Folena Family 2013

I cannot believe how quickly 2013 has flown by - it seems like I wrote last year's family review just last month, not a year ago. They say that time does pass more rapidly as one ages, well ...

2013 started out with Amanda producing the show Cats at Broadway By The Bay. It was a big success as it garnered rave reviews from the peninsula area critics and was really well received by the subscribers. Cats was followed by Oliver! in the summer and then Cabaret in late summer. Guys and Dolls rounded out the season in the fall and all shows were box office successes. Of course nothing is ever easy for Amanda and her theater company as the Executive Director decided to step down and pursue other interests mid-season. After a significant interview process Daren A.C. Carollo was selected as successor E.D. making Amanda happy as she has worked with him before and feels they make a good team. Amanda also brought on a director of customer relations who has helped immensely in both off-loading Amanda and cultivating good relationships with season subscribers. Next year’s season is exciting as Amanda has contracted to produce Evita, In The Heights, Dream Girls and Anything Goes.

Daren Carollo with Amanda following the opening night performance.

Jennyanydots (Kate McGrath) with Jane at the BBBay opening of CATS.

Amanda as Artistic Director introducing Cats!

Robbie had a change in work venue as he left the NBC affiliate in Denver for a new job. He was recruited by an online marketing and sales company called Centro based out of Chicago. They found out about him through various contacts in the business and he was lured away from the NBC affiliate to explore an area in media sales that Robbie hadn't been exposed to yet. He's done print, radio and television advertising and sales, but not the techie-centric online world. He's finding it a huge challenge as he learns quite a bit on the fly while still needing to service customers and provide for their needs. He really enjoys the new company as they emphasize quality of life and encourage employees to collaborate and work as a team. It’s a much more casual atmosphere than he’s used to – no suits and ties - but very aggressive as the sales goals bar is set very high.

Justin continues to work as the Theater Manager at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco. He also spent the summer as the production manager for SRT in Santa Rosa so he’s building up an impressive résumé in the Bay Area. He enjoys what he does and he works very hard at it.

Desta works as an attorney in the firm of Holland & Hart in Denver specializing in estate trusts. She has been able to reduce her billable hours a bit to try and make life a little less stressful as the job requirements for a young attorney in such a law firm can be daunting. She does enjoy what she does and she’s very successful.

I started my own official business called ChildZCare and launched my web site (ChildZCare.com) where I promote my teaching of Infant and Child CPR along with professional clinical training for nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists, etc. I also continue my part-time position for Kaiser Permanente where I work a couple of days a week gathering data from the Pediatric Intensive Care Units for quality assurance purposes. However, I really enjoy teaching infant CPR for parents and other family members at Tiny Tots in Campbell. As it turns out I’ll be teaching infant CPR to my own family this coming year – we all have to be prepared you know (spoiler alert!).

Things didn't work out for Paul at Kaiser in Oakland unfortunately. However he found a position working at Tiny Tots where I teach infant CPR. He is helping to automate their back office processes as he learns all about operating a small business. He finds the running and day to day operation of such a business fascinating and he is enjoying himself. He finds the environment refreshing and they seem to appreciate what he brings to the table.

Now for the real news ...

Robbie finally proposed to Desta!

Their wedding is scheduled for June of 2014 and we couldn't be happier. Desta is a jewel and Robbie is a very lucky guy.

Oh and for even more news ...

Amanda and Justin are expecting! It's a girl! Yay!!!

The little bundle is due in early May and we can't wait.

So needless to say there are some significant events to come for our family in the coming year. Well that pretty much wraps up the Folena Family 2013 review and the look forward into 2014. The Folenas want to wish you and your loved ones a fabulous holiday season full of joy and good cheer. Have a healthy, prosperous and jubilant New Year!

Season’s Greetings

Cheers!

Here is a video of Amanda performing at the 2013 Divas for Life charity event in Los Altos. She performed "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" written and composed by the late Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller from the musical "Ain't Misbehavin'."

If you don't see the YouTube object on the left, click HERE to view the video.