by Niki Smart
Growing old is a gift ❤️
New York, NY – In a world where aging is often feared, award-nominated author, poet and psychotherapist Jane Seskin takes readers on an emotional road trip where they can celebrate the joys and challenges of aging . In “Older, Wiser, Shorter: The Truth and Humor of Life After 65” (Tallfellow Press, August 21, 2024), Jane Seskin reflects on how resilience and self-discovery helped her combat life’s trials and tribulations, especially as she grew older. Through a collection of 89 poems, Seskin redefines the narrative of aging and offers readers a positive take on what is often perceived as a negative.
“Older, Wiser, Shorter” is an insightful collection of poetry; authentic, funny, quirky and heartfelt that acknowledge the physical vulnerabilities, emotional losses, and surprises people encounter in their senior years. Seskin pays tribute to the sense of power, resilience and new-found joys people discover as they acknowledge and accept their aging. Seskin’s talent for finding the universal connecting tissue of even our most intimate moments will resonate with readers seeking to discover new ways to honor the past, celebrate the present, and welcome the future.
Growing old is a gift. Believe in it. Respect it. Embrace it. From varicose veins to doctors’ appointments to forgetting why you walked into the kitchen, “Older Wiser Shorter” illuminates the ups and downs of growing older, one poem at a time. Not to be feared but welcomed, aging is natural, exciting, and it’s better than the alternative!
Available for preorder: Release date: Aug 21st, 2024
“I sat down to read one poem last night and I ended up reading half the book. I feel as though I know you. You have definitely captured the experience of aging.” —Mary Pipher, author of Women Rowing North and My Life in Light
An Interview with Jane Seskin
- What inspired you to write about aging through poetry?
I’ve been poeming for more than 40 years. It’s a natural way for me to quickly put a feeling or experience on paper to think about, reflect and expand upon in the days that follow.
- What do you hope readers will take away from your collection of poetry?
I hope readers will identify with the stories I tell and know they’re not alone in this process of growing older. That all of us age differently. And to some degree we still have the choice to create a full rich life.
- What is the biggest challenge of navigating life trials, tribulations and vulnerabilities, especially when you begin to age? How can one be resilient to this challenge?
Vulnerability is shareable. When you tell another person of your feelings you make connections and that is the beginning of community. I’ve included Vows in this book that are affirmations to build on. When you affirm yourself, give yourself validation through the Vows, you build self-esteem and that is a pretty powerful feeling!
- What is the most important lesson that your self-discovery journey has taught you?
That I am okay. That life is different at different ages. I’ve learned I can adapt to change. That friendship is extraordinary and necessary.
- What does your poetry writing process look like? Where do you seek out inspiration for your poems?
I am alive and that is my inspiration. Days are both difficult and soaring with joy and I let myself be open to all. As a therapist I am acutely aware of people’s behavior, the landscape around me and what goes unsaid. I also am very curious and eager to hear the stories of others and create my own.
Advance Praise for “Older, Wiser, Shorter”
“Even though I’m not a fan of poetry, I found Jane Seskin’s poems to be a delight. They hit home.” —Jane Brody, former personal health columnist, New York Times
“Your words jump and laugh and rest and reach…it’s an activity reading those poems! I love them.” — Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder Omega Institute and author of the New York Times Bestseller Broken Open, and other books including Cassandra Speaks
“You don’t need to be at a late stage of life to appreciate and learn from Seskin’s energetic collection of poems…We are blessed to have work such as this to help us see our way gracefully.” —Justen Ahren, Martha’s Vineyard Poet Laureate and author of Devotion to Writing
“Jane Seskin writes with keen insight and eyes open to the inadvertent miracles in our everyday life.” —Arthur Sze, author of Glass Constellation
“She’s lost height, years, love, and youthful abandon but in doing so, has gained a deep understanding of what it really means to be alive. Her poetry is honest, heartbreaking, witty and uplifting, a gift she wraps in gratitude.” —Carol Waldman, MS, Gerontology, former Executive Director, Glen Cove Senior Center
“Jane Seskin’s poems take us into her world and shed new light on our own. An important book for older women and those who care for and about them.” —Ann Burack-Weiss, PH.D, LCSW, author of The Lioness in Winter: Writing an Old Woman’s Life
More about the Author
Jane Seskin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the author of 13 books (most recently the poetry collection “Older, Wiser, 
Shorter: The Truth and Humor of Life After 65”.) She’s also written nonfiction articles and poetry online and for national magazines and journals (20 poems published in Cosmopolitan Magazine, five poems in Woman’s Day. Eighteen of her posts have been published in the Metropolitan Diary column in the New York Times.) Jane has been a writer-in-residence at the Vermont Studio Center and Noepe Center for Literary Arts. She has also been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Ms. Seskin is a practicing psychotherapist, who counseled survivors in individual and group treatment at the Crime Victims Treatment Center in New York for 20 years.
In her free time, she enjoys the theater, walking by the Hudson River, visiting with friends, reading poetry and mysteries (Louise Penny, David Baldacci, Donna Leon) and listening to jazz (Keith Jarrett, Houston Person, Chris Botti). Give her a piece of bread and butter and she’s a happy camper! Jane wrote therapeutic sound-bites on Twitter under the title: “Emotional Band-Aid. Small Steps for Change.” Find out more about Jane at her website.
by Niki Smart
Dinner and a Movie with Elvis Returns to Catalina Museum for Art & History
Saturday, August 17 at 6 p.m.
James Kruck as Elvis. Photo courtesy of Catalina Museum for Art & History.
WHAT:
The Catalina Museum for Art & History has announced the return of the beloved tradition, Dinner and a Movie with Elvis. This exceptional event guarantees an evening of entertainment, music and cinematic delight on Saturday, August 17, from 6 – 10 p.m.
The evening begins in the Schreiner Family Plaza, where guests will indulge in a delectable buffet dinner inspired by Elvis’ favorite foods. While enjoying the sumptuous spread guests will be serenaded by the incredible James Kruk, one of Southern California’s finest Elvis Presley impersonators. With his mesmerizing talent, James will captivate the audience, performing timeless Elvis hits and channeling the spirit of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
After dinner and live entertainment, attendees will proceed to the Ackerman Family Amphitheater for a special screening of the 1969 movie, Change of Habit, starring Elvis. In this rare dramatic role, Elvis portrays Dr. John Carpenter, an inner-city doctor working at a free clinic.
Don’t miss out on this remarkable opportunity to celebrate the incomparable legacy of Elvis Presley in the heart of Catalina Island, a destination steeped in Old Hollywood history. Secure your tickets now, as early reservations are highly recommended and seating is limited
WHEN:
Saturday, August 17, 2024
6 – 10 p.m.
WHERE:
Catalina Museum for Art & History
217 Metropole Avenue, Avalon, CA 90704
MORE INFORMATION:
Tickets are $35 for members, $45 for not-yet-members and $15 for children ages 3-15. Dinner is included with your ticket. A specialty cocktail, wine, beer and other refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit catalinamuseum.org/calendar.
About Catalina Museum for Art & History
The Catalina Museum for Art & History offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. The museum is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Avenue. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.
by Dennis Richardson
In the bustling world of artisanal baking, K Girls Kitchen has carved out a sweet spot all its own, thanks to their irresistible creations that have been turning heads and winning hearts across culinary competitions and industry showcases.
Credit: Rose Hartono
Fresh off their impressive victories at the 2024 LA County Fair — securing First Place and Best-in-Class accolades in the Culinary Pro Baking competitions — K Girls Kitchen has chefs clamoring for more. Among their standout offerings are the popular and beloved Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, the irresistible Cinnamon Crumble, and the indulgent Midnight Chocolate loaf.
The journey of K Girls Kitchen is as heartwarming as their baked goods. It began with Lynde Kaufman, whose passion for baking ignited at the age of 11, when she began selling her homemade cookies at the LA Produce Market. Fast forward a few decades, and Lynde found herself working in the produce industry, where she passed on her love for baking to her daughters. Together, they crafted the now-famous Pumpkin Chocolate Chip loaf during holidays as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to Lynde’s clients. Its popularity soared, prompting them to enter it into the prestigious LA County Fair Bake Off. Winning First Place was more than just an accolade; it was the spark that birthed K Girls Kitchen.
Today, K Girls Kitchen is not just a bakery; it’s a celebrated member of WBENC, the Specialty Food Association, and the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association. Their products are distributed by industry giants like US Foods, KeHE Specialty, and DPI, ensuring that their artisanal creations reach discerning palates far and wide. Even better, their loaves are only made with all-natural ingredients.
Credit: Rose Hartono
Here’s what makes the creations from K Girls Kitchen so special:
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip loaf is described as a delightful blend of natural ingredients that promises a blissful 12 ounces of pumpkin-chocolate heaven. This dense yet airy loaf features a perfectly balanced pumpkin flavor, complemented by rich semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Equally enticing is Cinnamon Crumble, boasting a delightful cinnamon crunch layered atop a buttery vanilla cake base. This blend of textures and flavors creates a symphony for the taste buds, capturing the essence of homemade goodness.
Finally, for the chocolate aficionados, there’s Midnight Chocolate, infused with Guittard Chocolate and studded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips. This loaf is a testament to pure chocolate indulgence, offering a rich yet surprisingly light treat.
Credit: Rose Hartono
Through dedication, a love for quality ingredients, and a commitment to craftsmanship, K Girls Kitchen continues to redefine the art of artisanal baking. Whether you’re savoring their Pumpkin Chocolate Chip, indulging in the Midnight Chocolate, or relishing the Cinnamon Crumble, each bite tells a story of passion, family, and the pursuit of culinary excellence. K Girls Kitchen loaves can be purchased online at their website.
by Randy Dunbar
There was a time—and it would be right about now, late afternoon. The sun would be setting and the weather would invite the family to pack up head to a drive-in theatre. There was a playground in front of the screen, seated in a a small sand box and once the movie began, every child was summoned back to the car. Drive-in theaters emerged in the 1930s, peaking in popularity during the 1950s and 60s. They provided a perfect blend of the automotive culture and the burgeoning film industry, creating a social hub for communities. Families piled into their cars, packed with blankets and pillows, eager to enjoy the latest Hollywood offerings from the cozy confines of their vehicles.
The experience of a drive-in theater was more than just watching a movie. It was a full-sensory journey: the soft hum of car engines, the crackling sound of the film reel, and the mingling aromas of popcorn, candy, and night air. It was the anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the start of the show, and the collective excitement that spread through the crowd as the first frames flickered on the giant screen and all eyes looked forward.
That was then—this is now and not all the theaters are gone—here is a shortlist of drive-in’s in th eSouthern California region. If you’ve not had this experience, it is one to partake: fun, unique and oddly entertaining.
- Paramount Drive-In Theatre (Paramount, CA): Originally opened in 1947, this drive-in was revived in recent years with modern amenities, including digital projection and a full snack bar. It’s a classic drive-in experience with two 75-foot screens showing double features (Time Out Worldwide) (Kidsguide).
- Electric Dusk Drive-In (Glendale, CA): Known for its retro vibe, this drive-in offers a mix of cult classics and recent favorites. It even provides an option to sit on the grass if you prefer not to stay in your car (Time Out Worldwide) (MomsLA).
- Van Buren Drive-In Theatre (Riverside, CA): This drive-in has been operating since 1964 and features an old California orange grove theme. It now has three screens and shows double features every night (Time Out Worldwide) (PBS SoCal).
- Vineland Drive-In Theatre (City of Industry, CA): With four screens, this drive-in offers a variety of films and is a popular choice for families. It’s known for its traditional movie snacks and family-friendly atmosphere (MomsLA)(Kidsguide).
- Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre (Montclair, CA): This drive-in has a unique tiki theme and offers a fun, themed environment. It opened in 1956 and continues to be a favorite for many in the area (PBS SoCal).
- South Bay Drive-In (Imperial Beach, CA): Operating since 1958, this drive-in features nautical-themed decor and modern upgrades, making it a popular spot in the San Diego area (MomsLA).
The Olympic Theatre This former drive-in originally opened in 1934 as the 500-car capacity Drive-In (the first drive-in in California) at Pico Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard. It was soon re-named Pacific Drive-In (the operators were Pacific Theatres) and had become the Pico Drive-In when it was closed on October 1, 1944. (A separate page on Cinema Treasures covers this theatre)
It moved 2 miles to the west from that location to Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive, (re)opening on April 4, 1945 with Edward G. Robinson in “The Woman in the Window” & Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in “Lost in a Harem”. It was renamed the Olympic Drive-In on October 3, 1945. This drive-in had a screen tower with a mural of two surfers (a boy and a girl) riding a wave. Opened with 775 car spaces, it lasted until October 14, 1973 when it was screening adult movies. The final program being “School Girls”, “School Girls Growing” and Swinging Wives”
These theaters provide a nostalgic and enjoyable way to watch movies under the stars, making them a cherished part of Southern California’s cultural landscape. For more information on showtimes and locations, you can visit the respective theater websites or check local listings.
Footnote: And just like that, TMC last week showed the 1968 Peter Bogdanovich film, Targets. A profoundly disturbing film with a subplot featuring Boris Karloff, Bogdanovich‘s ingenious climax brings the two worlds together as a shooter takes pot-shots at a cinema audience from behind the screen of a drive-in showing a ‘Byron Orlok’ movie (The Terror – what else?). The outdoor picture house was the Reseda Drive-in Theater on Reseda Boulevard at Vanowen Street, Reseda. It closed in 1985 and has since been demolished.
by Dennis Richardson
Del Maguey recently proudly introduced its latest expression, Del Maguey Vida® Puebla, expanding its celebrated Single Village® tradition. This new offering brings the heritage of Del Maguey Vida® Clásico, originally produced in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca, to a cutting-edge palenque in Axocopan, Puebla.
Launching in major US markets, Del Maguey Vida® Puebla invites new drinkers to explore its Mezcal portfolio while showcasing the artisanal craftsmanship of its original partner producers. Produced in one of Mexico’s key Mezcal regions, Del Maguey Vida® Puebla aims to innovate and lead within the category.
Del Maguey Vida® Puebla is an excellent introduction to Mezcal, with its approachable flavor profile and competitive price. The expression features savory and bright aromas with notes of roasted agave, citrus, white peach, and candied pine. The volcanic rock in Puebla’s soil imparts a distinct minerality, making this Mezcal a true reflection of its origin.
To celebrate the launch, Del Maguey threw a Mezcal Happy Hour at LA’s Casa Vega restaurant. During the event, LA’s Del Maguey Agave Ambassador, Jennifer Oakley, guided guests into a deep dive through the heritage of one of the world’s finest mezcal portfolios. Attendees enjoyed Del Maguey Vida® Puebla Negronis, Old Fashioneds, Margaritas, and a few of Del Maguey’s coveted sipping mezcals, including: Chichicapa, Tobalá, and Santo Domingo Albarradas.
Photo Credit: Tip Supply (@tip.supply)
Co-founder Steve Olson emphasizes the brand’s commitment to sustainable growth and traditional processes. “We saw the need and wanted to show it’s possible to grow in the right way: by creating a liquid that’s sustainably produced, with respect to the land, plant, and environment, honoring traditional process and culture and the people who make the Mezcal,” Olson says. “We felt it was our responsibility because we opened the door to this culture by introducing the category to the world.”
Founder Ron Cooper, who fell in love with Mezcal in Oaxaca over 25 years ago, established Del Maguey to highlight the unique artisanship of each producer. Del Maguey Vida® Puebla continues this legacy, inviting new enthusiasts to discover Mezcal and celebrating the brand’s rich history and future.
Bottled at 40% ABV, Del Maguey Vida® Puebla will debut in select states in March 2023, including NY, CA, FL, TX, IL, and OH, and will be available nationwide by July 2023 (SRP: $37.99 / 750ML). For more information, visit their website and follow on Instagram.
