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Page 14-A F EXPRESS NEWS, San Antonio, Texas, Wednesday, July 25, 1990 On the Scene Photos by Gloria Ferniz and J. Scott Parish [[image - photograph]] Bidding farewell to Mel Casas (right), chairman of Very Special Arts San Antonio and member of the Fine Arts Commission, are Louis Cruz and Judy Babbitt. Casas and his wife, Grace, are moving to Italy and were honored at a reception. [[image - photograph]] Jeff Lamboy (left), who will attend St. Mary's University in the fall,accepts a scholarship from Virgil Lucky of the Alamo Heights Optimist Club during a dinner Tuesday. [[image - photograph]] Enjoying the Texas Camel Corps membership drive and picnic at the Witte Museum are members David Stone and Kay Sharp. [[image - photograph]] Lee Reyna (left), Fine Arts Commission member, and Pat Osborne, San Antonio's Historic Preservation officer, attend the farewell luncheon for Mel and Grace Casas at the Bright Shawl. [[image - photograph]] Margaret Vargas (left), guest speaker at Network Power Texas, joins Sylvia Mendiola and Pat Thalken at Maggie's Restaurant for the monthly meeting. [[image - photograph]] Coordinators for the San Antonio Jaycees blood drive and membership meeting are Linda King (left to right), Gregor Ulteig and Richard Tavizon. Friends give Casas heartfelt sendoff at luncheon By TRACEY TIMPANARO Express-News Staff Writer Although there were no sappy speeches Tuesday at a farewell luncheon for Mel Casas in the Bright Shawl, the 27 attendees made it clear they would miss their friend. "I can't believe you're going," said Pat Osborne, city historic preservation officer. "I don't want you to go, but I know you're going to love it." Casas has been a member of the Fine Arts Commission since his appointment in 1982. In 1986, he helped found Very Special Arts, a group that works to create art opportunities for disabled people. Casas and his wife, Grace, are moving to Brindisi, Italy. Casas has taught in and been chairman of the Visual Arts and Technology department at San Antonio College since July 1961. "How it happened was serendipity, really," Casas said. "I was in part qualified for retirement, and Grace had applied to teach overseas. She got a job offer, and when she did I resigned and retired. I hope to paint and enjoy myself." Casas said he would miss local people the most. "I've gotten quite used to this city. I consider myself a native because I've been here so long. This (move) will be a total change." Judy Babbitt, planning administrator for Very Special Arts, said she found out two weeks ago that Casas was leaving. "I couldn't believe it was happening that quickly. He was as surprised as we were. So Genie Cooper (Planner II with Fine Arts Commission) and I put our heads together to come up with something that would be kind of fun, just to cheer him on. "He's just always been so supportive. You could call him on a moment's notice and he would be there," Babbitt said. Upcoming The Carver Community Cultural Center will present "A'Lelia" at 8 p.m. Thursday. The musical comedy is about the life of A'Lelia Walker and the rise and fall of the Harlem renaissance. Performances will continue through Sunday. Tickets are $7. Call 225-6516.
