Vol. 26 No. 21
Visit us on the web: www.lifeafter50online.com
October 2017
Taiko Society drums up interest woke up and I could hardly move,” Moore said. “It’s physically demanding, mentally demanding; it’s something I just he low rumble of the steady pulse of drumming can be heard just outside of love. I enjoy seeing it performed.” Moore retired from a 26-year career the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts in in the Air Force in 1992. He then served Palmer Lake on Sunday afternoons. at the chief marketing officer for ENT Inside, members of Taiko Society, a Federal Credit Union for 13 years. He community performance group founded fully retired in 2012. by instructors Jesse and Carla Maddox, Moore, 74, has a move in synchronized bit of a musical motions. Taiko (a background, having word for Japanese For more information about played trumpet in drums crafted from elementary school, wood and rawhide) classes and for a performance guitar in high school sort of mixes schedule, visit: percussion and martial and has been a part of www.taikosociety.com. arts. The group choirs. But taiko is performs songs that completely different. not only entail playing in sync, but “It’s a good workout. One of the flowing arm movements as well. important rules is you don’t want to do The group always welcomes new anything to hurt yourself,” he said, adding members, as classes are held on Sunday that the group’s warmup routine is much afternoons and Tuesday evenings. Some needed. “It’s a matter of doing (warmups) classes come with a monthly fee, others to the best of your ability but not straining are “pay what you can.” Ages 13 and up yourself.” are welcomed. In fact, a number of Moore is in his fifth year with Taiko seniors are involved with Taiko Society. Society, and performing is one of the One of those is James Moore, whose biggest rewards of being part of the interest in taiko was sparked when he saw group, he said. Performing as an ensemble it performed as part of a Cirque de Soleil and listening to one another to make sure show years ago in California. When he each piece is performed the way it was discovered the local group, he jumped at intended is a fun challenge. Having an the opportunity to be a part of it. audience is an added perk. “The first lesson I had was an hour “I get a huge charge seeing how the and 15 minutes long. The next morning, I
By Anthony Welch
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On the Web
See TAIKO, page 2
Photo by Anthony Welch
Taiko Society member James Moore, 74, retired from a 26-year career in the Air Force and 13 years as chief marketing officer for ENT.
From rags to fashion Former educator enjoys upcycling fabrics By Natalie Minasian
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Photo by Natalie Minasian
From vintage clothing, Susan Stevens gently reuses the silk from dresses or blouses. She’s a former physical education teacher of 30 years.
hey caught my eye, swaying in the breeze. The colors were surreal. Their beauty was breathtaking. I should have kept walking down the path to the outdoor concert but I could not. It became absolutely necessary to
stop and discover what these gorgeous fabric creations were! The woman in their midst had a welcoming smile. It was apparent that she was the artistic soul who created them. Our conversation started with my heartfelt compliment, “These are so beautiful. Did you make them?” Her name is Susan Stevens. Yes, indeed she had designed them all. And
The Swiss Chalet
New facility
Restaurant a Woodland Park legacy
Retreat at Sunny Vista to open this month
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See SCARVES, page 2