Sunset Hall Special

Hi.  Sunset Hall is indeed special.  Founded by the 1st Unitarian Church

in the second decade of the 20th century, it has been a model of respect

and caring for elders.  I became involved with it in 1990 when they were

having financial problems and the Board wanted to sell it.  The residents

themselves organized not only to raise funds but to take charge of the

institution themselves.  Of course, they called Pete Seeger for a concert

to help both goals. Pete suggested me as producer, and I gladly agreed. 

 

A week into organizing I lost my apartment, immediately (long story) and 

either had to drop everything to get housing or get a room at Sunset Hall

until after the concert.  I wound up staying there thru the event - successful

on all goals - and then for two years, while I was organizing the Ash Grove

on the Santa Monica Pier.  I did cultural work, ran a political discussion

group and did emergency bus driving to events, hospital visits, et al, when

the regular driver was off.

 

I became educated about the place, my understanding of aging and

genuinely good friends with several residents.  The political discussions

were amazing, with different, strong pov's presented and argued.  Those

who lost trains of thought were treated with compassion and respect,

and they joked about their own conditions as well as the state of the world.

 

I could go on for hours, but you had to be there.  Actually, I'm writing this

so that you can be there, in a way.  The Garden Party described below

will also have the presence at the event and on microphone of elders

now living at Sunset Hall.  You'll love meeting them. I urge you to open 

your wallets and your hearts. May we all live so long and in such a place.

 

Ed

 

 

From: Wendy Caputo

Sunset Hall Garden Party 2010 Jazz and Politics An afternoon of smooth jazz and pungent political commentary with The Fred Sokolow Jazz Trio and Ramona Ripston, Executive Director, ACLU/SC speaking on Civil Liberties in a Different Key. Celebrate the seniors served by Sunset Hall!  MC Aaron Gingrich will intrigue you with a wonderful historical anthology from the lives of some of our Senior Members who participate in our Life Journeys Class. Date: Sunday, May 2, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. Location:  Valentino Park                    Paramount Studios                    5555 Melrose Avenue at Windsor                    Los Angeles, CA 90038 RSVP:  Call:  323-962-5277    Fax:  323-962-5208   E-mail: wendy@sunsethall.org Sunset Hall supports social connection, learning and activism throughout the life span.  Help us build our future by becoming a Member when you buy your Garden Party ticket at the special combined rate of $85! That is $35 dollars discount for the combination Membership/Ticket.  General Tickets $70.    Visit our website or call for information regarding sponsorship opportunities!  Final deadline for ad copy and program listings is Tuesday, April 28th.  Final RSVP deadline for ticket reservations, Thursday April 29th so we may place your name on the guest list.  Your name must be on the list, and you need government-issued photo ID to get on the studio lot.    Sunset Hall is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  Social Service permit on file.  For people with limited income, please call for special price consideration.  Contributions are deductible as allowed by law.  Tax Identification No. 95-1856333