Columns

I like large print. Large print, large-type, large-font, whatever. Books, newspapers, online publications with typeface or font that accommodate my increased need for visual senior power. 

Large print is usually defined as at least 16 points in size. Libraries use the subject heading or descriptor, LARGE TYPE BOOKS. As of June 21, 2012, the Berkeley Public library catalog lists 4,067 such LARGE TYPE entries. They are mostly mysteries, other fiction and biography, with plenty of standards like Tom Sawyer, All Creatures Great and Small, A Room of One’s Own, Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Dickenson’s Selected Poems, and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. They range across subject-matter, or, in terms of that infamously referenced Dewey Decimal, 000’s – 999’s.  

A book published in the original type size, usually hard-cover, may also be available in large print and additional versions or formats. For example, Kathryn Stockett’s 2009 The Help; A Novel. The version in large print was published by Thorndike Press of Waterville, Maine, “the world’s largest publisher of large print books,” which publishes 16 point best-sellers in paperback. In England, Chivers Large Print. The Help is also available as a CD sound recording and a DVD video of the motion picture adaptation, not by Stockett.  

From my perspective, the novel and the motion picture are quite different, although each within its own genre brilliantly recognizes many of the paradoxes, inequities and incongruities of people’s lives in the Deep South of the sixties, especially women’s. Things did not change greatly in a decade. In the seventies, 170 miles from Jackson, Mississippi -- Skeeter Phelan’s brother drove it in two hours -- conditions where I lived continued much the same. The deepest Deep South is the tier from east Texas across Gulf Coast southern Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Today’s students do not learn of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner.  

Before there was Stieg Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum, there was V. I. Warshawski. Sixty-five year old Sara Paretsky revolutionized the mystery world in 1982 when she introduced V.I. in Indemnity Only. Numerous Paretsky/V.I. titles are published in several formats in addition to the original trade editions. Bitter Medicine, Body Work, Hard Ball, and Indemnity Only are available in large print and as CD sound recordings and electronic ‘e books.’  

Victoria Iphigenia Warshawski is a sexy, smart, gutsy, not-young private investigator operating in Chicago. It seemed that Kathleen Turner, then thirty-seven years old, would be great as V.I.. But the 1991 motion picture was the creation of three guys who decided to make Paretsky’s Deadlock into a comedy. It was a critical and commercial failure. Like Tillie Olsen and her Tell Me A Riddle, Paretsky likely learned the hard way the need to retain control and script approval.  

xxxxx 

I’ve been reading a nonfiction-fiction double dose -- Prague Winter and Mudwoman. I have the library’s large, large-print copies. My hands are full. Heavy reading indeed.  

Prague Winter : A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948 is seventy-five year old Madeleine Korbel Albright’s latest book with Bill Woodward, who “played a major role in research and, as he has done on my previous books, served as a partner in the writing.” It was she who, while serving as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, wryly observed "This is not cojones. This is cowardice," after Cuban military pilots shot down two small civilian aircraft flown over international waters by a Cuban-American exile group. Albright was the first woman to serve as United States Secretary of State.  

Except for her Madam Secretary memoir completed in 2003 (and available in large print,) this has been her most personal book, an account of her family’s history blended with that of the era. Her central theme this time is why we make the choices we do. “Nothing could be more adult than the decisions people were compelled to make during this turbulent era, yet the issues involved would be familiar to any child: How can I be safe? Whom can I trust? What can I believe? And (in the words of the Czech national anthem) ‘Where Is My Home?’” For the first six decades of her life, she had been ignorant of her family’s Jewish heritage. She had, in fact, been raised a Catholic.  

As a war time refugee enrolled in an English grammar school, her first-term geography grade was D minus, “which did not bode well for a career in world affairs, but the next semester I improved to B, so there was a chance after all.” “I learned in the course of my own career that British diplomats are trained to write with precision; so when a double negative is employed, the intent, usually, is not to clarify an issue but to surround it with fog.” An example is the “not disinterested” politician negotiator. 

xxxx 

Seventy-four year old Joyce Carol Oates’ 2012 novel is Mudwoman. Meredith “M. R.” Neukirchen (German for new church) is the first female president of a hot-shot Ivy League institution. She struggles with a past that has included adoption, repressed abuse, and years of wasted devotion to an unworthy man. Forty-one year old M.R. is not a feminist. Will she be able to cope with the present, which includes disparate treatment based on her sex/gender, jargon for sexism in academe.  

Oates moved to New Jersey in 1978 and began teaching at Princeton University. She has suggested that Mudwoman’s events are somewhat autobiographical, summoned up by a dream she had had. I have never been able to get into her slow-beginnings. And there are those unclear endings. 

I resolved to hang in there and got the large print version of her 2011 memoir, A Widow’s Story, written “In memory of my husband Raymond Smith.” “My husband died, my life collapsed.” She concludes, “Of the widow’s countless death-duties there is really just one that matters: on the first anniversary of her husband’s death the widow should think I kept myself alive.” Smith and Oates were married in 1961. In 2004, she described "a marriage of like minds—both my husband and I are so interested in literature and we read the same books; he'll be reading a book and then I'll read it—we trade and we talk about our reading at meal times...it's a very collaborative and imaginative marriage." 

Smith died in February 2008. Six months after his death, she met Charles Gross of the Princeton Psychology Department and Neuroscience Institute. They were married in early 2009. 

xxxx  

In 1996, seventy-eight year old Gary Marshall was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award in recognition of excellence and innovation in creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television. His 2012 memoir, published by Random House Large Print, is My Happy Days in Hollywood :A Memoir : from Happy Days and The Odd Couple to Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries :Tales from a Hollywood Legend. It is easy reading.  

xxxxx 

NEWS 

This month SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders) and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) released a groundbreaking report. Improving the Lives of Transgender Older Adults: Recommendations for Policy and Practice is a new report examines the social, economic and service barriers facing transgender older adults, who face profound challenges and experience striking disparities in areas such as health and health care access, physical and mental health, employment, and housing. With a growing older transgender population, there is an urgent need to understand the challenges that can threaten financial security, health and overall well-being. Improving the Lives of Transgender Older Adults includes a detailed literature review, profiles of the experiences of transgender older adults around the country, and more than 60 concrete recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.  

The Elder Justice Coalition, a national advocacy voice for elder justice in America, a 3,000+ member coalition, shares good news regarding the Senate Labor-HHS Bill, which includes funding for the Elder Justice Act. The full Senate Appropriations Committee approved of their FY 2013 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. This proposal includes $8 million for the Elder Justice Act (EJA), specifically funding for adult protective services. This was the amount requested in the President’s FY 2013 budget.  

The 2012 California Driver Handbook is available on line and in hard copy. I picked up my free copy at the North branch of the Berkeley Public Library. It provides two sample Knowledge tests, more online. Try them now before the time comes to renew your driver’s license. A handbook specifically for senior drivers is at www.dmv.ca.gov Senior Guide for Safe Driving (DL 625) or call 1-800-777-0133. The Senior Driver Ombudsman Program in the San Francisco/Oakland area is at 510-563-8998.  

An invitation. Candidates for election are welcome to share statements of their accomplishments and plans vis a vis senior citizens and elders. Please email them to me at pen136@dslextreme.com.  

xxxxx 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Be sure to confirm. Readers are welcome to share by email news of future events and deadlines that may interest boomers, seniors and elders. Daytime, free, and Bay Area events preferred. pen136@dslextreme.com.  

Until June 30. Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Friday, Noon - 5:30 P.M.; Saturday, Noon - 4:30 P.M. Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley: Visions from the New California. The Visions from the New California award is an initiative of the Alliance of Artists Communities and is supported by the James Irvine Foundation. Each year the awards program celebrates six outstanding California visual artists from diverse communities. The awardees are artists whose work may as yet be unfamiliar to a wide audience, but whose compelling visions help define California. Free. 510-841-7000.  

Until August 31. Environmental Education Center in Tilden Regional Park. North End Central Park Drive. Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Tilden Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Successes. Art exhibit celebrating the successes of conservation in the region, state and nationally. Show features works by 60 artists portraying plants and animals no longer listed as endangered species due to conservation efforts. Some of the featured species include the brown pelican, the tiger salamander, the salt marsh harvest mouse, and tule elk. Exhibit sponsors include the East Bay Regional Park District and the Merritt College Environmental Management and Technology Dept. Free. www.ebparks.org 

Until Sept. 2. Berkeley Arts Festival Gallery presents a new exhibition of the work of creative visual artists. Robert Brokl, paintings/prints. Mark Bulwinkle, painted steel screens. Art Hazelwood, linocuts. Roberta Loach, prints. Mari Marks, encaustic paintings 2133 University Av. Free. 510-644-6893. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

Until Sept. 29. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 1-4 P.M. Joanna Gewertz Harris, Ph.D, Bay Area dancer, dance historian and author of Beyond Isadora: Bay Area Dancing 1915-1965, will discuss the history of East Bay performers, choreographers and pioneers of today’s dance community. The exhibit explores dance in the East Bay and includes a video by Margaretta Mitchell, an interview with Frank Shawl, and archival footage of Hanya Holm. Jeanine Castello-Lin and Tonya Staros, Co-Curators. Wheelchair accessible. Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. Free. 510-848-0181 

Starting Tuesday, June 19. 10 A.M. Class will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 4 weeks. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. Victoria’s Legacy on the Island. Judith Lynch (local author, teacher and resident) serving on the City 

of Alameda Historical Advisory Board will provide an overview on Victorian history and culture, highlighting the 19th century buildings of Alameda. Will include 6 slide presentations and 2 walking tours to show you how to recognize architectural details and distinguish among the various styles of fancywork homes that abound here. Sign up in the Mastick Office or call 747-7506. Free. Class limited to 25 participants. 

Fridays, June 22 – July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. June: Satirical Cinema. June 22: The Gods Must be Crazy. Free. 510-981-6241. Also June 29 and July 6, 13, 20, 27.  

Friday, June 22. 1-4 P.M. 2012 Dragon Festival Celebration. North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 510-981-5190. 

Saturday, June 23. 2 – 3:30 P.M. Strength in Diversity: The Poetry of Ecology. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Award winning poets Adam David Miller and Kim Shuck, headline a free multicultural and multigenerational poetry reading by six poets. The program is presented jointly by the Ecology Center and the Berkeley Public Library. 510-981-6100. 

Monday June 25. 7 P.M. Kensington Library Book Club: The Chosen by Chaim Potok. 61 Arlington Av. Free. 510-524-3043. 

Tuesday, June 26. 1 P.M. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. A representative from BART will be available to issue Clipper Cards! For more information, sign up in the Mastick Office or call 510- 747-7506. 

Tuesday, June 26. 3-4 P.M. Tea and Cookies. Central Berkeley Public Library. 2090 Kittredge. A book club for people who want to share the books they have read. 510-981-6100.  

Wednesday, June 27. 12 Noon-1 P.M. Playreaders at Central Berkeley Public Library.  

2090 Kittredge. Meets weekly to read aloud from great plays, changing parts frequently. Intended for adult participants. 510-981-6100. 

Wednesday, June 27. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. July’s People by Nadine Gordimer. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, June 27. 1:30 P.M. Gray Panthers. North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. 510-981-5190.  

Thursday, June 28. 7 P.M. Balinese Dance Performance. The Gamelan Sekar Jaya will give a performance of Balinese dances. The dancers will present pieces that give a taste of the wide range of characters, movements, and moods of this unique dance form. Steeped in the rich culture and traditions of Bali, Indonesia, the audience will have the opportunity to meet the performers and understand the magic of this style of dance. Free 45 minute program provided by the Contra Costa County Library Summer Reading Festival. El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue. 510-526-7512. 

Fridays, June 29 – July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. June: Satirical Cinema. June 29: Thank You For Smoking. Free. 510-981-6241. Also July 6, 13, 20, 27.  

Saturday, June 30. Doors open at 10 A.M. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. The Bingo Committee will host the Summer Bingo Bash. Open to the public (18 years and older). Enjoy socialization, free apple pie ala mode (for participants), and a chance to win cash and prizes. First game begins at 12:00 Noon. 510-747-7510. 

Fridays, July 6 – July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 6: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Free. 510-981-6241. Also July 13, 20, 27.  

Monday, July 2. 6:30 P.M. "Castoffs" - Knitting Group at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. All levels are welcome and some help will be provided. Free. Louise O’Dea, 510-524-3043, lodea@ccclib.org 

Sunday, July 8. 1 – 4:30 P.M. The 2012 Berkeley Rent Board Convention will be held in the main meeting room of the downtown, central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge, corner of Shattuck. A slate of candidates for the November 2012 election will be chosen. Contact: www.berkeleyrentboard.org 510-981-6100. 

Monday, July 9. 7 P.M. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Author Talk and Slide Show. Author-naturalist Laura Cunningham will discuss her book A State of Change: forgotten landscapes of California. Cunningham has not only written the text but has also lavishly illustrated this lovely book. She has written and painted a picture of what California was like before European contact. Free. 510-524-3043 

Wednesday, July 11 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also August 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Fridays, July 13 – July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 13: All About Eve. Free. 510-981-6241. Also July 20, 27.  

Saturday, July 14. 1 – 3 P.M. Origami Earring workshop. North Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda. Learn to make your own origami earrings. Taught by Nga Trinh. 510-981-6250. 

Monday, July 16, 7:00 P.M. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. “Author Village Rythms: African Village Celebration.” Laura Cunningham. Onye Onyemaechi, master percussionist, educator and performing musician, engages students and families in a participatory experience of African Village life. His repertoire involves student participation in African drumming, dancing, songs and stories. He uses captivating music, native dress and instruments presented in a historical/cultural context. This free 45-minute program is brought to you by Contra Costa County Library’s Summer Reading Festival. 510-524-3043. 

Fridays, July 20– July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 20: Monkey Business. Free. 510-981-6241. Also July 27.  

Friday, July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 27: The Seven Year Itch. Free. 510-981-6241.  

Wednesday, August 1. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, August 22. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Selections from The Bhagavad Gita. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Sept. 5. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, Sept. 26. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Oct. 3. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, October 24. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Troth, by Gregor von Rezzori. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Nov. 7. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. Also Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, November 28. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Sunday Morning, by Wallace Stevens. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Dec. 5. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

###