”
Humunukunukuapua’a means ‘fish with a pig’s nose’ in
Hawaiian,
”
thus began my speech Aug. 23 at Live Oak Adult Day Services in
Gilroy.
“Humunukunukuapua’a means ‘fish with a pig’s nose’ in Hawaiian,” thus began my speech Aug. 23 at Live Oak Adult Day Services in Gilroy.
When I arrived to speak on my travels in Hawaii, I had my speech all carefully crafted down to the last detail. But within five minutes, I knew reciting my canned talk was simply not going to fly with this eclectic audience. The group of seniors surrounding me in a comfortable circle of chairs expected a more interactive experience.
Live Oak, located next to Wheeler Manor on Sixth Street, is a special gem in the heart of Gilroy where seniors can stay during daytime hours. They are treated with loving care and respect by everyone on the staff. There’s no other center like it in South County. It’s a place everyone should visit at least once.
Director Cheryl Huguenor had been asking me to come speak for a while, but I could never seem to find the time.
Little did I know how engaging the seniors would be, how curious and how many questions they would ask. It was more of a conversation than a speech. At one point, one of them asked me, “Have you written any books?”
“No, not yet.”
“Well, you should.”
Another said, “I feel like I’ve been around the world today.”
The seniors travel vicariously through presentations on travel given by local residents. They especially enjoy the photos and souvenirs the speakers bring to share.
When local historian Claudia Salewske gave a history presentation and slide show on early Gilroy, the seniors had many more stories of their own about the locales shown on the slides.
“I collected a lot of new (to me) fascinating tales – sure fun to hear!” Salewske said.
There is never a dull moment as seniors from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Martin, and Hollister enjoy games, music, socializing, crafts and exercise from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
They have had participants from Aromas, Aptos, San Juan Bautista, and even as far away as Santa Nella.
Going only by their first names at the center, one of the seniors I met was Grace, who is a former Rockette from the original group of Rockettes that first performed at Radio City Music Hall. She was still doing the splits up until age 85!
Ruby is a senior who lost her home in Japan when it was bombed March 10, 1945. She was one of only four women accepted into Keio University after the war. She stays physically active and practices Tai Chi.
Kathy writes a column called “Kathy B’s Monthly Chat Box” for the Live Oak Newsletter. She introduces newcomers to the center and features new volunteers in her column. In the latest issue, she featured an art show in which the Live Oak seniors sold their own art in order to raise enough money to keep their art and crafts classes going.
“I wish I had written more in my life,” she said. This month her column introduced Walter, a recent addition to the center. He served in an Anti Aircraft Unit in England during World War II.
The non-profit center depends upon funding from a number of sources, including the City of Gilroy, Gilroy Foundation, United Way along with various grants and fees paid by participants determined by income. Gavilan College’s Adult Education Program offers classes at the center in music, art, exercise and coping with life’s challenges.
“We have so many amazing volunteers who come here regularly to share their interests and talents, and that definitely enriches our program.
A big bulletin boards features photos of the countless volunteers who come to share their talents, such as musician Lori Franke, cornet handharmonika player Hermann Schmalzried and ragtimer dueling pianists Chris and Jack Bradshaw.
Candace Fazzio also gets the place jumping with her ragtime rhythms, while Kitty Wilson dazzles with energetic tunes on the homemade washboard that get everyone up on the dance floor.
“I love coming here,” Wilson said. “I feel like I can make a contribution. It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm and happiness.”
Wilson’s enthusiasm is contagious according to Live Oak director Huguenor.
“I truly enjoy what I do,” Huguenor said. “I look forward to coming to work everyday. Live Oak is the kind of center that is only made possible by the overwhelming community support we’ve experienced in our 17 years here.”
It’s the kind of place we all hope will be there for us in our time of need, a place where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, gentleness and care.
For more, go to gilroydispatch.com, click on the “News” tab and click on “Teraji: Making Connections.”
