from Dolores St. Louis
CRAFT SHOW HELD ITS OWN, IN SPITE OF OMINOUS WEATHER
The Annual Crafts & Arts Show on Sat/Sun, November 19-20, proved the talented and dedicated vendors would not let chilly weather with heavy gusts of wind deter them. Sunday afternoon, some outdoor vendors did pack up their wears and head home as the skies darkened with rain to pursue. The crafts were wonderful, displaying many bright colors to add a cheerful touch the days’sales event. There was an abundance of jewelry (rings, bracelet, necklaces, watches), knit and crochet items (scarves, sweaters, ponchos, bags), uniquely designed, delicate doll clothes, beautifully sewn aprons, napkins, and table cloths in varying styles, paintings in various mediums, and a wonderful display of ceramics, pottery, gourds and palm fronds.
Two of our City Park and Recreation Senior Citizen Services Team Members were on hand to keep things running smoothly, as they were last year. Kristi Fenick, Supervising Recreation Specialist andLewis Higgins, Recreation Specialist (at the right). You will be reading more about them in a January profile. Keep watch.
I was pleasantly surprised, when I pulled up to the curb at Casa Del Prado with my crafts, early Saturday morning, and was greeted by a very dedicated volunteer. Steve Tom (left) was on hand to help the vendors transport there arts and crafts to their designated areas.
As mentioned, my goal is to introduce you to as many volunteers, as possible, this coming year. Steve will be profiled in February, 2012…This is a big task. There are dozens of dedicated volunteers, who are to be recognized for keeping these wonderful Senior Events moving along successfully, working side by side with City Park & Recreation Department Senior Citizen Services.
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HOPE YOU ALL HAD A WONDERFUL AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.
Finish up the year with these great events: Remember the Holiday Carnival and Craft Show, Sat., 12/3. 11am-2pm, War Memorial Bldg. Last year it was great fun….Lots of vendors with crafts to sell, just in time for Christmas, games, entertainment, and food. This is a family affair. Seniors, take advantage of a family get together.
Then, buckle up for another terrific tour to the Historic Mission Inn in Riverside, CA, Sat., 12/17. It is to be a walking tour, so City Park Folks say, “Be prepared”. Your cost is just $36, which includes transportation, driver gratuity, and Mission Inn tour ticket. (Lunch is on your own.) For more information and to register, call Senior Citizen Services (619) 236-6905. Sounds like a great day.
Now, gear up to audition for the Annual Talent Show in 2012. If interested, Talent Auditions are being held on Thurs., 1/19. 1 PM-4 PM, War Memorial Building. This event is for Seniors 50 years and older. Talent categories are dance, vocal, instrumental, variety or group performance. Friends and family are welcome and encouraged to come to the auditions to cheer on the performing contestants. No charge. The motto is “the more, the merrier”. For information, or to register, call Senior Citizen Services at 619-236-6905.
There are so many more on going activities, remember to pick up your copy of The Scroll at the Senior Citizen Services office, at one of the events you might attend; or, pull it up in the internet. It is full of great senior activities.
ANOTHER GREAT EVENT JUST ENDED WITH FLYING COLORS
The 35th Annual Senior Art Contest Reception was held Friday, 10/21/11, in the Civic Concourse, Silver Room. It was a special luncheon event, honoring the multitude of artists, who participated. Let me tell you, if you did not get a chance to visit the exhibit in the lobby of the Administration Building, held 10/10 to 10/21, you missed out. The artists’ works of oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, mixed media, and photography were dynamite…..Don’t let any one tell you that artistic ability diminishes with age.
Besides the overall categories I mentioned, there were three divisions for photography; Natural Landscape, Nature, and Urban. There were four divisions in watercolor; Floral, Landscape, Portrait, and Miscellaneous. There were 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize Ribbons given in each category, which makes a total of thirty-six top awards, plus eleven Honorable Mentions. The judges had their hands full, having to look over all entries.
Many thanks go to the Judges: Marsha Austin-Rogers, has a B.A. in Art, is a member of the San Diego Watercolor Society, has been teaching drawing and painting for San Diego Community College Adult School since 1995, teaches privately, and is most proud of her years as a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; Ellie Hitchcock was president of the Spanish Village Art Center for four years, is currently a member and president of the San Diego Polymer Clay Guild, and currently teaches children and adults private classes in her studio and summer art camp at Spanish Village; Joaquin Ortiz is currently the Digital Interpretation Manager for the Museum of Photographic Arts since 2009, oversees the Museum’s SEPIA programs for older adult and people with Alzheimer’s, holds a B.A. in Film and Digital Media from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and is working on his Master’s degree in Educational Technology at San Diego State.
There were eighteen very nice door prizes given out from generous donors; the Museum of Photographic Arts, Pearson Education, The San Diego Museum of Art, and World Art & Framing.
Kudos go to the hardworking staff and volunteers from the City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department Senior Citizen Services. The staff gives sincere appreciation to the volunteers who assisted in helping make the contest a complete success. They are Anita Borce, Robb Cassidy, Ernie Cesena, Alyssa Kinnier, Raven Johnson, Joan Neff, Lina Riego, and Violetta Thompson.
A few more words about the staff: As I began, last year, following all the wonderful activities for seniors under the wings of this group, I became aware of how this dedicated crew works to achieve their goals. I have named them, “The A Team”. You will be learning more about them and the volunteers. In January, 2012, I am kicking off my column with a profile on each staff member. During the course of the year, I will profile a volunteer a month. Let me introduce “The A Team” (l to r)Rebecca (Becky) Cesena, Clerical Assistant II, Lewis Higgins, Recreation Specialist, Kristi Fenick, Supervising Recreation Specialist, and Kathy Aceves, District Manager. No matter what local senior event you attend, you will no doubt run into one or all of these team members.
Keep tuned in. There will be more. 2012 seems far away; but, here we are with only two months left in 2011.
Last, but definitely not least, thanks again to Patron of the Arts, Sunrise Senior Living. For this event, they hosted a delicious, healthy Art Show Reception Luncheon. Special thanks go to Sophia Anguiano, Director of Community Relations, and Chefs Erwin Lazaro and Jivette Taylor of Sunrise of Bonita for their culinary expertise. Sunrise of Bonita has a program of offering a healthy free luncheon to any senior who would like to drop by and learn more about Sunrise Senior Living. They have a wonderful recipe book, which you can pick up at the same time; “Recipes From The Heart” in their Taste of Sunrise booklet sharing healthy resident and team recipes. If interested, call Sophia at 619-470-2220. She will be happy to answer your questions.
REMINDERS OF GREAT PROGRAMS:
WHAT’S GOIN’ ON & COMING UP. FIRST AND FOREMOST:
MS SR AMERICA is just around the corner. You may not get to Atlantic City, New Jersey, but you can still root for NORMA MOREIN, our MS SR SAN DIEGO, who will be competing there, October 2-6, 2011. She won her crown, trophy, sash, sponsors’ gifts, and an all expense round trip to the MS SR. America Pageant. Here, she is pictured with Marilyn Kohler, Director of MS SR California Pageant (left) and Pamela Wheeler, MS SR California, 2010 (right).
Marilyn is, also, Culver City Pageant Director, and Director of the “Sizzlin’ Seniors”, a performance group comprised of past pageant contestants. Let me tell you these Senior Ladies are not just sizzlin’; they are dynamite. They perform all over California, and, annually take a trip to Laughlin, NV, to appear in three casinos.
Pam is Orange County Pageant Director, and Editor of the Ms Sr California Cameo Club quarterly newsletter. The club currently has 80 members and is a support team for the Ms Sr Pageants. The Cameo Club has a renowned choir of magnificent voice, and opens all preliminary pageants leading to Ms Sr California.
Norma has a classically trained voice with a marvelous range. She won the talent award in the SD Pageant. For her talent in MS SR CA she performed “One Look”, portraying Norma Desmond in Sunset Blvd. Costumed beautifully, she was a knockout. She is a member of the Long Beach Chorale and Prime Time Players, Sizzlin’ Seniors, and Cameo Club. She will represent San Diego and California well in the MS SR America Pageant.
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SENIORS, do you feel as though you are on a giant “Merry-Go-Round” going faster and faster. I certainly do! Can you believe we are entering the Holiday Season shortly? Besides the Holidays, the next 3 months are filled with great activities. No sooner will 2011 end, than 2012 will come in with a “bang” bringing more great events. In addition to some major year end events, there are the ongoing dance classes for the young at heart seniors; and, many, for families, which is ideal for seniors who would like to get their families involved in dancing. Dancing can be great family fun and is well known to be therapeutic.
Dances and Dance Classes, to name a few: Thursdays, 1-3:30PM, Balboa Park Club, only $3.00, with a varying group of dance bands, and intermittent lessons from Waltzes to the Fox Trot, taught by Russell Mapes (12-1PM); Tuesdays, 1-2:30PM, Casa Del Prado, Room 206, free, 3 month series with each month a different form of dance lessons (Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha), taught by Conrad Ulrich. The above dances are sponsored by San Diego City Park & Recreation Senior Citizen Services; for information, or to register, call 619-236-6905.
The following, For Everyone Dances, are sponsored by SD City Park & Rec. Dept., Members of International Dance Assoc. of SD & Folk Dance Federation of CA. South, Inc.: Tuesday Eves, Balboa Park Club, 7-8:15PM (Beginners), 8:15-9:30PM (Intermediate/Advanced). No partners or experience needed to learn dances from around the world. Their motto is, “If you can walk, you can dance”. Sounds like fun to me! Costs are modest. For detailed information, or to sign up, call Bob 619-286-0355. Just recently, Sat., 9/17 & Sun., 9/18, International Folk Dancers hosted the annual Oktoberfest at Balboa Park Club. It was great fun. Free Admission, Vendors selling their wares, great Bistro Food by Alex. Although “Fest” was for all, I noticed mostly, Seniors in attendance, having a great time Folk Dancing.
IDASD, which, by the way, is a non-profit organization supported by SDP&R Dept., dedicated to the social recreation of dancing, is host to afternoon Folk Dancing, Balboa Park Club, Sundays, 12:30-4:30PM. Program hosted alternately by other Folk Dance Organizations. The best way to get the scoop, first hand, is to drop by one Sunday afternoon. The organization has an informative tri-fold leaflet listing all participating parties, too numerous to name here……Or call, Anne Marsh, IDA’s Balboa Park Liaison. 618-422-1584.
If you miss Sunday, drop by another Folk Dance Class, exploring the world through dance. Wednesday eve., Balboa Park Club, 7:15-8:20PM (Instruction), 8:20-9:30PM (Open), Sponsored by SD International Folk Dance Club. Modest fees. Call 858-278-4619 for more information.
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Check out these interesting, morning happenings: Senior Lounge, Casa Del Prado, Room 105, Games of Cribbage, Needle Crafts, and Balboa Park Walks, or just drop by to say “hello” to friendly folks. All seniors welcome; War Memorial Bldg., play the intricate game of Mah Jongg with your peers, Play and Listen to Piano Music, join the Deaf Senior Club and explore what you are missing, or attend the Got Drama classes with Chris R., or the Art of Storytelling with Dr. Soules. You can see, there is no end to what is going on for Seniors in San Diego.
Reminder of a great trip coming up: Lake Arrowhead, Saturday, 10/15, just $35.00, and you are invited to cruise around the lake on the Arrowhead Queen. Return back to SD about 8PM. Call Senior Citizen Services to register and verify pickup time and place, 619-236-6905.
Call Senior City Services for information on any of the above programs; all are sponsored by San Diego Park and Recreation Dept. Stay tuned.
There is much more, coming up.
Here she is…MS SR California 2011
Our own, Norma Morein, representing San Diego, just won the crown, in the MS SR California Pageant on Saturday, August 20th. She will be competing for the crown in the MS SR America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ, October 2-6-2011.
Norma graced the stage throughout this Silver Anniversary Pageant at the Rose Theatre in Westminster, CA. She, first, had a pre-pageant personal interview with the judges. Competing against 17 other lovely ladies, she had to shine in charm, personality, conversational skills, and the ability to meet the ideals of MS SR California. Five judges, each with an array of professional credits, had a difficult task in rendering a verdict for this important category.
Eighteen eager contestants competed with flying colors in all categories. In the Evening Gown category, contestants, gowned beautifully for a presentation walk, were judged on poise, grace, and stage presence reflecting the “Age of Elegance”.
Talent, whether in the Arts, Dance, Vocal, Drama, or Instrumental, is an important category. It demonstrates talent does not diminish with age. These ladies proved the point. Each presented “show place” talent in her choice of performance.
Philosophy of Life is no doubt the toughest category of all. Each contestant has a short limited time to express her inner beauty and wisdom to prove true beauty is a matter of “insight”, as well as “eyesight”. Five separate judges, again, each steeping in an array of professional credits, had the grand task of selecting the overall winner, the four Runners-up, and the talent winner. The Miss Congeniality award is given by a vote of her peers.
<< Your Queen and her Court: Alise Richel, Talent Winner, Fran Lewis -4th-, Myrna Motzer -1st-, Norma Morein -Winner, Lea London – 2nd ,Rosa Marie Navarro – 3rd , Bonnie Corwin, Miss Congeniality.
The talent award must be mentioned, won by Alise Richel. Her rendition of the long time classical favorite “Granada” was spectacular. She was frocked in a stunning, cardinal red gown with matching head dress. She was my talent choice.
Marilyn Kohler, Pageant Director, and Pam Wheeler, 2010 SR MS California, were assisted by a dedicated crew. Many credits are due. You should have been there to pick up the colorful 27-page program. Thanks must be given to all advertisers, sponsors, prize donors (among them, gifts to all contestants and an all expense paid trip for the Winner to Atlantic City) and the Royal Order of the Silver Streaks (generous supporters of the MS CA Pageants), who, also, hosted a “Gala” dinner the evening before.
More “kudos” are in store. KEEP WATCH!
The rhythmic waltz beat goes on
Not just one, but TWO FUNFILLED WALTZ AND DANCE CLASSES took place recently; Thursday, 8/11, at Balboa Park Club and Tuesday, 8/16, at the War Memorial Building, So, if you love to waltz , you should have been here.
Thursday (8/11) was the “Wear a Party Hat” dance, 12N-3:30PM, with Russell Mapes doing the honors, teaching beautiful waltz steps, the first 45 minutes. Just look at the great turn out. I caught the dancers, as they were taking a refreshment break; all this and prizes, too, for just $3 at the door.
Paragon Dance Band, known for their “Music for All Occasions” rendered musical selections for the dancers. Diane Mensch is leader of the band and plays a “mean” cornet, herself. I caught the group for a photo, during the break, just before they returned to the stage, with instruments in tow, to continue playing a wonderfully diversified choice of music for the dancers. (Jim Fiedler, clarinet; Anna Rowe, piano; Diane; Bob Bowman, bass; Everett Crouse, tenor sax; Ed Struble, drums.) Their motto is “Come Swing Along With Paragon” (Say this just right and it rhymes. Clever, what?).
Keep watch. The next dance in line for the Balboa Park Club is a ”50’s Swing Dance” to be held Thursday, September 22.
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Tuesday (8/16) was another afternoon, filled with dancing pleasure. The free waltz lessons, here, are taught by Conrad Ulrich (formerly with Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios). The first hour is devoted to teaching, assisted by lovely partner, Debbie Wing. The remaining time is open to the joy of dancing.
These dances take place each Tuesday, 1-2:30PM, at the War Memorial Building. (North end of the Zoo parking lot.) Keep tuned in……Come September, Conrad will be teaching the “Cha Cha”. How’s this for being upbeat? (Schedule: 9/6-9/13-9/20-9/27.)
Remember these lovely programs are sponsored by City Park and Recreation Senior Citizen Services Department, with help from many volunteers. Please call 619-236-6905 for more info, or to register for specified classes.
********** QUICK REMINDERS Put these events on your calendar: 9/6-9/16 Artwork acceptance and sign up for Annual Art show to be held in October; 9/8, Thursday, 12N-3:30PM, Las Vegas Extravaganza & Dance; 9/13, 8:00AM, begins Crafters’sign-ups for table space for Saturday & Sunday, 11/19-20; 9/17-9/18, Saturday & Sunday, 35th Annual Oktoberfest. 9/28-30, Laughlin, NV, trip, with transportation, accommodations, breakfast, & buffet. Pertinent details to follow.
Recognize these beautiful senior ladies?
If not, let me refresh your memory. Elvia Harris, Norma Morein andBeverly Weurding (right) are your MS SR SAN DIEGO Pageant winners of the 2011 San Diego Pageant, held 2/19/11. They will be representing you in the MS SR CALIFORNIA Pageant to take place Saturday, 8/20/11, 2 PM, at the Rose Theatre in Westminster, CA (14140 All American Way). Norma, took 1st Place, Elvia 2nd, and Beverly 3rd in the San Diego Pageant. They will be competing equally in the California Pageant.
Norma and Elvia are, each, beautifully trained vocal artists. Beverly is a “Wheel Chair Dancer”. Norma, also, took the top honor in the talent division in San Diego. These ladies are very active in community endeavors: to mention a few; Norma is a member of the Prime Time Players in Long Beach; Elvia is Founder/Executive Director of Sounds Divine-Jazz and Vocal Ensemble; Beverly is Co-founder of the Wheel Chair Dancers Organization. All share in volunteering their talents in performances for Seniors around the county.
The “Age of Elegance” is the theme for the Ms Sr Pageants, whether local, state wide, or national. Marilyn Kohler Director of the California Pageant has informed us that there will be eighteen contestants competing for the coveted title of MS SR CALIFORNIA.
The ladies have informed me the talent competition is going to be “tough”. They are working extra hard on their presentations to make a good showing…And, talent is not all. There will be the judges’ personal interviews (taking place prior to the pageant) to determine ability of a contestant to meet the ideals of Ms Sr America; the evening gown presentation to show stage presence, poise, and grace; the talent division to demonstrate talent does not diminish with age; and the individual, oral presentation of “Philosophy of Life” to show inner beauty and wisdom.
Two, other, of our other beautiful ladies who are active in civic and senior endeavors should not go unnoticed. Peggy Padilla, (left) director of the Ms Sr San Diego Pageant, a professional tap dancer in her own right, choreographed the opening number for the California Pageant, creating a ”show stopper” for the eighteen contestants and six pageant directors. She will be among the pageant performers.
Jane Wagner, (right) a professional dancer, performing her unique style of modern jazz to international fair, volunteers to dance in shows to the delight of Seniors in and around our community. She is always on hand to help out wherever she is needed. This year at the California Pageant she will be selling raffle tickets to help raise funds to keep these lovely MS SR Pageants alive.
What a finale…Great music…Great spirit
Trolley Barn Park’s Annual Concert in the Park series, on Adams Avenue, in University Heights, ended Friday, 8/5, with a tremendous send off by Sue Palmer & Her Motel Swing Orchestra.
Sue Palmer takes no back seat to jazz and blues entertainers around the globe. Known as San Diego’s Queen of the Boogie Woogie Beat, she tickles the ivories with a complete blues collection on her keyboard. With her unique style, she loves to bring home tantalizing renditions reminiscent of the clubs and cafés of 1932 Paris, Harlem, West Texas, and Hawaii. Sue and her entourage of professional musicians have been favorites at these concerts for years. Their upbeat rhythms and musical variety keep the crowds totally entertained for hours, as many recline and just listen, while others dance the evening away. This year’s capacity crowd was one of the largest I have ever witnessed at Trolley Barn Park.
Sue is truly “One of a Kind” with a great entertainment history. If you would like to know more about her, sign up for her newsletter, or order a CD, access her website. It is full of pertinent information.
These wonderful concerts are sponsored by a multitude of business companies, vendors, and associates. Without their support each year, the concerts would not exist. If you did not make it this year, put next July/August on your calendar, and block out six Friday evenings. Check, before then, with University Heights Community Newspaper for particulars, including the schedule and a list of the diversified musical groups who will perform, from down home Country to Latin Beats.
SENIORS, a note: this type of musical entertainment is right up your alley. Trolley Barn Park Concerts are for everyone, so you can bring the whole family….and enjoy. If you have not made it before, you are in for a treat.
Keep an eye on these current and future activities
If you missed the Rumba Lessons in August, plan to attend September (6-27) classes, each Tuesday from 1-2:30pm at the War Memorial Building. Classes are free and everyone is welcome.
You will learn to Cha Cha your way through September with some lively Latin tunes. Dance Instructor, Conrad, formerly with Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios, will teach the first hour. The last half hour will be open dancing. If you already know how to trip the light fantastic, just come and enjoy. To register: call (619) 236-6905.
Remember, the above dances are sponsored by City of San Diego Park & Recreation Department Senior Citizen Services with the support of many dedicated volunteers.
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Get your art work together. October is going to bring in the Senior Art Contest and Exhibit, 10/10-10/21, followed by a luncheon reception. Last year was a sensation. The art work was incredible; paintings, drawings, mixed media and photography. Registering, and the acceptance of art work, will begin 9/6/11.
November will bring in the exciting two-day Senior Craft Sale, 11/19-11/20. Last year, the rains came down in buckets, trying to put a damper on this great affair…..For the persevering Vendors, the weekend was a great success. There were thousand of pieces of beautiful crafts on display. Sign-ups for tables begin 9/13 at 8am. More detailed information in August on both of the spectacular events.
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