Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Childhood friends, Iris Goldfein and Monica Israel, are both highly accomplished professionals in male saturated fields, who approached retirement with apprehension and excitement. They co-founded DefyingGravity.life in 2018 with the mission to “cultivate new norms and create new pathways through engaging conversation and expert advice” regarding the transition to life after a career. Iris and Monica discuss their own retirement challenges and encourage women to defy the weights of both societal and personal judgments. They want women to be the writers of their own stories and to have purpose however the individual defines it. DefyingGravity.life offers its members webinars, a Resource Library, Newsletters and an online forum for ongoing conversations. "Our vision for DefyingGravity.life is to solve a feminist crisis." - Monica and IrisContact information:www.DefyingGravity.lifeirisgoldfein@[email protected]

Many know Karen Grassle as ‘Ma’ on the hit TV series, Little House on the Prairie. She is also an actress of stage and film and now a published author with her memoir (Nov 2021) Bright Lights, Prairie Dust. Meet the real Karen Grassle who talks openly about her struggles with alcoholism, depression, and lack of self-worth during her journeys as a dedicated artist. Karen is also known for her advocacy on behalf of equality for women. She was an early advocate for the ERA, co-wrote and starred in the TV film, Battered, and influenced Congress to fund shelters for women victims of domestic violence. Karen lives peacefully in the hills of San Francisco Bay where she takes pleasure in writing and connecting with family and friends. Book/memoir: Grassle, K. (2021, Nov). Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss and Love from Little House’s MaWebsite: www.karengrassle.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.grassleInstagram: @karen_grasslePublicist: [email protected]

Within us all are stories to tell that are relevant and essential. Dara Marks, international script consultant, lecturer, author and workshop presenter has always been fascinated by story. Her newest book and seminar, Inside Story, takes you into the depths of the writing process and teaches you how to build a great screenplay from the inside out. She guides us to see ourselves in the archetypal patterns of mythological characters, leading to a deeper understanding of how we grow as we move through our own stories. “If you want to create character in your stories, look at how your own character was created. How you faced the challenges in your life has created the true quality of your character.” - Dara MarksConnect with Dara:Email: [email protected]: https://DaraMarks.comBook: Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational ArcNew Seminar: Inside Story:

Pamela Tate, age 75, did not foresee becoming a full-time volunteer leaderof climate reality actions at grass roots and national levels. As a member of the Climate RealityProject-Chicago Metro Chapter, Pam co-chairs the Task Force on Electrifying Public Transit. Intwo years, they engineered a commitment from the Pace suburban bus system to change fromdiesel-powered buses to an all-electric bus fleet by 2040. At the federal level, Pam is on theRegenerative Agriculture Team which targets working with legislators and agriculturalcommittees in the House and Senate to include RA incentives in the 2023 Farm Bill. She chairsthe Federal Advocacy Team to retain climate provisions in the Build Back Better Act. Pam is anelected member of the Board of Directors of American Forests, a national non-profit thatpromotes trees as one of the best technologies for pulling down carbon from the atmosphere.Pam’s advocacy includes many more teams and pilot projects in her quest for a healthierplanet.Pam presents to college classes, companies, and community groups on the climate crisis andeffective strategies for change. Contact Pam at: [email protected]"My climate action efforts range from electrification of public transit toregenerative agriculture to forestation in urban areas." - Pamela TateConnect with Gail & Catherine:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimaginedInstagram: WomenOver70Website:https://womenover70.comEmail: [email protected]: Women Over 70 – Aging ReimaginedListen on: Apple Play, Stitcher,Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Ina Pinkney contracted polio 11 years before there was a vaccine, at the early age of 18 months. Marginalized, ostracized and ignored as a child she felt she received a 2nd chance at life when the surgery she had at 6 proved successful. Expecting to die, instead she flourished, and has lived an extraordinary life as culinary artist, baker, breakfast restaurateur, cookbook publisher and world renowned speaker about global influences on breakfast. Experiencing mind-numbing exhaustion and muscle weakness 40 years after the onset of the disease led Ina to find answers. She attended a conference to learn more and was surprised to find a huge community that was experiencing what is now known as Post-Polio Syndrome. As only Ina does, she dove in and became an activist. She is an international spokesperson for Rotary International PolioPlus Foundation and speaks about the late effects of polio and the need for continued vaccinations.“It takes less energy to be courageous than it does to be afraid.”This Episode was Sponsored by The Insurance PeopleIt is Medicare Open Enrollment. Open Enrollment is October 15th - December 7th. Do you need help enrolling? Do you want to shop out your Medicare Supplement, Part D Medication or Medicare Advantage Plan? The Insurance People located here in Illinois specializes in helping folks shop and select the best Medicare option for their needs. You can find them at insuranceppl.com or 773-697-8082.Connect with Ina:Email: [email protected]: INA’S KITCHEN: Memories and Recipes from the Breakfast Queenhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=INA%E2%80%99S+KITCHEN%3A+Memories+and+Recipes+from+the+Breakfast+Queen&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_nossDocumentary: Breakfast at Ina’s (on Amazon)

Pauline Coffman’s early involvement in youth ministry evolved into justice ministry during her 20+ years as an advocate for peace and justice in the Middle East. Her first visit to Lebanon was as a student in 1959; her next visit to countries in the Middle East was in 1999 as a peace advocate. During the intervening years, Pauline learned to “see both sides of the story” through talking with immigrant rights activist Cesar Chavez in 1962; serving churches, with her husband, in neighborhoods in two states that were undergoing major racial changes in the 1960-70s; feminizing language in hymns and scriptures while Dean of Students at a theological seminary; and creating hospitable environments for adult learners in higher education institutions. Then, as now, Pauline is unafraid to “buck the prevailing world view.” At age 82, she is rejuvenated by working with committed colleagues to build networks between Israel and Palestine.During my decades of advocating for peace and justice in the Middle East, I have learned to hear both sides of the story.

Octogenarian Pat Anderson, 89, retired from her lifelong career as a textile studio craftsman - spinning, knitting, sewing and weaving. Leaving her daughter in charge of the studio, she embarked on an unusual retirement project: creating and providing hand-knit prosthetics for mastectomy breast cancer survivors.  As a lifelong textile studio craftsman,  Pat was well versed in the legal, professional, and ethical challenges this project presented. Once everything was in place she filed a copyright. We could see the excitement in her when she proclaimed, “To date, 1500 pairs have been lovingly gifted, from one survivor to another.” 60% of all recipients offer to join the project as co-sponsors with donations. Each pair of Busters that goes out is paid for. At the end of the year there is a surplus which Pat generously donates to the Breast Cancer Support Program at Sharp Memorial Hospital in California. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women Over 70 has committed to donating 20% of all contributions we receive to the Busters Project during the month of October. Contributions are the only form of funding for this important project. “We are blessed to know that we are really creating something that has a positive impact on someone else’s life.” Connect with Pat:Email: [email protected]

Karla Klinger, age 87, has been a poet much of her life. However, until now, most of her work has been shared privately. As an early podcast guest, Karla read This Particular Dot in Time. This penetrating poem is the last entry in her first published poetry collection, Life Unfolding (2021). Karla unravels her ‘emotional truths’ throughout girlhood to old age. Interspersed between sections of poems are photos of Karla’s pottery, which she continues to create and teach to others. In her episode, Karla shares highlights from her research on the experiences of vital women in their 70s. She reflects on her own experience of aging into her 80s. Karla expresses appreciation for often being able to act through choice than obligation; for example, moving with her husband from a home and community of 54 years to a hospitable independent living facility in Portland, OR. I am a museum of myriad images, a spectrum of emotions, cares, and commitments. Connect with Karla:[email protected] Unfolding: Poems by Karla Klinger. Zion Publishing, 2021. Available only on-line in paperback from Amazon and in hard cover from Barnes and Noble. Or in quantity, at discount, contact the author at: [email protected]

Marva has worked in nursing, real estate, business brokerage and more. Married in 1969 at 22, she raised 3 children, has 9 grandchildren, all of whom live nearby, and believes satisfaction comes from within. For the last 18 years, Marva has satisfied her desire to be closer to her Methodist faith. As Episcopal Secretary for the Bishop in the Northern Conference, she manages 385 churches, the Bishop’s calendar and a myriad of other administrative duties. Planning to work 2-3 more years, she suspects she won’t completely retire and plans to return to real estate. As a younger person she did not enjoy much independence and encourages women to be more independent and learn to make decisions on their own. I rarely sit still. I have to be in some type of helping the situation. - Marva AndrewsConnect with Marva:Email: [email protected] with Gail & Catherine:Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimaginedInstagram: WomenOver70Website: https://womenover70.comEmail: [email protected]: Women Over 70 – Aging ReimaginedListen on: Apple Podcast, Itunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, and IHeartRadioPlease rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Ellen’s mother died at 101. Like her mother, Ellen’s current life path is filled with enthusiasm and enrichment. She is fueled by the strong community that is the Docent Volunteers of the Chicago Architecture Center. Even before becoming a docent (certified in 25 different tours), Ellen pursued one path after another that led to her interests in historic preservation and the rich heritage that is Chicagoland architecture. For many years she worked for the Metropolitan Planning Council, wrote 4 books and volunteered for the Glencoe Historical Society, thrilled to be part of the group that saved a Frank Lloyd Wright home that is now turning into a museum in Glencoe.-“As my mother said, You are not even old until you are at least 85.” - Ellen ShubartConnect with Ellen:Email: [email protected]: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ellen+shubart&i=stripbooks&crid=2DQB30RJ7GBC1&sprefix=Ellen+Shubar%2Caps%2C174&ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_12_ts-doa-pGlencoe Illinois: Images of AmericaTaylor Street: Chicago’s Little Italy What’s With Chicago?: The Quirks, Personality and Charm of the Windy CityChicago: An Illustrated Timeline 

Donna Lawrence was happily living life until the unspeakable death of her son, at age 20, from a brain seizure. Through the Main Street Entrepreneurs, Matters Cafe and Laughter Yoga, Donna discovered ‘it’s an amazing thing when you realize you can go on’. The color pink helped boost her spirits and, today, she surrounds herself with pink through painting, clothing, decor, and helping others find their pink passion. Painting is therapeutic - it puts you in a zone and improves your focus. Through her company, ItPinkPainting, she guides others to create custom-designed items that are painted pink.“I don’t think much about aging; I think of it as maturity. Stay connected with positive people and you can find the good in anything.” - Donna Lawrence Connect with Donna:Email: [email protected]

Worldwide traveler and former teacher at Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Ingrid is an established and well-known artist, specializing in watermedia. From florals to petroglyphs, pictographs and hand-made paper making influenced by her travels, Ingrid is inspired by how light and shadow create unusual perspectives. “My experiences are what help me see and paint what I do today.” - Ingrid Albrecht Still learning today, she says “Covid taught me to be an artist!” From her studio she offers ‘Open Studio’ workshops, keeps reimagining art and loves sharing the wealth of information she has amassed with the world. Connect with Ingrid: Website: https://ingridsartoriginals.com Email: [email protected] Connect with Gail & Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Itunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher,and IHeartRadio Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Marilou Eldred, Ph.D., was called to serve others as a young girl. She devoted ten years as a nun with a teaching order and, upon leaving the convent, embarked on her journey as an educator. Marilou has held top level leadership positions in higher education for women, including President of Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. After retirement, she was called to philanthropy, serving as President of Catholic Community Foundation in St. Paul, MN. Now in her second retirement, Marilou volunteers with the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, where she is a strategic planning consultant with parishes in Minnesota. Volunteering is a way of life for Marilou which includes a host of civic, charitable and church work, usually in leadership roles. She and her husband, a former priest, have been married for 47 years and have a daughter in her early 40s. Marilou is writing a memoir about her remarkable life’s passages. "I strive to empower others to be and do their best." - Marilou Eldred, Ph.D. Contact Information: [email protected]

Many people fear change. Not Leni! She has traveled the world, moved from city to country and back again, many times. Leni began her career as a teacher and discovered that teaching is about influencing changing behavior. So is sales. Joining Xerox for its training and development, she worked there for 3 years. Then, on to insurance, real estate, selling her beaded jewelry, and recently, joining ASP purification Systems. Leni is fearless and looks forward to being 80 and 95. Her best relationship was at 72, so what can be next? “Health is a priority for me. Change is what keeps me going.” - Leni Garfunkel

Shirley Holm, age 70, has learned to adjust and thrive to life’s unexpected turns using three anchors: family and friends; education; and active engagement in what matters. After experiencing devasting deaths of her mother, best friend, and husband, Shirley supported her young family teaching in the St. Paul public schools. “Teaching, next to parenting, is the best thing I’ve done in my life.” Although a “Lifelong Minnesotan,” Shirley’s sabbatical in California turned into permanent residency in San Francisco. Shirley’s approach to life-as-adventure includes the quest to “experience” all U.S. national parks. For any life quest: “Why not? What are the true barriers to doing something that you want?” There are no guarantees; we’d better have our priorities and support systems in place. - Shirley Holm Contact information: [email protected] Connect with Gail and Catherine: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wo70AgingReimagined Instagram: WomenOver70 Website:https://womenover70.com Email: [email protected] Show: Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined Listen on: Apple Podcast, Itunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher,and IHeartRadio Please rate our show and subscribe wherever you listen. This is how we grow.

Mary Kemmer was born in Sheboygan Wisconsin, lived in Chicago for almost 20 years and currently lives in Arlington Va. Her professional background spanned 30+ years in Human Resource with a focus on Leadership Development and Executive Coaching. A woman of purpose and learning, Mary serves on two Advisory Boards at Georgetown University Medical Center, The Drs. Speak Out program and Partners in Research. She is also enrolled in her fifth semester at Georgetown’s Mini-Medical School! Four years ago Mary created the Art of Aging discussion group for individuals 70 years+. Mary enjoys entertaining, traveling, and participating in multiple book clubs. These activities keep her brain alive, stimulated, curious and active. "Health, exercise and diet contribute to proactive aging. I never feel or think ‘elderly’." - Mary Kemmer CONNECT WITH MARY: Email: [email protected] Contact: Mary at [email protected] to receive a copy of her Art of Aging Guide.

For over 50 years, Peg Cruikshank has challenged mainstream thinking about women-- in particular, about lesbians and women growing old. Now retired from Women’s Studies at the University of Maine, Peg serves as an Associate at The Maine Center on Aging. She is the author of award-winning, groundbreaking books: Learning To Be Old: Gender, Culture, and Aging (2003/2013) and The Gay and Lesbian Liberation Movement (1992). Peg discusses misconceptions and stereotypes about women aging; she proposes we think creatively and constructively about ‘learning how to age.’ Peg also reflects on how experiencing a stroke 15 months ago is shaping her own realities of health and aging. Contact Information: [email protected] Books by Peg Cruikshank Cruikshank, M. (2013). Learning To Be Old: Gender, Culture, and Aging, 3rd ed. Rowman & Littlefield. Cruikshank, M. (Ed.) (2016). Fierce with Reality: Literature on Aging, Rev. Ed. Hamilton Books. Cruikshank, M. (1992). The Gay and Lesbian Movement. Routledge.