. He previously performed as the Boatswain in the Tempest. Since his retirement, his other acting roles include Bob Crotchet in (Not) A Christmas Carol, Evan in SWEAT,  Jim Bono in FENCES, and the Executioner in the Death of Triboulet.  Between acting gigs, Dodie and his wife, Ruth Carver travel the world.  The following are some of the photos in the 3 Hr Presentation.

Two more free presentations are scheduled for Aug 12 and 13 in Oakland and Piedmont respectively. 

On August 18 and 19, two fund raiser shows ( $25) are scheduled at Vino Godfather Winery in Vallejo at 7PM.  If you like Shakespeare this is a must attend show.  

Meanwhile here's my quote for the Day:  If there were nothing wrong in the world, there wouldn't be anything for us to do. George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950, Irish Dramatist, Essayist and Critic. 

      

Meal Time Conversations Here at THD-Grand Children and Great Grand Children

My 3 Living Children- Dodie, Dinah and Ditas. My 4 Grand Children Philip, Alix, Marina and Carenna. Not in this photo are my two other grand children Ian King and Elaine King Joseph. Photo Taken 12/20/22 on my 88th Birthday, Fair Oaks, California

The other day, I had dinner conversation with a retired chemical engineer( JM) regarding grand children and great grand children. JM showed us a photo his 2 year old great grand child in his cell phone. He told our dinner table his great grand child ( boy) calls him GG ( short for great grand Pa).  A little bit of pangs of jealousy stirred into my body.  I told the group I do not have  GG children yet, but expecting soon as 2 of my grand children are already married. Another grand daughter will be married next month in Berkeley, CA.   

When we talked about our children, I am reminded of the quote " You loved your grandchildren more than your children because your children are your investments but your grand children are already your profits". So what will be your great grand Children be in this context?  I would say your extra dividends.

My Six Grand Children- (L to R) Carenna, Elaine, Ian, Philip, Alix and Marina- Photo Taken 0n 12/20/2014 during my 80th Birthday Celebration, Fair Oaks, California  

Our conversations also touched a little bit on the subject of Genealogy. I told the group I have traced my ancestral roots 4-5 generations in both side of my Father's (K(C)atague ) side as well as my mother's side ( Balleza) of the Family. Here are my postings on this subject. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/07/my-kcatague-ancestry-on-my-fathers-side.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/07/my-balleza-ancestry-on-my-mothers-side.html

Here's another post on my relatives published in 2014.

http://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2014/12/some-of-my-good-looking-relatives-from.html

Here's my Quote for Today:  "All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he knows where he wants to go and what he wants to do"- By Norman Vincent Peale, 1898-1993, American Writer and Minister. 

I am Already Craving for Filipino Dishes and Desserts

You Know its Friday Here at THD, when you can order Clam Chowder Soup during Lunch or Dinner! 

This is my 66th Day here at THD. The Food here is 5 star Quality, in abundance, fresh and delicious. However, I am sad to say, I am already craving for Filipino dishes as a change. So, I am planning this weekend to order Filipino Dishes from Shef.com or Door dash. Here's the link to my favorite Filipino and American dishes.    

https://www.blogger.com/blog/posts/5945785151073188166?hl=en

Here's my Google Search Results for Filipino Food Near Me

https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=filipino&find_loc=Walnut+Creek%2C+CA

filipino food near me

The best and highly rated restaurant listed is the Papaya Grill in San Ramon. 

It accepts order on-line and delivery either by Grubhub or Door dash and food will be delivered within 35 minutes. Here's the door dash menu of Papaya Grill.

https://www.doordash.com/store/papaya-grill-san-ramon-38232/

The other place one can order basic Pinoy Food is the Oriental Food Market on Clayton Rd in Concord and the Irma Restaurant in SeaFood City, Concord.

Here are the offerings of the Oriental Food Market:  

https://www.yelp.com/menu/oriental-food-market-concord

Meanwhile here's my packaged lunch two weeks ago, the ordinary American Hot dog presented in a more appetizing manner with soup, watermelon and coke to drink.

 

My Dinner last Night- Stuffed Yellow Pepper-One of the Vegetarian dishes offered weekly.

Suggestion to THD Management on Newton's Menu: As in my previous posting, I have rated the food here at Newton- 5 Star, Delicious and Served with Style and Portions Fit for the Appetite of a King. However, after a while it could be boring. 

So I am suggesting that once A MONTH, An International Dish Be Featured  for Dinner. For example popular dishes from the Philippines, Peru, Brazil,  India, Turkey, Japan, Thailand. Burma etc, etc....be on the menu.  If Newton's decides to feature a Filipino Dish, I will be happy to be a consultant. I have published in my blogs, numerous  recipes of my favorite Filipino and American dishes as follows:     

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/

Do you know that the first Filipino Restaurant in the World that was awarded with a Michelin Star is KASAMA in Chicago?

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/people/together-with-kasama-the-world-s-first-michelin-starred-filipino-restaurant

Excerpts from My Autobiography-Updated August 4, 2023

 Susie (Front Desk) asked me to write my biography for the Herald( THD NewsLetter) the other day.  Attach is excerpts from my autobiography, http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com UPDATED AS OF TODAY.    

The following is an excerpt from the article published in Sulo Newsletter, Vol.8, No.1 dated January 7, 2003. Sulo is the official newsletter of PAASE ( Philippine-American Academy of Science & Engineering). I have been a member of PAASE since 1970.

David is the oldest of seven children of Dr. and Mrs. David Jamili Katague, Sr. of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines. Even before he went to grade school, he had dreams of coming to US, since he had a lot of contact with American GI who were dental patients of his father in the US-Filipino army during World War II. In 1951, he graduated valedictorian of his high school class.

Photo Taken: Williammette Falls, Portland, Oregon June 24 2023 

He enrolled at the University of the Philippines Iloilo College (UPIC) in Iloilo City. During his two years at UPIC, he was a recipient of several scholarships, such as the Fernando Lopez,university and college scholarships. In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry in UP Diliman, Q.C. at top 1% of his class. The next year, he passed the board examination for Chemists coping 3rd place nationwide. He was appointed Instructor in Chemistry and taught chemistry for three years in his Alma Mater before pursuing graduate degrees to the US. In 1957, he married Macrine Nieva Jambalos of Boac, Marinduque. In 1962 he obtained his Master of Science degree followed by his PhD. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1964. 

The following are the highlights of David and Macrine's(Spouse-RIP) involvement in US and Philippines from 1964 to the present:

1964-1969: The Kansas City, Missouri Years

* Employed as chemist by Chemagro Corporation(Bayer). His work on pesticide residue research resulted in four scientific publications.

* The Kansas City Roman Catholic Diocese appointed David to the Social Action Commission dealing with racial prejudice and other social issues.

* David and Macrine organized and lead the first ecumenical ( interfaith) group of the Christian Family Movement (CFM) in the KC Diocese. 

1969-1974: The Modesto, California Years

* Employed as Research Chemist by Shell Development Company. His work resulted in two
scientific publications as well as numerous in house reports on analytical method development of pesticide residues

* David and Macrine founded the " Mabuhay Club" - the first Filipino-American organization in Stanislaus County involved in social, educational, and cultural projects. They served as the first president couple with twenty original members. Today the organization has more than 300 members.

* In 1972, David and Macrine became US citizens

* In 1972, David was listed in the 12th Edition of American Men and Women of Science for his expertise on pesticide residue method development and regulation

1974-1990: The Pinole, California Years

* Employed as Principal Research Chemist by Stauffer Chemical Company( ICI), 1974-1986. This position was the highest technical position ( without supervisory duties) attainable in the company (see photo above-my picture used for ads for the company-1981)

* In 1986-1990, David was employed by Chevron Chemical Company as Senior Research Chemist supervising three junior chemists and technicians.

* In 1986, David participated in the TOKTEN(Transfer of knowledge through Expatriate Nationals) Program at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Q.C. for 2 weeks fully paid by UN funds.

* David donated technical books and journals worth more than $1,500.00 to the UP Chemistry Library, through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. A letter of thanks from Alfredo Perdon, Executive Director of CFO dated May 23, 1990 states " Your donation is a manifestation of the willingness of Filipino overseas to be actively involved in the development efforts of the country. Such participation through the commission " Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino Program or LINKAPIL serves to strengthen the linkages between Filipino overseas and their countrymen". A LINKAPIL Certificate of Appreciation was attached along with picture of the turnover ceremony at the UP library.

* David served as President of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association

(UPAA), Berkeley Chapter for two years. Some of the projects during his term were cultural( music/dance) and educational ( Kulintang-Mindanao Art Exhibits).

* In 1980, David obtained his Master's Certificate in Business Management at UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

* In 1976, David was listed in Who's Who in the West, 15th Edition

* In 1981, David was listed in Who's Who in Technology Today, 2nd Edition

* In 1982, David was listed in the Chemistry Section of "Experts and Consultants in the United States

1990-2002: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Years

* In 1990, David was hired by FDA as a review chemist in the Office of New Drug Chemistry, CDER in the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products

* In 1993, he was promoted to Expert GS-14 with expertise in anti-malarial, anti-parasitic and systemic anti-fungal drug products

* In 1997, he was promoted again to chemistry team leader, supervising the work of five reviewers. He is the first Filipino-American to achieve this position in FDA/CDER. As team leader, he was responsible for prioritizing, assigning and assuring the technical accuracy of all of chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drugs. He has received numerous awards for outstanding performance, initiative, leadership and communication skills as well as commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of FDA mission.

* In 1998, David was awarded the EEO ( Equal Employment Opportunity)plaque. The citation reads, " For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of EEO by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership".

* David facilitated the donation of $20,000.00 to UP. He suggested to his classmate, Mrs Ofelia Umali-Barretto, to sponsor a Professional Chair In Chemistry( see Chemistry Alumni Newsletter dated April 20, 1997 )

* In 1995, he was elected to the United States Pharmacopeia(USP) Council of Experts, Division of Standards, Antibiotics and Natural Products. As an elected member, he was responsible for establishing standards of identity, safety, quality, purity of drug substances and drug products as well as in-vitro and diagnostic products, dietary supplements and related articles used in health care. David is the first Filipino-American elected to the USP Council of Experts since its inception in 1820. In March, 2000 David was reelected to serve another 5 year term to end in 2005.

* In July, 1998, David received an outstanding Filipino-American Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science and Research. The Philippine Centennial Festival Committee of the Philippine American Foundation of Charities, Washington, DC presented the award

*The next year he was nominated by the Philippine Embassy, Washington, DC for the "PAMANA NG PILIPINO " award in Chemistry .

  

David is a trailblazer in Chemistry and Drug Regulation. He is the first Filipino-American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in FDA as well as the first Filipino-American to be elected to the USP/Council of Experts. His drive and energy to succeed is a representation of the Filipino people's talent and passion for excellence. He has shown that Filipinos can contribute significantly to the advancement of science, thus making the world a better and safer place by insuring that only safe and better quality drugs are approved and marketed in the US.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/07/our-maryland-and-fda-years-1990-2002.html

* Retirement Years: 2002 and Beyond

David retired from FDA on October 31, 2002.  David and Macrine have 3 living children, all professionals residing in California and Virginia. David have six adults grandchildren ranging in ages from 19 to 32 years old. Since retirement, they have built a retirement home in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. 

David's spouse( Macrine) of 63 years joined her creator August, 2020 and his youngest son, David Ernst III ( 59 years old) passed away last March last year. Last year David donated $10,000.00 to the UP Visayas Library Fund to honor the memory of Macrine and David Ernst III. 

The David B and Macrine J Katague Family- Walnut Creek, CA, 2019 

  

David moved to THD June 1, 2023 after selling his home for 21 years in Fair Oaks(suburb of Sacramento) to be near his son Dodie ( a retired prosecuting attorney for Contra Costa County) and oldest daughter, Dinah a resident of Dublin. David loves playing bridge and Asian Mahjong as well as participating at the Zumba here at THD.  He has 2 cats( Batman & Robin) with him, keeping him company and wakes him up at 7AM everyday for food. 

David has also been blogging since 2009 with readership all over the world.   He has started 3 blog series about his Life Here at THD, Meal Times Conversation Here at THD and Knowing your Fellow Residents Here at THD.

If you want to participate in his new series, please send your bio or life story to his E-mail, tagaboac@comcast.net with photos of you and your loved ones.

The David B Katague Clan, Fair Oaks, CA, December 20, 2022

For a list of his awards, plaques, honors, and publications visit:  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/06/autobiography-update-chapter-17.html

Finally-

 

An Unexpected Gift from a New Friend- Sabrina Monahan

An Unexpected Gift from a New Friend-Sabrina Monahan- Zumba Teacher Here at THD

Today, to my unexpected surprise, I received Philippine mangoes from Sabrina Monahan, our THD Zumba and Exercise teacher here on Fridays and Saturdays.  I have been enjoying Sabrina Exercises and Zumba Classes for the last couple of days. I love her vivacious personality as well as her boundless energy and her empathy to all the seniors attending her classes. 

Thus, last week I befriended her on FaceBook. I learned she has Teddy-a Pet dog. I also told her about my 2 cats Batman & Robin.

Last week when my daughter Dinah visited me, I mentioned that after the class, I plan on buying Philippine mangoes. The next day, Sabrina ask me If I was able to purchase the mangoes. I told her the Oriental Market in Concord only has Mexican mangoes. 

Today to my surprise there was bag of mangoes( see photo above) for me in the front desk. I saw Sabrina in the Court Yard this morning on way to lunch.  She told me I have Philippine mangoes.   I thought she was joking. But she was not!!

This unexpected gift give me tears of happiness and I think I have found A FRIEND. Thanks a Million Sabrina. This gift I will always remember until I conked out from Planet Earth.    

I will try attending your classes faithfully even though at times I am cheating and you know it. Your Laughter and Vivacious Personality is a Gift and I am glad you are sharing it with us (the Senior Citizens Here at THD).  Take care and I will give you another Hug!         

Know Your Fellow Residents Here at THD- Phil Paris-Part 4

Photo Credit: THD Phone Book, August 2023

This is Part  4  of My Blog Series Know Your Fellow Residents. Today's blog features Phil Paris. Here's my on-line interview with Phil:

I am a Bronx kid, a long time Yankee fan.  That all stopped the minute I came to the East Bay, now a devoted Oakland A’s fan (one of the very few remaining).

At Lafayette College in Easton, PA, I was richly awarded with two things: a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and meeting my wife Sally, a resident of Easton.  Sally and I have three children: Zina is a social worker in Los Angeles working with Alzheimer’s disease; Mark is living in New York as a computer programmer; Jeffrey, living in Oakland, is the Acting Dean at San Francisco University.

After Lafayette College, it was off to medical school at Albert Einstein in the Bronx, NY.  My choice of Family Practice as a career was a rebellious act as most everyone in those days felt they had to be a specialist.  But I had a wonderful role model in my dad who was a GP all those years of my growing up. 

On graduation from medical school, I was invited by Uncle Sam to volunteer as a doctor in the military, or be drafted as a buck private  Yes, I volunteered and spent two rewarding years in the US Air Force as a primary care physician at the Niagara Falls Municipal airport, mostly treating the family members of the Air Force personnel. 

On discharge from the Air Force, I enjoyed five years in my own medical practice.  A decision to enter into a wider field of medicine led me to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City where I served for twenty years as the physician in a treatment center for those suffering from opioid addiction.  Despite warnings of family and friends that I might be entering a dangerous area working with all of those addicts, none of that proved to be true.  As a group, they were bright people, and highly appreciative of the work being done by the treatment staff of counselors and nurses.  And most of them did very well in our medication assisted treatment of their opioid addiction.

In retirement, I helped the start up of an organization combatting the stigma associated with addiction.  We adopted the name Stop Stigma Now and twenty years later, they are going full steam working to make treatment of opioid addiction both easier and more available.

When Sally and I decided to move from our Walnut Creek apartment to a senior community, the choice was not so easy.  Should we choose a facility with multiple levels of care, anticipating future physical limitations?  After visiting with Jenny here at Heritage Downtown, we chose to come seeing the active group of seniors, the inviting menus of the dining hall and my favorite activities, the gym, the swimming pool and the hot tub.  

As newcomers at Heritage, we have the opportunity of meeting so many residents - and staff.  Of course, just learning the names of so many people is a challenge.  So, please do not hesitate to remind me of just who you are and what things are important to you. 

I have played Contract Bridge with Phil and he is an excellent Bridge Player.  Welcome Phil and Sally to the Heritage Downtown Walnut Creek. It is a pleasure knowing both of you.

Personal Note: Phil's expertise on the Treatment of Opioid Addiction reminds me of my blogs on addiction as follows: 

https://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-have-relative-with-internet-addiction.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2019/02/the-perils-of-casino-gambling.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2012/01/are-you-suffering-from-some-form-of.html

Know Your Fellow Residents- Jean Peckham Kavale-Part 3

Here's Part 3 of My Blog Series on Knowing your Fellow residents here at THD. This posting features Jean Kavale and her Philippine connection. If you have been reading my blogs, you already know I was born in the Philippines(1934), completed my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry( 1964) at the University of Illinois in Chicago and became a US citizen in 1972.  My Family and I have resided in The State of California(Modesto, Pinole and Fair Oaks), as well as in Missouri ( Kansas City), Maryland ( Silver Spring) and Illinois ( Chicago) since 1959. 

I have every right then to call my self a Filipino-American. As they say in Spanish: Yo soy Filipino-Americano. I believe Jean is the only resident here at THD with Philippine connections besides myself.  

Here's some information from Jean's Linked-In Site:

Jean Peckham Kavale is the author of "From the Potomac to the Seine: The Personal Story of an Army Family" and "Faith and Philosophy: A Study of Their Interrelationship."

The author of three books, Jean Peckham Kavale had more than fifteen years of experience as an editor in Silicon Valley, including Senior Editor with PDR Information Services and Contract Editor for Fortune 500 companies, including ROLM, IBM, and GE. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Maryland at College Park, a teaching credential from San Jose State University, and a master's degree in pastoral theology from the University of San Francisco.

Here's an excerpt from the Herald that I am reprinting with Jean's permission on her Philippine connections.  Reading her article in the Herald-(THD MonthlyNewsletter)  gave me nostalgia of my 25 years of my life in the Philippines.

" My husband Bob and I lived in the Philippines for two years (1996-1997). After Bob's retirement at DSC Corporation in Santa Clara, he decided to become a consultant. He was pleased when Mercury Drug Corporation offered him a job to modernize its Manila warehouse.

In Manila we lived on the 28th floor of our apartment building with a great view of the city and its bay. On clear days, we could see Corregidor in the distance. During a tour of that island we were impressed by the Statue of General MacArthur, whose headquarters had been in that island during the Japanese-American War in the Philippines. 

Filipinos served honorably alongside American troops during World War 11. In 1944 Allied forces liberated the Philippines from Japanese control. Two years later the US and the Philippines signed a treaty that ended American domination of that tropical Island. The Philippine Independence was granted on July 4th, 1946."  

Here's my related postings on my Childhood Experiences During the Japanese-American War in the Philippines.  This is my award-winning essay for creative writing. 

https://discover.hubpages.com/literature/my-childhood-memories-of-world-war-2

Meanwhile, Be Positive, Keep Smiling-It will Prolong Your Stay Here at THD.

Personal Note: My favorite dish of the week is Poached Salmon and Shrimp Cocktail Salad. My favorite dessert is Apple Pie a la Mode. My favorite soup is Lentil. It reminds me of one of my favorite Filipino dish -Ginisang Mongo with Baboy(pork).

My Life Here at THD-Playing Bridge Again

Macrine(RIP) and I playing Party Bridge at the SOS, Modesto, California, 1972

My goal of playing bridge again after 40 years of hiatus has materialized here at THD. One of the criteria in my choosing my new home was that the facility must have a bridge group.  This week I will be playing Monday, Tuesday and Friday. The Monday game is my regular Group ( 2 tables- round robin) of Intermediate  and Advanced Players. On Tuesday( 1 table) and Friday( 1 table) I will play as a substitute for the Advanced Group of  Bridge Players. There is not enough players for Duplicate Bridge. 

Playing bridge here is a social game as well as a mental exercise for our aging brain. Here's a video that the secret to living longer is your social life. However, the new generations are not into Bridge, Party or Duplicate.  

https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_pinker_the_secret_to_living_longer_may_be_your_social_life?fbclid=IwAR2GMhbe5AxLRBilYZO9XFWID9av5dPkqOHpsoiGe75LuwPMNL-b0c9_PZw

Playing bridge also reminds me of my previous blogs on the subject- Bridge is My Favorite Card Game as follows:

https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/bridge-is-my-card-game

Quotes to Bridge Players: "Having sex is like playing bridge, if you don't have a good partner, you'd better have a good hand."

Meanwhile, Remember that Laughter is the Best Medicine! 

Personal Note: The August issue of the THD phone Directory has been published. It listed 102 residents, 11 couples and 23 men. The data supports that Women Live Longer Than Men( See Video Above). Is the Female Gender stronger the Male Gender because women lives longer?