The Davis Cup

Maureen Davidson’s excellent feature “Photo Finish?” (March 5-11) was a comprehensive and accurate recounting of events leading to the present state of play at the Center for Photographic Arts.

Having had the privilege of sharing many dives, cups of coffee and discussions on photography with Chuck Davis over the past decade, I can readily attest to his generosity of spirit. Whether working on behalf of our marine environment, speaking to a student group or emceeing an Underwater Film Festival, Chuck gives cheerfully and wholeheartedly of his time and considerable energies. He is modest to a fault about his accomplishments – a rarity in professional photography.

When the CPA was rudderless, Chuck stepped in and filled the void, at a real cost to himself, both in time taken away from his own professional responsibilities, and in assuming the workload and demands of the Center. Without his efforts, the CPA might well have capsized.

The entire Monterey Bay photographic community owes a debt of gratitude to Chuck Davis for his leadership of the CPA Board of Directors during this critical juncture. He may be of “the next generation,” but I have no doubt that he would have been welcome at Ansel’s “back in the day.”

Faithful Servant

I’m writing to recognize the extraordinary work of Chaplain Cynthia Montague at the Monterey County Jail. The chaplain selflessly gives of her services day in and out. She is called upon to bolster inmates’ faith not only in God, but themselves. She wears many hats to respond to the various needs of a constantly shifting population that averages 1,200 male and female inmates, ranging in age from late teens to their ’70s. When asked how she could, of her own free will, in effect imprison herself while serving her accused population, Chaplain Montague responded, “I do this work because it is here to be done, because I am here.” This lone statement epitomizes the good chaplain’s personification of the faith she lives – to love your neighbor as you love yourself and to judge not.

Last December, Montague brought to the jail the internationally known Shannon Frediani to soothe inmates with song.

She also arranges yearly for carolers to serenade the imprisoned women and men during the Christian Advent.

As she makes her rounds to her charges, she distributes books she has obtained on her own time at garage sales and used book stores, paid for with her own money.

The chaplain may not agree to have her good deeds brought into the light, but people can learn from her example, humbleness and great love.

Correction

In “Photo Finish?” (March 5-11), Kim Weston was inadvertently identified as the grandson of Ansel Adams, the son of Brett Weston and the nephew of Cole Weston. In fact, he is the grandson of Edward Weston, the son of Cole Weston, and the nephew of Brett Weston. He is not related to Ansel Adams.