Centenarian Project Was Well-Launched on June 28

Eleven of the 16 centenarians who participated in the Village Centenarian Project were on hand with family, friends, and caregivers at the well-attended Launch Reception held the afternoon of June 28 in the Community Center Board Room. The portraits, matched to younger photos of each centenarian, were exhibited, and the three half-hour TV shows featuring video interviews with the centenarians were screened. A souvenir booklet (above), produced by VMS Marketing and Communications was distributed  at the reception and will be available at future showings.

Laguna Woods Village’s new CEO Jeffrey Parker (formerly City Manager of Tustin, CA) welcomed the crowd, followed by remarks from Brian Gruner, head of Village Management Services Recreation and Special Events, and Golden Rain Foundation President Beth Perak, founder of the Thrive Task Force. The Thrive Task Force sponsored the project in cooperation with the Camera Club, the Video Club, and Recreation.

Below at right, centenarian Cleo Lisle at the reception. On February 15, 2019, Cleo was the first centenarian to be photographed and interviewed. The last was Antoinette Mullen, on May 17.

Attending the Reception

In attendance were Alfred Briggs, John Dudley, Gerda Hight, Cleo Lisle, Doris Miller, Beatrice Mirman, Harriet Mudge, Antoinette Mullen, Margaret Pearlman, Jeanette Riggs, and Shirley Shannen.  Not attending were Ruth Cummins, Blanche Goldman, Beatrice Hurwitz, and Irv Piken.

The event was dedicated to the memory of participant Eileen Goodwin, who passed away April 8, 2019.

When to See Portraits, How to Watch Videos

The portraits and videos will again be on display at Clubhouse 2 during the Village’s July 4 celebration event and during Grandparents’ Fun Day, Saturday, August 3.

The videos will be broadcast on Village Television during July and August and are also available on YouTube. See related post for details.

To open the photo gallery below, click on any photo. To close it, click “X” in upper right corner.

CAPTIONS: Upper left, from left, Project co-chairs Mark Rabinowitch and Lucy Parker with GRF President Beth Perak and Recreation head Brian Gruner. Interviewers Cyndee Whitney and Judy Saxon. At table, centenarians John Dudley (left) and Margaret Pearlman (fourth from left) with guests. At table, centenarians Beatrice Merman (center) and Alfred Briggs (second from right) with guests. At table, centenarian Shirley Shannon (in blue). At table, centenarian Jeanette Riggs (center). Jeffrey Parker, CEO of Village Management Services, and Brian Gruner, head of Recreation, address audience. Centenarian liaison Betsy Martin took many photos and videos at the event. Final two photos, centenarian Harriet Mudge attended with five generations of her family.

The Centenarian Team

Lucy Parker and Mark Rabinowitch headed the project, which was originally suggested by Lucy, based on the work of photographer Jan Langer of the Czech Republic. Betsy Martin served as liaison with the centenarians. Video interviewers were Judy Saxon and Cyndee Whitney. Video episodes were edited by Lucy Parker, Tom Nash, and Suzanne Savlov. Tom Nash served as video adviser. Members of the production crew were Jack Crawbuck, Paul Kachaturian, John Kelly, Betsy Martin, Jeanne Mayer, Tom Nash, Lucy Parker, Jim Rohrs, Suzanne Savlov, and Starkey. Kevin Cronin provided transportation assistance. Daniel Alcala served a Recreation Department liaison. Becky Jackson of VMS Marketing and Communications and Jackie Kupfert of Recreation helped stage the reception.

Members of the centenarian team at the June 28 reception, from left, Jack Crawbuck, Tom Nash, Daniel Alcala, Jackie Kupfert, Mark Rabinowitch, Becky Jackson, Beth Perak, Betsy Martin, and Lucy Parker.