3 CAFAM events upcoming

Dear CAFAM members,

Three exciting CAFAM events are coming up: Wednesday, May 29, Sunday, June 9, and Sunday, June 23.

FIRST: Next Wednesday, May 29, the exhibition of photographs “China: Exploring the Interior, 1903-04” will formally open.  It’s in the Great Reading Room of the Glickman Library on USM’s Portland campus.  These photographs of north China and the Yangzi River were taken by the topographer R. Harvey Sargent.  Refreshments will be enjoyed, as Bob explains how these pictures came to be taken, preserved, and transformed into an educational exhibit.  For more, read on.

SECOND: Sunday, June 9, CAFAM members and friends will do an excursion to the annual Boston Dragon Boat Festival, actually on the Cambridge side of the Charles River.  We will “Take the A Train” (actually Amtrack), leaving Portland at 8:00 am.  It’s a wonderful celebration for the whole family.  For more, read on.

THIRD: on Sunday June 23, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, CAFAM holds its annual potluck Picnic in the Park, at which time we also elect a new board for the coming year.  It’s at gorgeous Winslow Park in Freeport.  For more, read on.

HERE ARE MORE DETAILS:

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION:

A young topographer and Maine native named R. Harvey Sargent signed on to be part of a Carnegie Institute scientific expedition into northern interior China in 1903.  The mission’s purpose was to search for a specific trilobite fossil.  The intent was also to carefully map the remote areas traveled.  This was to be Sargent’s duty.

Along the way he took personal snapshots. Those remarkable photographs and his diary and other related materials were carefully preserved by his family.  Bob Sargent, R. Harvey’s grandson has turned these materials into an exhibit entitled “CHINA: Exploring the Interior, 1903-04.”  They document the life and environment of the people of rural north China during a troubled period in the country’s history.

A selection of these beautifully printed and framed images, plus collateral material, including the published geological findings, Sargent’s journal, a map of the expedition’s route, and other memorabilia, comprise the exhibit.

It will be up in the Great Reading Room on the seventh floor of the Glickman Library at USM from May 29 to August 23, 2013.

On Wednesday, May 29 at 5:30 pm, the exhibit will formally open with a reception and remarks by Bob Sargent about the nature and significance of these materials.

Light refreshments and dumplings will be served.  The event is, of course, free and open to the public.

THE DRAGON BOAT RACES

Boston’s famous Dragon Boat Festival will happen this year on Sunday, June 9th.

Spectators will cheer brightly colored dragon boats, crewed by forty teams from Boston, and many other cities and states.  They will compete in various medal classes and special races.  Races continue from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Cultural programs begin at 12 Noon in the Main Tent on the Charles River shore (Cambridge side).  All programs are free and family friendly.  They include a Dragon Dance, Chinese Kung Fu, traditional Korean dance, traditional Philippines dance, Chinese dance and music and traditional Japanese drumming, and many more. There are also hands-on Chinese arts and crafts in the Main Tent.  Asian foods (and various other vendors) will be available along Memorial Drive.

At the inspiration of Gary Libby, CAFAM is organizing a group event to take in this wonderful event.  We will take the Amtrack Downeaster to North Station and then, variously according to taste, share cabs or take the “T” to the Cambridge side of the Charles River at Memorial Drive.  (The nearest “T” station is Harvard Square.)

The train leaves the Portland Transportation Center at 8:00 a.m.  The return train leaves Boston at 5:00 p.m.  There is also a later train leaving at 8:00 p.m.

Fare for one adult is $50.00 round trip, $75 for two adults round trip.  Two children can ride free with each fare paying adult.  Seniors (over 62) ride for $25.00 round trip.  All adults MUST present a valid picture identification.

We will be arriving just as many activities are getting under way.  There is a noon “eye dotting” ceremony for the boats, accompanied by Chinese drumming. The dragon boat races begin continue until 5:00 p.m.  As mentioned, there will be Asian food for sale, Asian arts and crafts and cultural performances.  A dragon dance will begin at 12:15 p.m. and the opening ceremony at 12:45.

People will need to budget enough time to get back to North Station the 5:00 p.m. train home.

PICNIC IN THE PARK

On Sunday, June 23, CAFAM will hold its TWENTY-FIFTH annual Summer Potluck and Meeting.  Last year we found the ideal spot for the meeting.  It’s beautiful Winslow Park in Freeport.  What more could you ask for: We have reserved a shelter.  There are grills, picnic tables, acres of lawn, a pretty little beach, horseshoe spikes, volleyball net, and more.  If you haven’t been there, you’re in for a treat.

We will gather around 11:00.  Everyone bring a dish to share: Chinese, Western, Whatever.  CAFAM will supply drinks, plates, cups, knives and forks.

Note that the park does not permit alcohol

After some hellos, some food, some dessert, some laughs, we will hold a brief meeting at which we elect our CAFAM Board of Directors for the coming year.