LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Event Highlights the Joys of Growing Older


Baby of the Year John Fazel Photo Michael Buuck

You think growing old is a bummer? Think again. The 125 Orinda Three Quarter Century Club members and guests, ranging from age 75 to 99.5, who attended the recent 13th Annual Luncheon at the Orinda Community Church, will tell you otherwise.

Guest speaker Cliff Dochterman, former worldwide president of Rotary International who is in his 80s, mixed short stories, jokes and touching examples of how seniors deal with the realities of growing older, and discussed how much the world and our lives have changed with every succeeding decade: the way we lived and saw the world since the Depression, through WWII, to the tumultuous '60s, space travel and the high tech generation.

The common denominator for enjoying the Golden Years was summed up with one word: attitude. He said it is up to each of us to take charge of our own happiness. The real joys of aging are found when we put into each day a few acts of kindness, caring and humility.

In addition to the guest speaker, attendees were also entertained by Orinda Idols Amrita Newton and Emma Patton who each sang a nostalgic song from a by-gone era. Guests also enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared and served by the sponsors, Lamorinda Sunrise Rotarians and Mason McDuffie/Better Homes and Gardens real estate agents.

John Fazel once again emceed this unique and festive event which honors the community's senior citizens, an idea borrowed from Fazel's hometown in Perry, Iowa.

Following lunch, Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary President Mark Roberts read a proclamation from Mayor Steve Glaser declaring June 20 as Three Quarter Century Club Day in Orinda and the Royal Court was announced: Tom and Aileen Deahl were named Longest Married Couple having enjoyed 71 blissful years together; Tom again wore the crown as King (97 years); and 99.5-year-old newcomer Arline Pierra walked away with the Tiara as this year's Queen. The Baby of the Year Award went to founder John Fazel, who celebrated his 75th birthday the day before.

For more information on next year's luncheon, contact John Fazel at (925) 324-2017 or email Runmtns@Prodigy.net.