Hazel (Tomatoes and Writing)

It was Hazel’s first time in class, and she was such a good sport. Hazel had the tomato story written before class, so while the other seniors were writing at the table, I showed Hazel our class’ blog and Facebook page. Of course, the other seniors were goofing off behind us (yup, as they were writing) and, at some point, facing the computer screen, Hazel just bursted out laughing.

After we got off the computer, Hazel wrote another piece – just a couple sentences long, but it’s enough to show us that she was really having fun, and that made me so happy.

Hazel Nurse
March 18th, 2010
No Tomatoes

After seating my two and a half year old great-grand-daughter to the dinner table, Ayo exclaimed, “Granny, I can’t eat tomatoes.”

I retorted, “Why?”

She responded, “I’m allergic to tomatoes.”

I said, “What do you mean?”

She answered, “When mommy gave me tomatoes, they made little red bumps on my tummy.”

Hazel Nurse
March 18th, 2010
Writing

Writing for fun is high on my list of priorities! To join a group of writers so young in spirit, relaxed, uninhibited, makes this experience priceless.

Hazel (Oldies Dances)

Lately, Hazel has got us all on our feet, dancing before and after every session!! I think we can host our own “So You Think You Can Dance” Senior Edition with the mad skills we are developing in our storytelling group. Actually, here's an idea… we are raising funds to host a series of pop up storytelling events as you know… what if for our group's version of the event we wrap up the main storytelling segment with an oldies dance party? Ok, I am going to have to ask Hazel about this idea and keep you guys posted… this is gonna be FUN!!!

Donate here by Oct 31 if you want to hear some good stories and dance the Suzie Q, the Slap, or maybe even the Chicken ;) http://igg.me/at/storypopup/x

Hazel Nurse
8.21.2014
Popular Old Dances

Recently, one morning, there was an article in the news stating that an “Oldies Dance Party” will be held at a Senior Center.

This enabled me to roll the years back to try to remember the name of some dances. In order to refresh my memory, I found that time was an element.

As I proceeded to tidy up every room, the first dance I recalled was the one my dad taught us: the “two-step.” Then next the “Tap,” the “Mooch,” the “Slide,” and the “Twist.” However, a few hours later “The Continental” and the “Rug Cutting” popped up in my mind.

I decided to make a list and before nightfall I had jotted down eighteen old dances. As I am writing them down now, more came to my mind.

Oldies Dances

1.    The Two Step
2.    Tap
3.    Dolow
4.    Mooch
5.    Slide
6.    Twist
7.    Continental
8.    Rug-cut
9.    Waltz
10.    Tango
11.    Charleston
12.    Suzie Q
13.    Bump
14.    Hucklebuck
15.    Ease on Down
16.    Lindy-hop
17.    Boogie Woogie
18.    The Bop
19.    Bunny Hop
20.    Dirty Dig
21.    Slap
22.    Sand
23.    Pony
24.    Camel Walk
25.    Chicken

Hazel Nurse
8.28.2014
Popular Old Dances

After telling my son about the number of old dances that we named last week, he added a few more.

This challenge to remember old dances didn't end there either – when my brother came up with a decades old one called "Truckin."

Along with contributions from our story-telling and writing group last Thursday, I counted a total of fifty-five different, fun provoking former dances that hopefully may be revised some day.

1.    The Two Step
2.    Tap
3.    Dolow
4.    Mooch
5.    Slide
6.    Twist
7.    Continental
8.    Rug-cut
9.    Waltz
10.    Tango
11.    Charleston
12.    Suzie-Q
13.    Bump
14.    Hucklebuck
15.    Ease on Down
16.    Lindy-hop
17.    Boogie Woogie
18.    The Bop
19.    Bunny Hop
20.    Dirty Dig
21.    Slap
22.    Sand
23.    Pony
24.    Camel Walk
25.    Chicken (Funky)
26.    Hokey Pokey
27.    Alley Cat
28.    Humpty
29.    Shotgun
30.    Funky Broadway
31.    Funky Penguin
32.    Jingle Jump
33.    Square Dance
34.    Eighty-one
35.    Stroll
36.    Mambo
37.    Slow Dance
38.    Pony
39.    Itch
40.    Hustle
41.    Fly
42.    Jitterbug
43.    Sand
44.    Limbo Stick
45.    Freak
46.    Tarantella
47.    Hora
48.    Watusi
49.    Cross Fire
50.    Mashed Potato
51.    Jerk
52.    Monkey
53.    Walking the Dog
54.    Trucking
55.    Locomotion

Dance teacher – Clorice Price

Hazel (Class Connections)

Every week, I witness it with my own eyes and ears: it’s a small world after all. I love sitting with my senior buddies in class, hearing decades of experiences converge and overlap at one table. As Hazel says, it’s indescribable really, how one senior’s story can trigger that of another senior’s, and on and on.

This story doesn't work without its visual aids! So here are 3 pix: 1 of Luis showing his papers from his senatorial run with John Kennedy (yup - our very own Luis is a big deal!) (btw I like how Hazel is listening intently on his left, don't you?) 1 of the actual papers themselves. Followed by a pic of Hazel showing her photo of JFK. Small world in a big way, right?

Hazel Nurse
12/2/2010
Class Connections

After Luis distributed papers showing the time that he ran for an office in New York on the ticket with Robert Kennedy, I remembered my photo of President John Kennedy.  The picture was given to me by a sixth grader, many years ago.  It just reinforced the fact that November twenty second was the anniversary of his assassination.  He was a leader, a realist, and an idealist who embraced economic opportunities, civil rights, the arts desiring to make the nation special. 

While searching for the photo, I stumbled upon some of John Lee, another student and a real live boxer.  He was excused from class many times to exercise as directed by the physical education teacher.  I was informed of his special diet of eggs and other foods.  With his grandfather’s appearance often in the classroom, demonstrating great support and encouragement for the upcoming champion. 

The connection this class offers is indescribable.

Hazel and Brenda (A Wonderful Sister)

This post is dedicated to my very cool and wonderful sis (hi Jada – it was fun FaceTiming last night!!) whom I am so excited to see in Seattle in a few weeks, and who is also a copy editor for our project - she joined our team after her last visit here to Philly and to our class.

A couple weeks ago Hazel’s sister, Brenda, visited our class from NYC, and you can feel their bond just by looking at the way they walked together or gave a nod or smile to each other. Like they understood each other without needing to trade words. And so, I guess that’s what was so surprising to me, and probably to them, when they each dedicated their story to the other person. Brenda knew how much the class means to Hazel and wrote about that. Hazel wrote about how proud she has always been of Brenda, ever since she was born. None of us knew what they had written until they took turns reading out loud. Out of all the smiles around the table, guess which two were the biggest?

Brenda Jones
3.22.2012
Impressions

So many avid pens giving shape to new thoughts.
Something of what is inside, exposed for others to ponder.

Hazel Nurse
3.22.2012
A Wonderful Sister

Many years ago, during my high school days, our family was blessed with a loveable baby girl, Brenda.  My mother was fortunate to have my teen-aged sister and I too often share in caring for her.

Through the years, she excelled in biology as well as in journalism.  She not only raised her own family but retired as managing editor at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Her itinerary continues to baffle me.  Having recently returned from a trip to southern India, she will soon be flying to Florence, Italy and sharing e-mails, photos, and stories of her exciting experiences with all.

Hazel (The Tide)

Last Thursday, I walked back into the classroom after making some xeroxes (of our Give to Grow Page for our seniors to hand out to family) and gasped. Literally, I opened the door, froze, and gasped.

Here I was in my hands, heart, head, thinking and wanting and knowing that this project needs to grow in some larger-than-life way, and a few feet away from me that universe that I dream of is thriving. It is so alive.

I saw my senior buds Hazel giggling with Loretta at the corner of the classroom, they looked at me casually, like, Hey, what’s up! But knowingly as well, like yes, We know there is something special about this moment too.

OK how do I explain this.... There are all these nuances that I have built into my hour-ish (it turns into three with a lot of chatting and everyone helping out after!) every week with my senior buds. And one nuance is that while most of the group is reading and writing at the table, seniors who are blind or have arthritis or for one reason or another can’t write each go to a corner of the room, so they can tell their stories verbally, and a volunteer or myself can write their words down for them. This way the table remains quiet, and each senior can have their own mental space to really think and really put their hearts on paper.

Loretta, who has severe arthritis, came into class late that day – she had actually walked by me at the xerox machine a couple minutes ago and I told her I would be right there to help her write. So imagine my surprise when someone, not a “young” volunteer but one of my senior buds, was sitting and writing for Loretta already, when I opened the door. I mean, it was so beautiful. Tears filled my eyes while I stood there frozen.

Hazel said she had finished her own story earlier at home so she could write for Loretta - and I remember specifically that she didn't use the word “help.” She said something about how fabulous and fun Loretta is, that it is a privilege to be sitting with Loretta. No one claims to be “helping” anyone but everyone is helping everyone.

I know this project has changed lives in big ways, like a month ago, we told you how Loretta’s long lost family found her through this blog (click Here to reread that post).  But small moments like this to me are just as life-changing as well. Generosity. Friendship. Happiness. Identity. Wonder. Spontaneity. Surprise. Leadership. Service. I don’t know the right combination words for that moment. It was nothing but it was everything.

Hazel Nurse
8.23.2012
The Tide

Yesterday, after seeing another display of tempting, fancy, French pastries, I decided to do as our old family saying goes—“Buck the tide.”

Years ago, and still today, purchasing expensive, highly decorated cake was not considered a wise thing to do since homemade goodies were always more tasty and less expensive.

However, I convinced myself to pay the price for a lemon pastry and a chocolate cupcake. They were the two cheapest items that I saw with a cost of nine dollars and fifty cents.

To my dismay, they tasted no better than any other baked goods. Now my curiosity was satisfied, but bucking the tide, one can drown.

This was a story that Hazel wrote a few months ago. After reading, she took out two boxes, each with a fancy pastry for the class. Just two small boxes. Just a small moment. But it was like, I don't know, like the story was the perfectly understated excuse to display a lot of love for the group.

I remember gasping that time too.

Hattie, Isadora, Bri, Hazel (Hattie's Birthday)

You know how we roll here: we love to party! Did you know that a month into the founding of this class, the seniors already gave it the nickname Partytime? We’re loaded up with summer birthdays in our class, and of course we’re celebrating every single one!! (Yup, even as we prepare for our big 6/29 Satellite Launch Event, we can’t help throwing mini parties in the meantime!)

It’s funny and embarrassing because I’m the world’s worst/ most impatient baker so I used to bring in store-bought or just-add-water treats for the seniors’ birthdays… that is, until Dee started co-leading the class with me almost a year ago, and baking the world’s most delicious and beautiful desserts… yup, all from scratch, every single time. I am telling you, Dee is incredible, my perfect other half in so many ways!! So you guessed it, now our class is not only known as Partytime, but also the Eating Club, and the Dance Party. Recently we had fun celebrating Hattie’s birthday. Both Hazel and Hattie actually got up and rocked their Suzie-Q dance moves. So awesome, right?

Hattie Lee Ellerbe
5.12.2011
Remembering

It was May 10, 1944, my 11th birthday. I joyously ran down to “Uncle Bill’s” Shoe-Shine Parlor, screaming “it’s my birthday, it’s my birthday”. In my excitement I jumped too close to Jack. Jack was Bill’s dog and faithful companion. He must have thought I was attacking Bill, because he immediately jumped up and sank his teeth into my left foot. The scar is still there.

Daddy: Take her to the hospital.
Grandmom: Let me wash it out with Borax- she’ll be alright!
Daddy: No, take her to the hospital.

Daddy overruled and took me to Hahnemann Hospital where they washed the wound and sent me home to Grandmom who was waiting to say, “I told you.”

I am happy because that was 67 years ago and I have survived. Thank you God!!!

Isadora Fields
5.12.2011
Birthday Wishes

Today is a beautiful day.  The sun is shining brightly.  Today is Hattie’s birthday.  I gave her a beautiful birthday card.  I am in the writing class.  It is a lot of fun.  I like listening to the many different stories written by the class.

Bri Kurmue
5.12.2011
Back and in Tack

Returned from New York on Wednesday a.m.  Visited friend’s and enjoyed dinner and saw a few nice plays.  Glad to be with my favorite group of people today.

Happy Birthday Hattie . . . 78 +3 days years old!

So . . .    let me say
What a fabulous day
And maybe it will
Stay that way
So . . . let’s Suzie Q
Me and you
Hattie showed us how
And Hazel did too!

Peace, Bri.

Hazel Nurse
5.12.2011
Suzie Q

Recently, realizing that the original of the title “Suzie Q” was foreign to me, I finally satisfied by curiosity after three trips to the public library.

Suzie Q was a dance move popular in the 1930’s. It was known as the “Heel Twist” or “Grind Walk” used in the “Salsa,” “Big Apple,” Lindy-Hop and other dances. Also a song hit written by Lil Hardin Armstrong was in honor of Suzie Jane Dwyer (maiden name Quealey).

Hazel (Close Call)

Let’s do one more scary story. I won’t give it away but the second to the last sentence makes me want to scream!

Gosh, the slip in her hand, the railroad tracks and the bay, her ten-year-old legs… talk about vivid details. This is how you know (1) she was REALLY scared and (2) she really loves to write. I am so glad she is in this class. People talk about kids and teens having potential, but to me, seniors have potential too. I can’t wait to keep seeing Hazel’s stories. That lady can work that pen.

Hazel Nurse
April 29, 2010
Close Call

One summer when my mother handed me a slip and said, “Hazel walk over to the cleaners please.” 

Mom had always dealt with this main large plant located on the outskirts of town.  First, it was in walking distance and secondly, more reasonable prices were available. 

Located between the railroad tracks and the bay in a deserted area, the plant was finally in view as I trudged along.  When I approached the building a huge white, black and yellow collie barked and lunged towards me.  I screamed “Mama, Mama,” spun around on my ten-year-old legs and scurried in reverse. 

Just as his breath was felt on my legs he decided to return to his base as a watch dog.  Arriving home safely after this atrocious fright renewed my faith. 

Hazel (October Rewards)

Guess what I am training myself to do these days? Take a chill pill. I’m the kind of person who likes to give herself heart attacks every so often, and with our big 11/14 event coming up, those mini attacks are sneakin’ up on me! (Yeah, my friends laugh because I can’t even stay calm enough to last through one yoga session... embarrassing!) I really gotta learn a lesson or two from Hazel. I like this story not just for the beautiful colors that Hazel has painted, but also for her state of mind that it reveals. Peace. Maybe one day, I’ll get there ;)

Hazel Nurse
10/21/2010
October Rewards

The month of October still retains its fascination for me. Take a tip from me and test it like I did on a train to the seashore recently. From a window seat, trees still loaded with green leaves were decorated with splashes of yellow, orange, red and purple. This colorful panorama was eye-catching to say the least. However, little did I know, that this scene would be superseded by another. Under a baby blue sky from my boardwalk perch, the Atlantic took first prize. Stretches of sand bordered this  brilliant blue ocean with waves gently breaking on the shore. Reflections of the sun upon it conformed the expertise of a master artist who had thrown generous handfuls of sparkling diamonds upon it all the way to the horizon.

Hazel (A Mighty Myth)

Hey readers, did you know our holiday fund drive is in session and ending TOMORROW? We really need your help to help others. Give to Grow at www.indiegogo.com/bestdayofmylifesofar

Hazel showing off her reindeer ring! At our holiday party we discovered the cupcake decorations are little rings for kids, so naturally(!) the seniors each put one on ;)

Happy aaaalmost New Year everyone! This story may be the size of a pea but its breadth and human reach is so wide - a perfect inspiration for a new year. After Hazel read this story out loud, I was like, Oh! I have never had black eyed peas for New Year's! And all of them responded, Oh really? And I realized they see me as so totally one of them that they don't realize I am not black (most of them happen to be, just because our venue is downtown Philly), that in our group not only are we ageless but cultureless, which is kind of amazing.

Hazel Nurse
1.6.2011
A Mighty Myth

As far back as I can remember, it might be when I was 3 years old (according to some experts, our memory extends to that time), at home New Year's Eve was a guaranteed time to enjoy my favorite dish, black-eyed peas.

Under firm supervision of my mother, all Christmas decorations had to be removed before the New Year came in. Also black-eyed peas must be boiling when the New Year came in so we would have good luck. The determination and belief that one must start the New Year humble so that it will end great remains. I observe these rules faithfully and will possibly be superstitious forever.

Hazel and Beatrice (The Hold)

Writing and listening… keeps the doctor away!! Yay, to Hazel and Beatrice coming to class, rain or shine. Or wind!

Hazel Nurse
3.8.2012
The Hold

This writing and storytelling group must have a hold on me!

After deciding not to venture out today, I suddenly opted to disobey the doctor and take a chance on letting the wind affect my health.  Oddly enough daffodils are blooming in the lot next door this early in March. 

So today, I’ll just sit back and enjoy listening to you.

Beatrice Newkirk
3.1.2012
Our Special Class

Our special class is our writing class. We have so many things to be thankful for: just being able to be here, waking up this morning, being able to come to this class again. I can’t wait to hear our members’ stories. We have so much fun. Everyone is special.  We love getting together here and hearing every one’s story.  I can’t wait until next Thursday at one o’clock.

Hazel (Dental Advice)

Did a couple of more serious stories earlier this week. So… ready for a laugh? You can't not laugh at this - it's the cutest. Best part about this story is, the way Hazel teases her great-granddaughter, somehow, embodies so much love. I hope her great-granddaughter gets to read this story when she grows up.

Hazel Nurse
April 8, 2010
Dental Advice

After picking up my three year old great-granddaughter from the pre-school class I heard her say, “Granny don’t you want some teeth?”

I replied, “See all these teeth here.  I’ve had them for a long time.” 

She continued to stare at the large gap and declared, “You can get some fake teeth, granny, I know you can.  My teacher has some fake teeth and she is old.” 

Hazel and Frances (School Yard Days)

And now, to round out our School Yard Days "jam session", here are Hazel and Frances! Next up, the moving stories and reflections of one of our dedicated volunteers, Rachel.

Hazel Nurse
07.10.14
Free Fun Days

With the current news concerning the possibility of schools opening late due to a lack of funds, my thoughts journeyed back to school yard days.

With a looming depression and no such thing as computer games, iphones and technical gaming devices, we still had fun.

Especially when our country was in a depression, we children played “Top Scotch” on the sidewalks of our rowhouses. But remember “Jumping Rope?” We were declared champions if we were able to jump “Double Dutch.” These activities along with “Roller Skating” were free of charge, with no batteries, no electricity needed. Have you ever played, “Simon Says?”

In those days, a late school opening would have been fun for all of us children.

Frances Bryce
7.10.2014
Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers is a program that helps parents of young children (0-5) to understand how important their role is as the child’s first teacher, and that they are always teaching.

The early childhood program includes daily reading to the child, which can be the beginning of a love for books and reading. It also informs the parents of stages of development when the child is ready to learn (example: the window of opportunity, the last time to learn a skill, such as learning a language). The parent educator encourages the parent to talk to the child while out walking, telling the child about the environment or whatever is interesting. The brain takes in all that the child is exposed to, positive or negative. The brain is the recorder for the child and there is no erase button.

The program teaches discipline that is different than punishment. Discipline, Teache-Training and then Correction —whereas punishment sometimes results in denigrating restriction and sometimes physical.

I worked as a Parent Educator for 10 years. The program that helps the parent with parenting skills creates a long heart-full love-full relationship for both the child and the parent.
The child begins the program for a successful learning career, and the parents gets tools that are useful in insuring a successful and happy child.

Hazel (Coach)

Got more laughs for you today! Here’s Hazel telling about her great-granddaughter’s “vocal” abilities. BTW, want to know something my friends find ridiculous? I'm a preschool-humor-fanatic. I've got kids' jokes and riddles bookmarked on my Blackberry to whip out at any given moment - yup, embarrassing but true!

Hazel Nurse
May 6, 2010
Coach

Maybe my great-grand three year old had become very vocal from living in childcare for two and a half years.  Always happy to enjoy her visits with me, I felt obliged to go out of my way to assure her health and safety.  When climbing the stairs, she was told to hold on to the banister.  Also, precautions were taken near the cook stove and certainly stepping in and out of the bathtub.

This particular evening in pajamas she yelled, “What are we going to do next, Coach??” Thinking about her doll, Coach, I squinted and questioned her.  She explained that I told her to do this and do that all of the time, so she called me “Coach”.

Next morning, I was awakened in the next room by “Granny, granny!! Do you know what you did?”  Sleepily, I answered, “What have I done wrong now?”  She replied, “You were breathing very, very loud.”  In other words, my snoring woke her up.

Hazel (Dorm Drama)

Segregation breaking point. I have thought a lot about these words ever since Hazel told this story over a year ago. At first glance they lean heavy. But in the right context, they are a breath of fresh air. Like a cup half empty, cup half full kind of question.

Personally, I’d like to think this story shows us how far we’ve come - segregation happened and racial equality is still a dream, but look on the bright side, let’s be glad segregation ended, you know?

This project is called The Best Day of My Life (So Far) afterall - I am a relentlessly cup half full kind of gal.

Hazel Nurse
2.10.2011
Dorm Drama

During the 1940s at college, there were two girls’ dormitories.  Each one was divided into four sections.  About twenty-five students were housed in each of the parts.

However, for my first two years, the Black pupils lived in “Oak Hall Section Four.”  After continuous complaints and recommendations from activists, we occupied alternate floors, one Black and one White in both Oak and Haurel Halls during my third year.

This was the segregation breaking point after our wonderful Dean spied a huge sign.  It was located at the head of the stairs on my floor, written in perfect manuscript writing.  It read, “Black Floor, No Whites Allowed.”  She was livid.  After questioning each occupant, no one owned up to printing the poster.

My last and senior year, students were allowed to live freely in both dormitories. 

Hazel (Senior Show Day)

Alright, who is ready to rock out with Hazel?

Hazel Nurse
1.26.2012
Senior Show Day

Come seniors at our age,
Let’s all take the center stage.

We’ll roll the years back
And, give our youth a big whack!

No more babies to kick and scream,
Often interrupting a truly good dream.

Mo more paying for a ride
We hop on Septa with a stride!

Mo more losing of teens because we are old,
We’ll find their good works and let them be told.

No more job to guide our life,
We’ll all sleep late minus the strife.

Twenty-four hours all made for us –
To live and love without any fuss!

Writing is fun since we know how!
It’s time to go!  Let’s take a bow!

Hazel (Happy Tears)

Happy weekend, everyone! Let’s make summer get here faster with one more story. This one brings me right back to my teenage summer jobs too, does it for you? And hey, guess what? Speaking of summer breaks… we have GIANT news to announce ;) Stay tuned!

Hazel Nurse
3/31/2011
Happy Tears

It was refreshing always to embrace the last day of school in June.  However, we college students hurried home to apply for summer waitress jobs freely available at the seashore.
We were carefully coached by a head waitress not to complain as we supported loaded trays on one arm before reaching our stands.

After exhausting work on one July evening, I trudged home planning to take my clean uniform off of the clothesline and iron it for the next day.

The house was dark as I unlocked the door but the sound of loud, screaming voices saying “Happy Birthday, Hazel!” traumatized me.  The tears flew as I shook uncontrollably in happiness.

Hazel (Twist)

Let’s kick things up a notch with a little controversy… how do I put this… this is a piece with some serious social undertones. Ok, I won’t beat around the bush. What I mean is some discrimination is implied, having to do with age or race or likely a combination of the two. Can’t say for sure. But while reading in class, Hazel gave the group a look kind of like, "You know what I mean."

As our seniors, volunteers and I pick out stories (a challenging task!) for our big event on November 14 (you’d better be there!) we’ve been talking/emailing a lot about just how cool it is that the seniors feel comfortable enough in class to expose some really touchy experiences.

No one says life is fair but at least in our classroom once a week the seniors get to feel vindicated, justified. I think everyone needs that sometimes.

Hazel Nurse
Twist
August 19, 2010

One Saturday in February several years ago, I went to see the movie, Sideways.  However, I never dreamed that I would end up sitting “sideways” in a police car. 

The lady seated beside me uttered, “You have to move.  This seat’s taken.”

“Yes, it’s taken because I’m sitting in it,” I replied.

Soon after, the manager arrived and agreed with the patron’s request, threatening to put me out.  I suggested she call the police.

In the vestibule, the cops uttered, “She told you to move, didn’t she?” I refused to agree, and tried to return to my seat as he blocked the swinging doors saying, “You are under arrest!”

After denying my request to make a phone call, the policeman collected my jacket and purse, returned my ticket stub, and placed a $3.50 fare in my pocket.  After being handcuffed and ushered into the police station, I reported to a hearing.  I could have chosen to plead guilty and pay $150 or go to court.  I chose court.

After hearing both sides of the story, the judge said that the policeman was wrong and had no business doing what he did.  The district attorney claimed that my real vendetta was against the movie.  All charges of disorderly conduct were dropped and I was relieved.

Hazel, Beatrice, Hattie (We Are Growing)

In the previous blog post, I shared about what last week’s Launch Party means to me. And now, I am excited to share some of our seniors’ reflections. I love how Hattie entitles her reflections, plain and simple: “We are growing.” I love how our seniors understand and believe that our original, still-ongoing class has the capacity to produce great changes well beyond our first classroom. And how Hazel talks about lasting “forever.”

I love how Beatrice says: “We are branching out.  We started small and we are reaching out to everyone on the internet.  My friends and family are very happy about this project.   They say it is the best thing and has the right title.”

It’s true: the title is right. The Best Day of My Life So Far. From day one, this project was a miracle. And every day, it just keeps getting better.

Stay tuned for even more Launch Party stories. “Like” us on Facebook to see them as they get posted and see event photos! And remember, the purpose of our event was to officially launch our upcoming 8-week multi-generational storytelling class, so please help us invite all the seniors AND teens you know! The party has just begun!

Hazel Nurse
6.30.2011
Launch Party

The Story-Telling and Writing Class “Launch Party” at the Central Library on June 29th was well attended.

Throughout the program a huge video screen showed colorful photos of our activities.  Also, a tasty buffet of fruit, cheeses, crackers cake and cookies along with fruit drinks were enjoyed by all.

We listened to our hostess, Benita, welcome us and speak about our new satellite class – “Our Best Day so Far” as she described outreach and genuine efforts to sustain what we are doing and to have more events to last forever.

Dee, our lovely co-leader spoke about the intergenerational involvement in our lives.

A prominent member of our class, Beatrice emphasized the value of putting our experiences on paper.

The reading of Joe’s story and a most eloquent talk by Mr. Gordon were both welcome treats.
Following this, Madi (our teen intern), Amy (one of the co-leaders of the new satellite class), Grace (AARP Associate State Director) and other officials brought us up to date concerning “Our Best Day So Far” slated to begin in July for eight weeks, meeting at the Central Library.

Beatrice Newkirk
6.30.2011
At The Library

Our class came to the Library.  We met there at half past one o’clock on June 29th.  We had lunch with the other people.  The program was very nice.  We met lots of friends.  The members of our class spoke.  Everyone liked what they heard.
Our pictures were on the screen.   We got a chance to hear from other people.  Everyone felt welcome.
We are branching out.  We started small and we are reaching out to everyone on the internet.  My friends and family are very happy about this project.   They say it is the best thing and has the right title.

Hattie Lee Ellerbe
6.30.2011
We Are Growing

Yesterday, Wednesday June 29, 2011 was an exceptionally happy and exciting day.

Our writing class was invited to meet at the Main Library on the Parkway to meet with and share stories with various cultures, ages, and backgrounds, and to launch “Our Best Day So Far” –  an outreach initiative featuring a summer program. It was such a joy to hear from each participant. We were met there by Benita, Dee, Amy, and even a picture of our beloved Jill who recently moved to Australia. Many of the project’s volunteers were there and there were many expressions of love and appreciation.

Bernice, Norman, Hazel (Veterans Day)

Our seniors’ voices have a way of drawing history closer to us. When I listen to their stories, there is no such thing as “once upon a time”, because it all feels so real and so present. Today, on Veterans Day, I thought we can read and reread some stories that let us see the more personal sides of war. From learning about new cultures, to surviving roadside bombs, to seeing soldiers and sailors on city sidewalks, here are Bernice, Norman, and Hazel sharing their personal memories of “the war years.”

I love, love, love what Bernice says about how things have changed since: “Glad more people are like flowers; different colors and different breeds, and different worlds.”

And so, as we salute our veterans, we offer up these stories as a toast to peace.

Bernice Moore
3.18.2010
Yesterday’s People

I am always drawing pictures, even when I was in school. A lot of the time I drew difficult things like houses, trees, cars, boats and many other things.

It is fun when you know how to draw different things. You can see so many things if you keep your mind on what is really happening. You cannot live in this world alone, so many things to do and see.

Everything has changed since the war years; we still have wars in different places. Some people still can’t get along. Glad more people are like flowers; different colors and different breeds, and different worlds.

Bernice Moore

6.10.2010
Soldiers and Sailors

Back in the forties, where there were quite a few people walking, most of the time you saw soldiers and sailors. It was the war years, and some were coming home and some were going away. Some people were sad because they had lost their loved ones.

It was like two wars: Germany and Japan, and many soldiers were not coming home. Today they change out of their uniforms because they don’t want to get robbed. It was nice to see a lot of soldiers and sailors coming home. There were all kinds of people from other countries also fighting in the war, and because of that, the war was won. Over and over again, we will always have wars.


Norman Cain
3.22.12
Cultural Shock

In the fall of 1965, I completed military police training at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia and was assigned to the 549th police unit in the Republic of Panama.

En route to my destination, I stopped at the Charlotte, South Carolina air force base. There in the canteen, I saw a buxom, tall and dark black woman who evidently worked there and who spoke with a West Indian accent. I assumed that she was of Gullah descent—black folk who had been isolated on islands in the vicinity of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia for well over 100 years. They retained many elements of African culture and language patterns.

When I arrived at Fort Kobbe Air Force Base on the Pacific Ocean side of Panama, I received a shock, for in the canteen, I saw a tall, buxom, black woman who evidently worked there and who seemingly spoke the same dialect as her look-a-like in Charleston.

Just when I thought the cultural shock was through with me, another incident happened. Waiting at an outside train station for a train to take me to my assignment on the Atlantic side of Panama, I encountered twelve young shoeshine boys. Eleven had the physical attributes that we associated with Hispanics and one had attributes associated with blacks. When the black kid spoke rapid Spanish, I could not believe my ears. I had been accustomed to the way things were in America and what I had seen and heard in the media.

The trip to Panama opened my eyes up to the fact that language and culture can transcend ethnic groups and geographical locations.


Hazel Nurse
9.2.2010
Power

With the welcoming of returning soldiers from Iraq, memories of wars past crowd my mind. One in particular really makes a point. A veteran of World War II who was a paramedic was driving his ambulance across a bridge in Düsseldorf, Germany. Little did he know that the bridge was mined. The explosives blew him into the water below. Although we were fighting the Germans, two German ladies pulled him to safety until help appeared. He was flown to Valley Forge hospital, were he remained for nine months. He lived an extremely beautiful life to a ripe old age. Don’t underestimate the power of the human spirit.

Brenda, Millie, Norman and Hazel (Happy Sad Days)

Here are a few stories that our seniors have written recently, and even though they describe death, it’s their love of life and love of people that I see.

I couldn’t believe it when I first encountered this way of looking at death. On September 11, 2011, one of our very own passed away. Arthur was one of the “original” seniors in our group. His life-loving, people-loving personality is an essential part of the Best Day of My Life So Far spirit that continues to fill our room every week. I broke into tears when I had to announce to the group what had happened – I couldn’t even complete my sentence. The group comforted me, and we held a “special class in memory of Arthur” (not a memorial). There were so many guests (120+) that we had to use the senior center’s auditorium to accommodate everyone. It was a happy day, which Arthur would have approved. Check out the stories below and in our 2011 story archive, to honor the vibrant lives of Brenda's friend Evelyn, Millie's friend Bertha, Norman's aunt, Hazel's loved ones, and our bud Arthur.

Brenda Scantlebury
5.18.2014
Ode To A Friend

When we form friendships, most of the time  they are out of kinship. There seems to be something about them "that we like!" Sometimes a bond develops because we have been to school, have worked, or lived together. My friend to whom I am referring to just died a couple of days ago. We have had a lot in common creatively. We have written and acted in plays, been road buddies, and traveled to many places. My friend was as close to me as one of my own sisters! I'll miss her very much.

Dedicated to Dr. Evelyn Felton Barr.

I submit this with love!

Millie Lilly
04.17.14
Friends for a Year

I have been coming to the Senior Center for almost a year. I started in May. I had just moved to the neighborhood and wanted to check out if this would be a good place. The first time I came here I met Bertha who had a regular seat near the window. She took me under her wing, telling me about getting lunch and to always register for special events before they sell out. She told me about the Jewelry class she attended twice a week and encouraged me to come. I did. I have never made jewelry before and have really enjoyed being in the class. I like the teacher, have made friends with many of the women and love making necklaces. I am working with beautiful, colorful glass beads. One of my necklaces will be in the May show. Bertha and I became friends and often laughed together. She was around 88 years old and died last week. I will miss her.

Norman Cain
4.17.2014
A Sad Happy Day

My aunt recently died. While I was saddened by my aunt’s death, I was happy to see family members and friends at her funeral and reception last Saturday that I had not seen...in some cases...for over 40 years.

After her funeral, I attended a Jazz Party that was hosted by an organization that a lady from the Senior Center belongs to.

I was again reunited with a lady friend from the past that was a childhood friend that I had not seen in at least 40 years. At the same event, I was recognized by a woman whom I knew from the old neighborhood. The day also produced a basketball story.

Later that day, I got a chance to talk to a man who I first saw playing basketball for BOK Vocational School in 1957. His skills amazed me and I’ve never forgotten his name Earl Hanes. If today were yesterday, he would be a professional.

We spoke of all the old Philly Players. I wish Big Mo had been there.

Earl was happy that someone remembered the memories of the past that manifested themselves with the appearance of old and new friends.

And my deceased Aunt, who was always telling me off, well, the last time I saw her alive we laughed.

Last Saturday was a SAD, happy, and memorable day.

Hazel Nurse
1.9.2014
I Won’t Go

During the past two weeks, notices of deaths and sickness have crowded my holiday season. However, after a chat with one of my long time senior friends, we agreed that as the years pass by, more and more relatives and friends reach the end of life’s journey. She exclaimed: “I’m not going to attend anymore funerals!”

My other friend, listening said, “You have to go to your own funeral!”

“No I won’t,” she quipped,” They’ll have to take me there!”