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44 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2017 The PG 55+ Show (not for children) on May 19 and 20, is coming up quickly. We are in the midst of rehearsing our songs as well as having some choir members rehearsing their skits. Whew! We work so hard to provide you with free entertainment! Besides that, we all just love to sing. While we are doing all that we are releasing stress, laughing a lot, socializing and having a really good time. Remember the shows are free entertainment (contributions are always welcome). Come out and support Twisted Cabaret II. If you do not enjoy suggestive humor, this won't be the show for you. We will perform once again in October in the Way Off Broadway Show and you can see us then. To join or if you have questions about the Four Seasons Singers, call (951) 797-3466 or email me at bawasco@dc.rr.com. ~ Barbara Wasco Four Seasons Singers "A black man saved the ship." But at that time it wasn't acceptable to say it. Carl Clark, a World War II veteran, passed away last month on March 16. He was 100 years old. In 2012, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal more than 60 years after he saved the lives of several men onboard the USS Aaron Ward in 1945. His heroic actions went unrecognized for many years because he was black, he said. You can view the news video by visiting www.today. com and searching for videos for Carl Clark. More Americans than ever before are living to the age of 100 years and beyond. California is home to the largest number of centenarians in the nation. A 2016 report published by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), noted the nation's centenarian population has grown by 44 percent in recent years, from 50,281 in 2000 to 72,197 in 2014. Some experts believe such longevity is the result of good health, great genes, and luck. Societal factors have also contributed. Such factors include improvements in vaccines, antibiotics, hygiene and sanitation. The report noted, "People are more aware of their health, of the importance of staying active and eating healthy food…" A review of 2010 census data showed 82.8 percent of America's centenarians were female. Go women! "We know that women are more social than men. Other studies have found that staying socially connected predicts greater life expectancy," as noted by Gary Small, a Professor on Aging and Director of the UCLA Longevity Center. I was wondering to myself, what a person would see in their life time having lived to be 100 years old. What things have changed, and what things have stayed the same? I reviewed a 100 year timeline in African American history by going to: www.blackpast.org/timelines. This is what I observed: What made history? We have our first African American president. What stayed the same? Racial separation and violence has been consistent throughout history. Also, there has been a consistent increase in African American athletes and artists accomplishments, Black College and University Presidents and elected officials. You're invited to join us and become a part of a growing group that is striving to make a difference in our community. If you know anyone who is close to 100 years old and wants to tell their story, please contact us. We meet the first Monday of the month in the Lodge Card Room at 6 pm. For more information please contact Joyce Allen at (951) 769-4354 or Roxie Elliott at (951) 769-2517. ~ Regina Thomas African American Culture Club CPO Carl Clark, a true hero