News from Piedmont: Happy Halloween!

Posted on November 1, 2021 by EngAGE

Program Director Arnold Schmidt reports, “Here you go, fresh off the grill (or fresh out of the cauldron), Halloween pictures! Yesterday, I went through the building and put little goodie bags for the residents on all 198 doors. A great workout, lol!”

Thank you for the effort and for all of the great photos posted below, Arnold! We also want to share some of the emailed praise you received from delighted residents: 

Thank you for the Halloween candy. Not only have you organized activities for us in a masterful way–you are also very kind and thoughtful. Again, thank you for the candy and for all that you do, and for doing it so well.  You are deeply appreciated by all!! Happy Halloween. Love and blessings, Pam

Hi Arnold! I just arrived home and found a very thoughtful Halloween surprise on my door!!! Thank you so very much!! So nice to be remembered! ?Candace

Dear Arnold, THANK YOU!  I just got home and saw the bag of Halloween goodies and ATE THEM!! Haha! You are the BEST.  So attentive, and involved, and kind-hearted, and funny.  ADJUST YOUR HALO. Thank you again for being YOU. Best, Karen

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News from Piedmont: “The Covid Show’Vid Summer Series”

Posted on October 25, 2021 by EngAGE

Teaching Artist Nancy Georgini and the Piedmont Acting Group were undaunted by COVID. They presented a virtual showcase of their talents in “The Covid Show’Vid Summer Series” on Zoom. Copyright considerations prevent us from posting a video, but if you scroll down the images below (provided by Piedmont Program Director Arnold Schmidt), you can get a glimpse of the performance. Well done, everyone!

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At Long Beach Senior Arts Colony, Kyle Is a “Happy Camper”

Posted on October 19, 2021 by EngAGE
Kyle with Penny Pumpernickel

When Kyle, an LBSAC resident, found out about our recent NAMM Foundation grant, she sent an enthusiastic email:

This is great news! I know how important music has been to our EngAGE community here at the Long Beach Senior Arts Colony. From piano lessons with Lauren Wright to recording songs for the upcoming Ageism: The Musical, music is one of the highlights of my week! Thank you EngAGE and NAMM for making this girl a happy camper and extending the thrill to our compadres in Carson.

Kyle performing at a Storytelling event at LBSAC

She also shared her feelings about Program Director Helene Weinberg and the creative programming offer by EngAGE:

Program Director Helene Weinberg

After two years in a building of residents who used computers to play solitaire only and sat around waiting to die, moving into the Long Beach Arts Senior Arts Colony really resuscitated my creativity and desire to get out and enjoy people and life in general. Our fearless leader, Helene, gets us all involved and leads spirited conversations. It is such a joy to see her at the opening of every Zoom class and at our weekly Coffee Talk. She genuinely cares about us. Life is fantastic with EngAGE. I wish every senior everywhere could take part in this type of programming.

Thank you, Kyle! We’re delighted that you’re enjoying life in an EngAGE arts colony.

Posted in Community News, Long Beach Senior Arts Colony, Music, Resident Spotlight, Writing/Storytelling | Tagged , | Leave a comment

News from Cotton’s Point: Nora Is Committed to Making Art

Posted on October 18, 2021 by EngAGE

Jennifer Fallon, EngAGE Administrative Assistant, was formerly the Program Director at Cotton’s Point in San Clemente, CA, for seven years. Although she’s not been there for quite some time, she’s still in touch with Nora, a resident who became a dear friend. Nora is committed to making art in spite of her physical challenges. Jennifer explained that Nora has severe arthritis and has to use her palms with one or two fingers for a little grip on her art tools. In addition to making her own work, Nora loves Paint by Numbers.

Nora, who is 91, is very bright and can understand English. While her spoken and written language skills are limited, she is able to convey perfectly how she feels about making art and about EngAGE. Here’s a recent email exchange between Nora and Jennifer:

Nora: This is painting by number “Tower House,” after finished let me so happy feelings.

Jennifer: Nora, This is absolutely beautiful. You are a very talented, committed artist. I miss you so much. Love, Jennifer

Nora: Thank you so much for the nice comments, I just worked hard to do my best to finished my painting, that is the most joyful moments. My appreciations come to me to the “Engage” let me enjoying every day at “Cotton Point.” I want enjoying everyday here to my last minit.

An update from Jennifer: Nora just shared her latest piece with me (see below). Wow! She continues to overcome her physical challenges each time she sits down to create. Her fine motor skills are hindered due to severe arthritis, yet her love for art is expressed through her perseverance and creativity.

And a comment from Meloney Morse, current Program Director at Cotton’s Point and Nora’s art teacher: What a positive and engaged lady! It took her a little longer to complete but she’s so dedicated and has told me that art brings her happiness and comfort. So excited to see her completed work!

Nora: I finished the painting, I’m so happy I can finished the painting before next project. Thank you for let me enjoyed my life here, because of you let us had the opportunity to do so many things. So many people here felt same about you.

What an inspiring artist!

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EngAGE Receives Grant from NAMM Foundation

Posted on October 7, 2021 by EngAGE

EngAGE in Music

We are grateful that “EngAGE in Music,” a signature program, has been made possible by a generous grant from the NAMM Foundation. EngAGE will work with local organizational partners and teaching artists to offer two eight-week semesters of once-per-week music classes to low-income older adults living in Bella Vita Senior Apartments, an affordable housing community in Carson, CA. The main goal of the program is to combat social isolation and loneliness among the residents while increasing a sense of purpose and social engagement, offering all participants the joy of artistic exploration through music.

The NAMM Foundation’s mission is to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

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Program Director Liv Schaffer Receives Gen2Gen Innovation Fellowship

Posted on October 6, 2021 by EngAGE

Congratulations to Liv Schaffer, EngAGE Program Director at Crescent Park and 808 A Street in Northern CA, who is the recipient of a Gen2Gen Innovation Fellowship in connection with her work as Director of Dance Generators, an innovative intergenerational dance company housed at the University of San Francisco. The fellowship supports practical visionaries of all ages with ambitious initiatives to bridge generational divides. Learn more about Liv here.

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Tim Carpenter on Oregon Gerontological Association Panel 10/8 (Online)

Posted on October 5, 2021 by EngAGE

On the “Storytelling” panel, EngAGE CEO/Founder Tim Carpenter and Will Hornyak, one of our Portland teaching artists, will be discussing ways to integrate storytelling into a wide variety of communities and practices. Get more information and register here:  bit.ly/OGA21-Session1

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