May 20, 2012

In loving memory of Mel

A gathering, celebrating the well-lived life of Mel Copen was held on Friday, March 23, 2012 in the Council Room of The University Club at One West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be directed to a nonprofit fund established by Dr. and Mrs. Copen to stimulate cultural and economic growth in Sedona area communities. Tax-deductible donations for the “Mel Copen Vision Fund” may be made to the Sedona Village Main Street Partnership, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, in care of the Thomas Graham Law Office, 50 Courthouse Court, Sedona, AZ 86351-7425.

Smile(s) of the day

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips, in Northern Arizona, when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. 
  
As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a ride.  With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

 
Resuming the journey, Sally tried – in vain – to make a bit of small talk with the woman.  The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. 


“Whats in the bag?” asked the old woman. 
  
Sally looked down at the brown bag and said:  “It’s a bottle of wine.  I got it for my husband.” 
  
The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two.  Then, speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: 
  
  
“Good trade …”