The End of Summer

Ah, summer. The warm nights and sun filled days, when time seems to slow down just long enough for us to feel young and carefree. The nostalgia of summer runs through our collective psyche. With each passing season the signs of summers past can be recalled with warmth and wistfulness. Stargazing while lying in the grass, playing miniature golf, chasing the ice cream truck down the street, a first kiss, a last goodbye, all seem to hold more meaning because of three short months we casually refer to as the youthful season.

Then there are the camps and activities of the season. Made all the more nourishing by the people we meet. Summer camps hold a special place in the heart for most of us. Not because of the locations or the weather or arts and crafts, but it is the people we encounter there that forge friendships that create a lifetime of glorious, if not bittersweet memories.

In years to come, it is our hope that Luminari will hold a similar fondness in the hearts of those who shared their summers with us. The young people who participated in our I Want to be an Ambassador!, Teen Writer!, and Camp Delicious! programs will be forever tethered by a shared experience in the summer of 2014 – whether it be a desire to create solutions and improve the lives of others, or perhaps the skill to inspire and influence others with words, or the passion to grow, experiment and prepare with the universal language that is food.

For now summer is once again drawing to a close – with only about three weeks left until school starts, at Luminari we are encouraged by these young people who will be returning to their classrooms with new perspectives, experiences and purpose.

We will always look back on our summers past with fondness and nostalgia, however, we are also renewed and look forward to the global ripple effect created by the amazing teenagers who take part every year. Without a doubt, these teens are the champions of our future and we can take great comfort in knowing that we are passing on the reigns of leadership to such accomplished and inspiring young people.

On behalf of the entire Luminari staff, we thank the 2014 campers for sharing their ideas and demonstrating their passion for positive change. Many thanks to our educators, facilitators, sponsors and friends for their ongoing support and guidance. A special thanks to the Heinz History Center (and staff) for hosting our Pittsburgh portion of the I Want to be an Ambassador! camp; WQED studios (and staff) for hosting our Teen Writer! camp; and Rodef Shalom, Phipps and The Art Institute, Pittsburgh for hosting our Camp Delicious! program.

Written by Pilar Brown, Luminari Team Member

Board Member Ilene Schwartz Talks about Luminari Turning Five!

Luminari is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, and as an integral part of our organization, Ilene Hurwitz Schwartz,Treasurer, Luminari Board of Directors, shares some of her thoughts and reflects on the organization’s first five years and talks about the direction she sees Luminari headed. 

Ilene is Director of Marketing for BPU Investment Management, Inc., and has more than 30 years of experience in marketing communications and development.

1. How did you first get involved with Luminari and why?
   Hilda Pang Fu and I have known each other as friends and colleagues for many years.  When Hilda shared with me the idea for an organization such as Luminari, I knew immediately it would not only materialize but become a great success and most importantly have a positive impact on many lives. There was nothing like this in our region or anywhere else, for that matter. Most importantly, when Hilda is involved, her passion, intellect, motivation, and positive energy cannot be suppressed! So, my response to Hlida was, "What a fabulour idea!" Obviously she moved forward, and I was honored when she asked me to be a member of the Board of Directors, which I continue to be.
   
2. Talk to us about some of the big successes in the last 5 years of Luminari. What moments stand out to you? What are you the most proud of?
   
   There are many moments! But, when I saw the excited and passion in the eyes of the first group of the "I Want to Be an Ambassador!" camp that was amazing. Then, I found out that some of those same students when on to study international relations in college.  Wow! I am proud to be part of something that encourages individuals to be intellectually curious and see the world as a place where individuals embrace their respective differences as a way to grow closer and more peacefully together.
   
3. Who are some of the people that make the organization what it is, why?
   
   Everyone involved is terrific - like Hilda, they are smart, passionate and caring.
   
4. What’s next for Luminari? What will the next 5 years look like?
   
   It's my hope that it continues to grow and prosper. This year we are launching Camp  Delicious!, which I predict will be another successful program. Other such programs will follow with continued support from foundations and others.
   
5. For those just learning about the organization, what’s the one thing they should know to get them involved? How can they help?
   
   They should know that this is an organization that does something now - those involved don't just talk, they do! It's truly a "happening" organization and most importantly focuses on bringing out the best in anyone who gets involved - be they staff, board members, and especially the program participants.