Doña Quixote trots out Gerda to talk at the Murray Senior Center this Friday, April 12, at 10:30 am

I am going to play who/what/where/when/how to explain how this invitation to speak came about:

Who: You already know it’s me presenting. Accompanied, as usual, by Doña Quixote. And of course Peter, without whom there would me much more Doña Quixote and far less me.

What: In the two years since my book’s publication, I have been invited to conferences and other venues where I have told my story with readings from my book in addition to a PowerPoint presentation. This way I can better visually brag about my grandkids. Peter, of course, helped me prepare the PowerPoint for this—and previous—presentations and mercifully advances it and makes the videos play while I talk from paper.

Where: 10 E 6150 S, Murray, UT 84107 (Even though the address is “10E,” the Center is actually located one block WEST of State Street)

When: April 12 at 10:30 am

How: Peter and I now starbucks at the newish one near our apartment, on Simpson (2254 South) and 1300 East. By now, over a year since we moved here, we know many of the regulars, among them kind, friendly, smart, loving, efficient, super-fit, organized—oh, I almost forgot the outside—GORGEOUS Briana Bayne. We sat at the table next to hers one day, and after the “hello” it was instant recognition that she’s one of our persons. Over several coffee days we got to know and love her. Like everyone in our village, she of course listened out the story of  Doña Quixote’s visitations, i.e., my dementia. And told her mom about it.

 Briana Bayne drinks tea as well as coffee…

It so happens that Briana’s mom, Maureen Gallagher, is a program coordinator at the Murray Heritage Senior Center, the go-to place for seniors of Murray City and anyone else over 55 in Salt Lake City. (You don’t have to be 55+ to come to my presentation, though! ) Maureen invited me to talk, and Voila! here I come.

Peter and I met Maureen last week when she invited us to visit the center and see the layout of the room in which I will be doing my talk. When talking with Maureen, one can clearly see where Briana’s fire from within comes from! Her enthusiasm for her work is evident in her telling of the history of the center and taking us on a tour of a really impressive place for seniors to spend recreation and leisure time. The building is magnificent—spacious, light-filled, and lived-in by people playing cards, getting help with their taxes, exercising, or participating in other instructional or cultural programs. They even have a lecture series and have presented (and will again do so) a six-week history course. The Center also provides social services and  nutritious meals.

The most gratifying information Maureen gave us is that they have social dancing every Thursday! The event is attended by up to eighty people. Peter and I plan to check it out soon!

Left: Thursday dancing with Tony Summerhays and his band. Right: Frank Rehling and his wife Shirley have been regulars at the Thursday dances for many years, and still grace the floor with their harmonious steps.

The biggest endorsement I can give the Center and the people who work and volunteer there is that there were regulars just sitting in chairs and visiting with each other or the staff— people clearly love this home-from-home.

Hope to see some familiar faces at my presentation on Friday!

Here is a link to their Newsletter.