Serving Our Seniors Magazine Oct - Dec 2024

say that what they enjoy most is watching people “connect.” Tiina said, “As we watch their faces, we can see that they are taking a walk down memory lane as we play.” Kathleen added, “When people get up to dance, we take that as the greatest compliment. We love it when that happens!” The three ladies have very busy lives, professionally and civically. It is their love for music and the performing arts that inspires them to play. Tiina said, “This is our happy place.” Dina and Kathleen agreed, “It’s very gratifying.” All three are also board members and devoted supporters of Norwalk Arts Center (NAC). Known for their work on renovating the historic Norwalk theater (a work in-progress), NAC has also served over 350 kids, providing arts education and an opportunity to perform in top-notch productions. As volunteer board members, the three ladies invest a lot of personal “sweat equity” into NAC and in educating kids ages 5 – 18 about the performing arts. NAC has three shows per year–a junior production (2nd – 8th grade, a teen production (9th-12th grade), and an adult production, performed by the adult “NACtors” troupe. Kathleen, Tiina, and Dina all have played in or directed the orchestra for various shows, both for NAC and area high schools. So why do they do all that they do? They say, “We really have a lot of fun together.” “The more active I am, the younger I feel. Just as an athlete needs to keep moving/strength training, I need to keep moving by playing music,” Kathleen explained. “I credit my love for music to Kris and Juli Burt. I will continue to play music until I can’t anymore.” She added, “None of us are overly serious musicians. The greatest gratification is seeing the smiles on the faces of people as we play.” Tiina added, “Art, creativity and pursuing your interests later in life are so important. I think tapping into parts of the brain that keep you youthful helps develop my focus, as I grow older. The other thing is connections with people. Music and the arts can get people out of the house and give them something to look forward to doing. Unless we force ourselves to have those interpersonal connections, they aren’t going to happen.” (Note from the author – Tiina and Kathleen are correct. All are very important components for aging well.) Tiina went on to say, “Being my age and growing older doesn’t scare me. I’m digging this time in my life! I’m so grateful for the wisdom I have gained through the years and the opportunities I have now that I didn’t have when I was younger. My husband and I now have time together that we didn’t have before. And, it’s cool to hang out with our adult children!” Dina views everyday as a blessing and does not take any day for granted. She says “Every day for me is a gift. Age is just a number to me. All my life I knew how much I loved music, but I never realized how important the arts were to bring education, inclusivity, culture, diversity and economic development to a community.” She came to this realization about 4 years ago as NAC was evolving. Planning ahead and thinking about the winter blues, The Last Call Trio would like to make this offer to our readers (and anyone else, age 60 or better). They would like to perform for you, if you will attend, in March 2025. This would not be a fundraiser. It would be a winter-blues breaker! The cost of the ticket would cover the cost of renting the venue and the hors d’oeuvres. Soft drinks or adult beverages would be on you. Preliminary thoughts would be to hold it at Meet These Ladies and How They Are Aging 11