Robert Temple Ayres & the Map of the Ponderosa

 

Artistic Equipment“Map to Illustrate the Ponderosa” may be the most famous map in the country. It appeared at the beginning of each episode of the TV show “Bonanza.” As the theme music played, the map gradually burned away, revealing the Cartwright clan. More from a recent LA Times article:

“The family of ‘Bonanza’ creator and producer David Dortort donated the drawing [of the map]to the Autry [National Center of the American West in Los Angeles] after his death last September at age 93. Dortort himself had already given the museum his archive of ‘Bonanza’ scripts, photographs, awards, production records and other memorabilia. . .But map-maker [Robert Temple] Ayres is still with us, living in the Riverside County community of Cherry Valley, where he’ll celebrate his 98th birthday on July 28.”

Mr. Ayres has only recently given up painting, but he was delighted to learn that the map is in the Autry’s collection and intends to go see his work on display. We intend to go, too!

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One Thousand Origami Cranes Sent to Japan

ArtsThe tsunami devastated so much in the affected communities in Japan, including elder care facilities. In sympathy, elders from St. John’s Nursing Home in Rochester, NY made one-thousand origami cranes–over one month–and sent them to the elders who are living in that area of Japan. Cranes are a symbol of peace in Japan. The thoughtful gesture will be returned and a Skype call is planned to further connect the elders. Read more here.

 

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Focus on Blogs: The ChangingAging Blogstream

Dr. Bill Thomas

Did you know that the EngAGE Blog is part of the ChangingAging Blogstream? The Blogstream is “a network of pro-aging blogs that brings together people and ideas and uses social media to communicate a new vision of old age.” It’s rather like a “one-stop-shopping” website where you can enjoy and learn from a growing number blogs having to do with issues that are of interest to older adults, presented in a way that demonstrates the value and vitality of our readers. Click here to take a look at a brief video featuring gerontologist and popular author Dr. Bill Thomas who, with Kavan Peterson, created the Blogstream. Click here to read posts by the many pro-aging bloggers who are part of the Blogstream (you’ll find a permanent link at the right side of your screen in our Blogroll). In fact, if you’re interested in writing your own blog about positive aging, you might want to join!

 

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Hollywood History Auctioned

FILMOn Saturday, 79-year-old actress Debbie Reynolds auctioned her fabulous collection of iconic costumes, props, furniture, and even cars from major studio films made throughout the entire history of motion pictures. You can see this amazing collection by clicking here, then downloading the PDF catalogue (you’ll need the free program Adobe Reader installed on your computer to read it). Click here to get more auction results and commentary.

 

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Experience Talks Live Radio Show

Shawn Ryan

Just a reminder to join host Tim Carpenter on Monday, June 20th, 7:30 p.m., at Barnsdall Gallery Theater, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, for a live radio show recording session with guest Shawn Ryan, currently the Executive Producer of “The Chicago Code” on FOX. Mr. Ryan also has an overall production deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television, where he is developing multiple projects. His past work includes creating and Executive Producing “The Shield” for FX, Executive Producing “The Unit” with David Mamet for CBS, and Executive Producing “Terriers” with Ted Griffin for FX. Shawn is also currently writing a movie for famed writer/producer James L. Brooks. His other television credits include “Lie To Me,” “Angel,” “Nash Bridges” and “Life with Louie.”

David Garfield

This special event also will include a live house band: David Garfield & The Cats! Click here to listen to a sample of their great music!

Don’t miss the fun!

 

 

 

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Kids Teach Seniors in Canadian Mentoring Program

Inner Life Of NumbersTechnological expertise may be more prevalent in the younger generation, but many seniors are eager to learn the ins-and-outs of Facebook, Twitter, Skype and YouTube. Now, a new pilot program in Thornhill, Ontario, allows secondary school students to get academic credit for helping seniors learn social media skills.

“The Thornlea students, enrolled in alternate education, got an added boost. ‘These are students who tend not to be the academic high achievers and they don’t always have the chance to be the stars,’ Mr. Mayot (of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons) said. ‘It was a chance to turn the tables, to let them be the ones with the knowledge and sharing and guiding others.'”

Read more here.

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News from Burbank Senior Artists Colony: “The Boyfriend” – Act Two

We posted Episode One of “The Boyfriend” here on our blog back in April. At last, Episode Two of this wonderful improv film is available on David Slater’s “Creativity, Arts and Older People” blog. Episode One was created in Burbank; this one takes place in London. Click here to see the talented actors at work. The third episode of “the sorry saga of love and intrigue,” as David describes it, will be a trans-Atlantic effort facilitated by Skype!

 

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