Page 3 - NBY Cover - January 2023 Bruce Springsteen v2

Senior in Action ~ Sharon Naiman

Sharon Naiman as told to Marilee Marrero “I have been a voracious reader
Stefenhagen all of my life, and volunteering at the SJC
Q: Are you a native Californian, or did Friends of the Library Bookstore brings me
you relocate here? into contact with many inexpensive books,
Sharon: “I’ve lived most of my adult so I probably buy more than I sell! My
life in southern California, but was born and preferred category of books to read is
raised in Kansas City, Missouri. Those of us historical fiction, such as Hamilton. But I
born in that region pronounce our state as also like biographies such as the book I’m
Missourah which is how we separate the reading now, Sisters in Law about the
natives from the visitors. After high school, I Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader
wanted to attend University of Arizona in Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor.”
Tucson, so my parents put me on a train with Q: What hobbies do you pursue when not
my locker, and off I went by myself. Didn’t volunteering?
know a soul there, which proves I can be Sharon: “I like to garden, mostly
intrepid when I need to be. After a year, I flowers in the planters near my front door.
transferred to the University of Missouri and It’s difficult to do so these days as I am
earned my BS in Education. When I having treatments for back pain after a fall.
considered where to apply for work after I enjoy following baseball, especially the
graduation, there were many available Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels.
teaching positions in various states. College basketball is also fun to watch and
California was having a population growth I root for UCLA.
spurt and needed to hire teachers. I Traveling to new places is
interviewed, and accepted a position in San something I once enjoyed. My husband and Left to Right: Red Sox Fans - Late husband, Sharon, Son and
Diego and moved to California where I taught I traveled extensively after our children Grandson shown.
elementary and middle school students, as were grown. We toured England, Ireland,
well as American History to high school Italy, Switzerland, Romania and Prague in Highlights for the Month of January
classes.” Czech Republic. International travel
“San Diego turned out to be a brought relevance to the history lessons I
wonderful decision, as I met my husband taught during my career, and my husband 1. The flower symbol of 12. On January 4, 1896, Utah became the
there. We were married in 1962. My plan was and I were fascinated by history and January is snowdrop & carnation. 45th state.
to have 6 children since I came from a small cultures. I learned that kitchen towels make
family with only one sister. However, we excellent souvenirs to bring home to loved 2. January’s gem is garnet which 13. On January 6, 1912. New Mexico
had four children; two sons and 2 daughters. ones – non-breakable and easy to pack! represents constancy. became the 47th state.
The family continued to grow, and I have 9 Q: Do you believe in making New Year’s
grandchildren now, but they are spread out Resolutions? 3. The zodiac signs for January is 14. January 11 – National Human
in Israel, the mid-West, Los Angeles, and Sharon: “I do, however, like most Capricorn (December 22 – Trafficking Awareness Day in the
Orange County. My husband died in 2014, people I’m not diligent about following January 19) and Aquarius United States
and life afterwards was a big adjustment. I through. For 2023, I resolve to exercise (January 20 – February 18
am fortunate to live in a senior condo more and be less critical.” 15. On January 2, 1788, Georgia ratified
development with very helpful neighbors, 4. The Common Sense by Thomas the Constitution.
willing to lend a hand whenever needed, more 2010 photo below: Sharon Paine was published on January
frequently now that I am 83. “ with husband 10, 1776. 16. January 26 – Republic Day in India
Q: Do you have any family traits or
traditions that you attribute to your parents? 5. On January 10, 1920 the League 17. On January 1, 1863, the Emancipation
Sharon: “My mother taught me to of Nations was established. Proclamation was issued by Abraham
cook, so I am comfortable in the kitchen. One Lincoln.
of the recipes my family requests often is my 6. National Blood Donor Month
chicken soup with matzah balls. Another trait 18. On the first Monday of January,
passed down was the importance of sharing 7. National Braille Literacy Month Handsel Monday is celebrated in
time with your family, and our family Scotland and northern England.
congregates together whenever possible for 8. National Hobby Month
holiday meals and celebrations.” 9. FLOWER: Snowdrop & Carnation
“Perhaps the most important trait I National Soup Month STONE: Garnet
learned from my parents was the desire to be 10. National Staying Healthy Month
involved in the community, working for
social justice. That has led me to be involved 11. On January 8, 1798, Amendment
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in numerous community groups; League of 999 11 to Constitution was
Women Voters, American Association of RESOURCES ~ There are thousands
University Women, Friends of the San Juan of federal, state, and private benefit proclaimed which modified the
Capistrano Library, and serving on programs that help pay for prescrip- Supreme Court’s power.
committees at my synagogue in Aliso Viejo. tion drugs, health care, utilities, and
At synagogue, I’ve participated in a other basic needs for adults over 55.
committee that cooks together and freezes From Staff at
meals to be delivered to members when they www.benefitscheckup.org; Not Born Yesterday!
are sick or mourning the loss of a loved one.” 1-202-479-1200
National Council on Aging.

JANUARY 2023 www.nbynews.com 3