Marilee Marrero Stefenhagen
Former County of LA Public Library Administrator is having the time of her life as a retiree; meeting fascinating people who are active seniors, and volunteering for Soroptimist International of Norwalk and other women’s groups.

Re: photo taken in front of the waterfall:

The waterfall picture was taken at Mendenhall Lake in Alaska when we took our boat up

there.

Senior in Action – Annie Reiner

by Marilee Marrero Stefenhagen

Q: Do you mind revealing your age, and sharing how you stay active? 

Annie Reiner: “I am 73 years old, turning 74 in May.  Yes, I certainly fit the term “Senior in Action!”  I am a psychoanalyst who’s still in practice, currently a writer, a poet, a singer, and I paint, even illustrating my own books. I will be performing a show on June 8 at the Catalina Jazz Club at 6725 Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, including songs which I wrote. At the Catalina Jazz Club, I will be accompanied by a combo of talented musicians: Musical Director Charlie Harrison on piano and vocals, Henry Newmark on drums, Dan Sawyer who plays saxophone, flute and guitar, and Larry Steen on bass guitar.  My song choices feature music made popular by Peggy Lee, Steely Dan, Leonard Cohen, Supertramp, and more rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and jazz classics. I also plan to sing a song from the movie Peter Pan that my brothers Rob, Lucas and I loved singing in our pajamas when we were kids.”  

Q: Have you always lived in California?  Where were you educated?

Annie Reiner: “I was born in New York, and my family moved to Los Angeles when I was eleven years old for my father’s work.  My father is the writer/director Carl Reiner, who attended all of my shows until his death in 2020.  My mother, Estelle, became a singer at age 65 and was a wonderful painter who began painting in earnest once her three children were grown.  Estelle sang on the radio when she was sixteen.  I followed in her footsteps in a way.  Mom always said, ‘If you love something, it’s not work.’  My artistic side is very much center stage.  I studied at UCLA where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology, and at USC for my Master’s Degree in Social Work.  I wanted to go into a deeper level of psychology so I attended the Psychoanalytic Center of California for my PhD.”

Q: Do you write fiction or non-fiction books?

Annie Reiner:  My publicist calls me a creative force of nature; I write both fiction and non-fiction books, and more!  Suddenly in the past 6 months, I’ve been writing songs.  I write the lyrics, and my friend and arranger/accompanist Charlie Harrison sets the words to music.  Charlie and I have worked together for 15 years.  We produced three albums: Love Songs and Songs I Love in 2010, Rhythm and Reiner in 2011, and Blues and Other Hues in 2015. I guess songwriting comes naturally to me because I’ve written poetry. I like to perform quirky, funny and obscure songs.   The four children’s books I authored also feature my original artwork.  Of course, as a psychoanalyst, I ‘ve published journal articles, and have written books in the field of psychology.  I wrote about my mentor Bion and his theories on the infinite mind.  I’ve been invited to present at psychoanalytic conferences around the world, including Spain, Israel, New Zealand, Italy, Brazil, and Argentina, and taught classes as part of a seven week Zoom session on the mind.

Q: Do you enjoy being physically active as well?                   

Annie Reiner: “Yes, singing takes a lot of energy. I do stretch and dance exercises every day.  It is so important to commit to being active and make it a routine.  I took jazz classes from age fourteen.  In my 70’s, walking is an important part of staying strong.  It helps to be in good shape before you put on a little glitz and go on stage to perform for over an hour.”

Annie Reiner’s songs can be found on YouTube and Spotify, and her books/CDs are available to order on Amazon.  For tickets to her June 8^th performance at the Catalina Jazz Club, call (323) 466-2210 for reservations, or order online at catalinajazzclub.com.  $30 cover charge plus dinner or two drinks.