Celebrate Gratitude

We wish you all a beautiful holiday season spending time with loved ones. To celebrate what is traditionally the 'giving season,' we are extending gratitude to the wonderful people who have offered time, talents, and loyalty to the HHRC. We expressed our thanks to the speakers at our Annual Meeting, describing their dedication to ensuring human rights in Maine on Facebook. You can read about them on our website. In this week's e-news, we share our gratitude to you, our friends and community members, for supporting the work we do. Each staff member has showcased something they particularly enjoy in their work, or a memorable project from this year. Think of these entries as a collective thank-you for your involvement and support of our work; we simply couldn't do any of it without you.

Tam Huynh
Executive Director

Last week we hosted an Artist Talk at the Michael Klahr Center. Everything about the afternoon filled me with gratitude—for the amazing people I get to meet and work with, for the mission that creates these memorable experiences, for the community that gathers to learn and forge lasting friendships. Parivash and Nasser Rohani spoke passionately about the global movement they advocate for called #OurStoryIsOne, encouraging women all over the world to share their pain and courage through stunning works of art posted on social media. The protest movement honors 10 Bahá’í women who were tortured, imprisoned, and mass executed in Iran for refusing to renounce their religious identity. Nasser spoke about how men can effectively advocate and support women’s rights, while recognizing it is men in power who make the laws and allow the persecution. An artist read a poem, another shared a video about making her sculpture. All present then explored the exhibit more deeply, shared conversation and Persian food prepared by the Rohanis before saying good-bye with plans to reconnect. On my way home, I reflected on how much I enjoy working with artists who live in Maine but come from all over the world—how generous they are with their artwork, and time to plan and curate exhibits. How generous they are to share their feelings and experiences with our community. How much they teach us about cultures and lives far from our own, and their strong desire to expose injustices, speak for the voiceless, insist on a better world for all through powerful works of art.

Heather Harvey
Office Manager

I feel grateful for the work I do at the Michael Klahr Center. I enjoy greeting visitors as they enter, pointing out the many things to see including art exhibits, display cases, audio-visual narratives, student artwork, and the amphitheater with portraits of Holocaust survivors, several of whom founded the HHRC in the 1980s. I tell them to relax in the atrium—the high glass windows lifts one’s spirits. I enjoy hearing where they are from, what prompted the visit. I am getting to know some of the instructors and adult students from UMA Senior College who take classes here, and the helpful university staff who always come to help repair a glitch in the building. As the office manager, I juggle a lot of balls each day, from scheduling meetings to managing our database, paying bills, fielding calls and emails, or preparing materials for staff and board members. I’m still learning every day, but feel grateful to be a member of this team that never stops thinking up interesting new ideas to implement. Our education team continuously strives to make the world a better place. The thought provoking lessons they teach while ensuring students have a safe place to voice their feeling and concerns is invaluable. It's inspiring; I’m truly grateful to be part of this caring and dedicated group of people.

Erica Nadelhaft
Education Coordinator

One of the things I enjoy every year is putting together our Distinguished Lecture Series. I love being able to bring scholars from all over the country and their work to the HHRC community. I also enjoy the behind the scenes process that is involved in making this happen. I get to reach out to scholars and thinkers around the country and talk with them about their research and the work that they are doing. I’m a history nerd: these are the sorts of conversations I could have all day. I then have the pleasure of introducing the speakers to our community and sitting back and listening as community members ask questions and engage with them. This year we had three wonderful speakers: Ettie Zilber spoke about the trauma of second generation Holocaust survivors; Jake Newsome spoke about the experiences of the LGBTQ community in Nazi Germany; and Mark Wygoda told the story of his father, a Holocaust survivor and partisan in Italy. Knowing that I have the opportunity to encourage and facilitate these conversations and learning gives me great joy.

Alexandra Magnaud 
Educator

Something that stands out to me as I reflect on this past year, and my ongoing time at the HHRC, is how grateful I am to be able to connect and work with so many amazing educators, administrators, and other organizers who reach out to us for educational programming. It’s so rewarding getting to know them and building ongoing relationships. Reconnecting with and seeing folks I’ve worked with in the past truly bring me joy, especially when we’re able to build on the foundation and rapport from doing previous programs together. At times being able to lean into collaboration, find new ways to support student learning, and make it more accessible and meaningful is exciting for me. I’m filled with such gratitude for all of the passionate and dedicated individuals I get to work with throughout the state—and that I get to know them and support them in the incredibly challenging and important work they do day after day.

Piper Dumont
Educator

Studying history gives us a peak into the human experience—exploring the challenges and triumphs of those who have come before us. And, even as things may seem dire today, it shows us that we are not alone. Individual stories of resilience and ingenuity provide particular insights into the strength of the human spirit that continues to inspire. This year, in creating our newest program, "Black Mainers: Stories of Resilience and Resistance," I had the immense gift of re-engaging with Maine's history through the stories of Black Mainers. As long as White folks have been in Maine, Black folks have been in Maine. And even the Whitest state in the U.S. has had robust Black communities and distinguished Black people shaping our state throughout our history. I was so grateful to deepen my understanding of Maine's history, and I'm thrilled to share a small glimpse of this with students and teachers around the state!

Sara Lennon
Communications

I often feel that I drew the lucky card when I was hired to be the Communications Coordinator for the HHRC. Let me count the ways that I love this job. First, I get to communicate with all of the other staff members almost every day, a cheerful check in and then update on one of the myriad projects they're focused on. I write a lot, often trying to distill so much into descriptions that will be read—on our website, e-news, blog, Facebook, and printed material.  I'm constantly tracking down photos, information, names and dates, plans so I can convey it all to the outside world. Sometimes I put together printed materials, such as a program, brochure, or report—engaging a different part of my brain. I also enjoy strategic planning (such as our upcoming 40th anniversary celebration) when we take some time to think longer term. Sometimes I get to speak with members of our community, which is fascinating. This year we have been looking back at the major accomplishments of each decade. Learning about our history, hearing the stories, meeting the people with long and deep institutional memory has been a privilege and delight. In short, I'm grateful to everyone who helps me explain why the HHRC is so special—because they make it so!

#CelebrateGenerosity

Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Rather than asking for donations, the HHRC will offer gratitude to the people who make up our wonderful community. Posting on Facebook we’ll express our deepest thanks to those whose generosity and hard work have helped our organization to prosper, as well as inspirational people working to strengthen human rights in Maine and beyond. To all of you who engage with our work through the educational programs, financial support, visiting the Michael Klahr Center to experience an exhibit or event, or staying current by reading the website and e-news: Thank you!

Jack Montgomery

We are deeply indebted to the brilliant Photographer Jack Montgomery who has been exploring the human spirit through his camera lens for over 30 years. Writes Jack, “The camera is a mirror that I hold up to my models. Show me who you are, how you see yourself, and how you would like others to see you is the implicit instruction.” Fascinated by groups and communities, Jack has photographed firemen in Lower Manhattan after 9/11, judges. Fetishists, old villagers in Tuscany, Haitian sugarcane cutters in the Dominican Republic, dancers, circus performers and naturists in Russia. And to our great good fortune, the Maine Holocaust survivors who founded and build the Holocaust and Human Rights Center. These expressive portraits still hang in the Michael Klahr Center and are integral to the multi-media installation created as a part of the building itself entitled, Were The House Still Standing. Recently Jack has authored a gorgeous book that brings together the portraits and personal stories of these Maine survivors entitled, Through the Lens: Creating Soul Survivors. Jack spoke at our 2024 Annual Meeting, describing the experience of returning to the portraits and stories, reflecting on the importance of keeping them alive for future generations. He is grateful for a grant that enables every school library in Maine to receive a free copy. We are delighted to have collaborated on the project and thrilled that these evocative portraits and stories preserved in a beautiful new book.

Martha Stein

Martha Stein, Director of Hope Acts, has a longstanding commitment to advocating and empowering asylum seekers and immigrants who deserve to thrive in Maine. At our annual Meeting Martha described the challenges, and considerable rewards, in assisting newcomers with housing, English language learning, employment, and building new friendships and community. Martha emphasized the ongoing need for funding, volunteers, and professional services, while marveling at how many people already give their time and expertise to Hope Acts. She told stories illustrating how a few generous acts can change the trajectory of a life, and spoke movingly about just how much she has learned and grown doing this work. Martha feels grateful—as do others who have had the good fortune to work with Martha, a source of positive energy and hope.

Morgan Talty

Award-winning, bestselling author Morgan Talty graciously agreed to speak at our Annual Meeting and sign copies of his latest book Fire Exit. He charmed us with self-deprecating humor, wisdom, and a reading from his beautiful new novel. Morgan then settled into a table where he cheerfully signed copies throughout the evening, engaging each person in conversation, curious to hear about their thoughts and experiences before returning to the podium to introduce his close friend Chanthu Millay. Morgan is a delight; we are so grateful to him for sharing his precious time with our community. Morgan’s breakout story collection has become a national best seller and winner of numerous awards, including the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize and National Book Critics Circle John Leonard Prize. His work has been supported by the Elizabeth George Foundation and National Endowment for the Arts. Morgan, a citizen of the Penobscot Indian Nation where he grew up, is an Assistant Professor of English in Creative Writing and Native American and contemporary Literature at the University of Maine, Orono and a faculty member at the Stonecoast MFA Program in Creative Writing.

Bruce Thomson

Bruce Thomson is the manager of visitor’s service at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park on Campobello Island. Bruce brought Eleanor Roosevelt’s impact on human rights to life by describing her work, words, and approach to life with amusing, revealing stories. Eleanor was a tireless advocate for the rights of all people—and a central force in creating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She also defended the United Nations and championed women’s involvement in international affairs. Bruce concluded with a favorite saying of Mrs. Roosevelt, “If you have something to say, stand up and say it, and then sit down,” offering laugh lines for subsequent speakers. Tam and Erica worked with Bruce and his colleague Margaret (Peggy) Kravchuk for a youth conference last October at the park to celebrate the Declaration’s 75th Anniversary, so we were touched Bruce and Peggy made the long trip to join us.

Lisa Quatrale

Lisa Quatrale is an English Teacher at Dexter Regional High School in Penobscot County, Maine. She has invited the HHRC educators into her classrooms and brought her students to the Michael Klahr Center to supplement her teaching on the Holocaust, anti-bias and human rights. At our Annual Meeting this year Lisa delivered a passionate speech on why she chooses to live and teach in rural Maine—because her students deserve as high a quality education as every other person in the state. Perhaps even more. Lisa challenged us to consider if it isn’t perhaps an even greater imperative to go to places that need educational opportunities, and stay there. Her talk was personal and emotional, impressing on the audience how exciting it is to help students understand the gravity of history, the lessons that need to be learned, and the realization that they can personally contribute to solutions. Lisa’s remarks were about equity and access, fairness and responsibility, carrying one’s values into a life’s work. She traced a through-line to a teacher’s purpose: to empower all young people. Lisa is a force. We could not be more grateful to have her in our community.

Chanthu and Mardi Millay

Chanthu and Mardi Millay are Cambodian sisters and artists who survived the genocide that ravaged their homeland, narrowly escaped, and were adopted by a family in Maine. Their work is informed by those early memories—the injuries sustained, nightmares that haunt, and an urge to create. The sisters shared thoughts on why they make art, the strong emotions that it both requires and engenders. Each described how they approach the work, and why it feels essential to their identities and lives. Many of Chanthu’s painting and sculpture contain images of war and disruption, while others touch on politics, self-hood, and freedom. Mardi’s work began when she traveled to her birth culture and country of Cambodia and neighboring Southeast Asia where she explored the sense of place and community through the lens of her camera. The result are faces and everyday scenes of rice fields, watering holes, children playing while others hint at a painful national past. Mardi and Chanthu spoke eloquent about their experiences, including the power of creating art.

Sam Zager

To illustrate just how powerful community—and cooperating—is, Sam Zager chose to talk about a study that was done on how people react during major, life-threatening disasters, and how their choices and behavior significantly affects the outcome. What emerged was that when people helped one another, the outcomes for everyone involved were dramatically better for everyone. The implication is clear. When we human beings look after one another, when we know that everyone’s survival and well-being is equally important, then individuals and communities can survive, and even thrive. Sam has shown a longstanding commitment to the state of Maine through his work in healthcare and public service. Last year he spearheaded the visit to the Center with his fellow lawmakers to engage in a program about how quickly the Nazi part was able to dismantled Germany’s democracy. His colleagues reflected on these stark lessons from history and discussed how this knowledge might inform aspects of their legislative work today. Sam is also a wonderful addition to the HHRC community; we’re grateful for his thoughtful, heartfelt involvement.

Lee Humphrey on Lois Galgay Reckitt

Each year the Gerda Haas Award honors someone who has furthered human rights education and leadership through their life and work. Past recipients include Corey Hinton, Mary Bonauto, Grace Valenzuela, Rachel Talbot Ross, Richard Blanco, Christopher Meyers Asch, Pious Ali, the ILAP staff, Tim Wilson, and Betsy Parsons. This year Lois Galgay Reckitt was honored posthumously. Lois’ close friend Lee Umphrey shared a warm and admiring tribute, full of stories and personal admiration for this true warrior for human rights. Lee was joined by others, including Matt Beck, who stepped into her seat in the Maine State Legislature, members of the Maine Women’s Lobby, and close friend. Lois was known as a powerful activist for women, working on behalf of oppressed, vulnerable and marginalized people throughout her adult life—right up until her death. Lois, a leader in Maine and on the national stage, was a powerful activist for women’s equality, but she was committed to making sure that all people, especially the oppressed, vulnerable and marginalized, were treated with respect and dignity.

Our Founders

Today is Giving Tuesday, and we are offering thank-yous instead of asks. We are deeply grateful to the HHRC founders, and their children, for their steadfast loyalty and support. Several attended our Annual Meeting. Holocaust Survivor Charles Rotmil was there, as well Ragnhild Baade, both founding members of the organization. Survivors and founders’ children also attended, including Anna Wrobel, daughter of Eta Wrobel; Julius Ciembroniewicz, son of Julius Ciembroniewicz Sr.; Ina Demers, long-standing member of our community; and Shenna Bellows, Secretary of State and former HHRC Executive Director. There was also a strong representation from the Maine State Legislature, Maine Department of Labor, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and several friends who work at our affiliate non-profits. To our long-standing and loyal community, thank you so much for your ongoing friendship and support.