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Active Senior Makes Bequest
Edith Schmoll could possibly be one of the most active seniors in the valley. She is frequently called upon to play piano, organ, and keyboard for churches, temples, clubs, private parties, and organizations. She has four pianos, a baby grand, an upright, and two keyboards. Among her careers, Edith worked for the Columbia Broadcasting System editing college piano music classes. She worked closely with Harold Rhodes the inventor of the electric piano.
Edith is a writer and has published several articles for the Preservation Foundation and MENSA. Among her most recent writings are travel stories. She is being recognized for her writing next Fall and will be included in Who's Who of American Women.
She will soon be listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for a most unusual talent. It seems that no one else in the world has been found who can write two different sentences simultaneously with both hands.
Edith hasn't always been so active. For six years she devoted all of her time to taking care of her husband who suffered from an illness that caused his blindness and paralysis. He passed a little over three years ago and Edith subsequently became reclusive.
Last September Edith enrolled in two classes at the Menifee Campus, Piano and Creative Writing. She is having a ball learning and sharpening her skills and looks forward to going to all of her classes. She gives much credit to her music professor Dr. Yarnelle for encouraging her to try new things.
Edith feels that the College has given her a new lease on life. In her own words, "The College has done so much for me, I want to give something back. I know that the College does a lot for many people, and some of them need help." Edith has included the College in her estate plan with a bequest from her Will. |
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McDaniel Family Perpetual Art Scholarships
"This is my community, and supporting our community is my purpose in life," says Ed McDaniel. "I was inspired by a speech delivered by Dr. Giese, retired President of Mt. San Jacinto College. His words literally changed my life." According to Ed, in his speech Dr. Giese pointed out that community college is the training ground for most people who pursue their dreams and careers. While many students go on to four-year colleges and universities, most do not. Supporting community college is an investment in making the community a better place.
What connected Ed to the College was has interest in art. He enrolled in an art class three years ago and pursued an interest in sculpture. "I have been greatly encouraged by my instructors Sandy Robinson, MSJC Art Department Chair, and Max De Moss, Foundry and Sculpture Instructor. They helped me to believe in myself and develop my potential as an artist." Ed took on a local project to create a bust memorializing Dr. William Stoner for the Menifee Hospital. It was the personal attention, motivation and support of his art instructors that led to his sculpture being selected for permanent display at the Hospital. Since that time, the MSJC Foundation approached and commissioned Ed to create a base for the Eagle (symbol of MSJC) sculpture that will be part of the new Learning Resources Center at the Menifee campus. Ed had to consider outdoor and indoor architecture, textures used in the building construction, and lighting in his design.
His coursework has led him to begin a virtual gallery for artists called the Winchester Art Colony. As Ed notes, "artists learn how to perfect their skills, but are rarely taught how to market and sell their work." Ed is applying his talents from earlier days when he was in business for himself as a general contractor, property manager, and building maintenance supervisor to help others profit from their artistic talents.
Ed has established a fund in his family name for the purpose of providing scholarships specifically for art students. The fund has thus far provided scholarships to 12 worthy and talented students. Ed has made a bequest that will ensure scholarships in perpetuity. In Ed's words, "I just want to encourage talented young people to believe in themselves." |