Gary Sinise with Tolucan Tracy Wallace, the Development Director of Shelter Partnership, at the Partnership’s 24th Annual Dinner.

I want to Talk about Tracy Wallace, she is a classy, good woman, in our neighborhood, and we can all be proud to know about her. If it wasn’t for Tracy I might not have learned about Shelter Partnership. And if it wasn’t for Tracy I might not have had the opportunity to meet Gary Sinise at last week’s Shelter Partnership’s 24th Annual Dinner.

As Shelter Partnership’s Development Director, Tracy has developed many events and countless admirers. I am near the top of that list due to Tracy’s efficiency, enthusiasm, and how she is so personally bonded to her work. She is a charming and comfortable woman with a heart for doing the right thing. And, the most recent right thing was the blazing success of their Annual Dinner where spirits and consciousness were raised to a new high.

FRITZ COLMAN: Our beloved, Toluca Lake Mayor, Fritz has been the MC for Shelter Partnership events for umpteen times, always fresh and funny, fabulous, and a non-annoying fund raiser for their auctions (OK, I adore him). David and I sat with Fritz at the Channel 4 You! Table. Thanks to Terri Hernandez Rosales for the hospitality and the company. It’s heartening to know about all the good charitable work that Channel 4 does for Los Angeles. Tolucan Clint Howard, who was a buddy of Gary Sinise since Apollo 13, told me the good news about his father, Rance Howard, getting married. (Happy Days, Rance!)

The entertainment was the New Directions Veterans Choir, made up of formerly homeless veterans who found their way back through the New Directions Program (the women are wives and relatives of veterans). Which brings us to the Dinner Honoree, Gary Sinise….

Tracy Wallace with Dallas and her husband Bill.

ACTOR AND HUMANITARIAN: Congratulations and admiration to Gary Sinise for his dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans and first responders, their families, and those in need; and his crusade of support, service, and gratitude to all those who protect our freedom.

Ruth Swartz, the dynamic and beloved Executive Director and co-founder of Shelter Partnership says, “Gary inspires us with his continued commitment. His home building projects can be seen almost as a parallel collaboration with our programs, and the mission to advocate for housing for homeless veterans.”

Through a partnership with Building for America’s Bravest, the Gary Sinise Foundation is building Custom Smart Homes for severely wounded veterans. Additionally, the Foundation has created programs such as the Gary Sinise Foundation Relief Resiliency Outreach program to provide complete support to military and first responder families recovering from trauma and loss in times of urgent need. Since forming the Lt. Dan Band in 2004, Gary Sinise and his band perform close to 50 shows a year for military bases, charities, and fundraisers to support wounded warriors, Gold Star families, and troops around the world.

Gary was grateful to be honored by Shelter Partnership, for his advocacy for veterans, and he hoped that the event helps raise awareness and motivates people in our community to help. Gary commended Shelter Partnership’s tireless work for not only veterans, but for the thousands of individuals and families who find themselves homeless each year.

There is a library of fantastic information about the Shelter Partnership and the Gary Sinise Foundation on the Internet. Stuff you would feel so proud to know about and perhaps proud to support. Google. And if you need to talk to a real person regarding how to help, call Shelter Partnership and ask for Tracy Wallace (at 213-943-4585), remember her?

In closing, I’d like to offer you a hint of how special Tracy is, on her Facebook page, she wrote a note to her horse for a special occasion, “Ten years ago today, Dallas traveled to Burbank and became our horse! Happy Anniversary, Dallas! You are my heart, my soul, my friend, my confidant, and every time I look at you, I’m blown away by how beautiful you are! We love you, sweet pea!”

My kind of person, who also takes care of Bunnies in need of Shelter.

“There is enough for all.” We’ll Talk….

Linda and Ken Howard: The President of the SAG-AFTRA and his wife are both Executive Directors of the Onyx and Breezy Foundation.

I want to Talk about the pride I feel for some friends, women who, just by pursuing their passion, have added to the common good. In the last few weeks, I’ve been fortunate to attend varied Events and watch these worker bees (well, Queen bees) in action.

BEVERLY LONG: Sometimes a simple Birthday gathering is a real Event. My dear peer, Beverly was a spunky and very good actor. We started in the LACC Drama Department in 1951 and bonded forever. She was a working actress while going to school (Father Knows Best and about every episodic TV show in the ‘50s and ‘60s). Her classic role was as Helen, one of the gang members, in Rebel Without a Cause. In the ‘70s Beverly did tons of commercials, and being a smart and forward-thinking girl, she became a Talent Agent and then an independent Casting Director with her own company.

Debra-Lynn Findon, of Discover Management (right in the hood, on Moorpark at Tujunga), became Beverly Long’s partner … and perfect friend. Every year Debra-Lynn hosts a group of special friends to celebrate Beverly’s birthday and this year’s was really big. Family came to town to join her personal and business pals. Jack Grinnage (another gang member in Rebel) and my husband David also went to LACC and have loved Beverly endlessly. She still has her girlish glow and is full of humor and love and courage. A life well lived, right in our neighborhood.

JUDY CHAIKIN: Studio City resident, Judy has been traveling the film festival route with her Documentary, The Girls in the Band. Well, they have just won another Prize, The Best Documentary Award at the High Falls Film Festival! Their fifth win!

And, the film will have a Grand Opening in New York at the Lincoln Center in May. We’ll be Talking more about Judy’s brilliant work … and the L.A. screenings in June. How proud can a friend be? Also, Judy is another LACC Drama Dept. graduate.

MARSHA KRAMER: OK, Marsha went to UCLA, but she gave the most superb performance in the Musical Theatre Guild’s A Catered Affair. As a founding member of MTG, Marsha has appeared in many of their excellent musicals. When she isn’t appearing, she is volunteering.

Marsha has a long filmography on camera and voiceover. From playing Wendy in the National Tour of Peter Pan, to the mom in A Catered Affair, Marsha can do it all. And best of other things, she is an animal lover and very active in the humane community.

LINDA HOWARD: I first met Linda Fetters (now Howard), when she was a stuntwoman on a set in Dallas. It was just one afternoon, but Linda did me a personal favor, in a very subtle fashion, that I’ll never forget.

Over the years she became a member of The Stuntwomen’s Association of Motion Pictures Inc., serving as their Vice President, and then President from 1994-96. Her experience most likely helps her understand the demanding schedule of her husband, Ken Howard, who is the President of SAG-AFTRA. Both devoted animal lovers, they share their home with Harley & Hannah, both rescues. And both Linda and Ken serve on the Executive Board of the Onyx and Breezy Foundation, which offers financial aid to credible organizations and individuals that benefit the welfare of animals.

Last week they had their first West Coast fundraiser, a wonderful night full of animal lovers and passionate animal activists as guests, who were shuttled, in stately vans, up to the private home of James Costa. With respect to the host’s beneficent generosity, we removed our shoes and David and I went gaga at the magnificent modern estate and breathtaking L.A. views, while dining on vegan bites from Food By Mother Organic. Musical performances were offered by American Idol winner, the sweet Lee DeWyze and the sensational Smash star Leslie Odom, Jr.

The Howards, along with Foundation Trustees Wanda & Mark Shefts, and co-chair Cindy Kay recognized two vital people for their passion for helping animals – Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning songwriter Diane Warren, and renowned photographer Christopher Ameruoso. The arts community was well represented by guests including Priscilla Presley, Ronn Moss, Emmy Rossum, Peter Facinelli, Kristin Bauer, Frances Fisher, Sam Elliott, Katharine Ross, Greg Louganis, and Carole and Gilles Marini, who were in our van driving up to the wonder house.

The Onyx and Breezy Foundation provides a great list of assistance in a variety of ways. (Google them and learn all about it.)

So many exceptional women, it makes you Wonder. We’ll Talk….

Doris Day with friend.

Editor’s Note: The following is the second part of an exclusive interview with singer/actress Doris Day. Besides her storied entertainment career and advocacy of animal rights, she owns the fabulous and historic Cypress Inn in Carmel — pet friendly, of course!

Doris Day will be happy knowing that the second part of her exclusive Tolucan Times interview will be in the special Spring Pet Issue! She will always be a Tolucan … and animals will always be her issue.

Just to clear the air, the tabloids’ soapy speculations are diametrically wrong. Doris takes her walks, is dutiful about her check-ups, and has results that we all would wish for. And, at 89, while having dinner, she can read the little scrolling on the TV that no one else can see. Vision is 20/20.

I hope Doris enjoys reading this and takes joy in the accomplishments of her Foundation.

THE DORIS DAY ANIMAL FOUNDATION: Here’s a heads-up to deserving small local animal organizations (501c3). Go to the DDAF website (ddaf.org) and apply for a grant. That is one of their primary goals.

A life-long animal lover, Doris Day is one of the world’s beloved and most-honored women, as well as one of the most-dedicated, hard-working, and recognized public servants and advocates of animal welfare and animal rights.

Long before it was fashionable to have a cause or show compassion, Doris was protecting and defending the animals and the people who love them.

Doris Day’s historic and pet-friendly Carmel, CA hotel the Cypress Inn.

Upon leaving Hollywood, Doris turned her focus to helping “the precious ones” – animals — full-time. But her love and dedication didn’t start there. While recuperating from the childhood auto accident that nearly left her paralyzed, her dog “Tiny” helped her cope.

“He never left my side, understood my moods, and gave me the kind of companionship that only a dog can bestow,” Doris says. “It was during this time that I began a lifelong love affair with dogs. The affection and caring of both dogs and cats is also a relief from tensions and anxiety.”

In 1956 while on location in Morocco filming Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Man Who Knew Too Much, she was appalled at the condition and treatment of the animals on the set and announced that she would not work until the emaciated animals received proper care. Did they ever!

And Doris didn’t hesitate calling President Ronald Reagan when she found out that his dog was exiled to the Western White House.

In 1971, Doris became one of the founding members of Actors and Others for Animals, along with Richard and Diana Basehart, Lucie Arnaz, and my lucky self. In 1978, she founded the non-profit Doris Day Pet Foundation.

Soon Doris recognized that rescuing animals wasn’t enough. She knew she had to get to the root of the homeless pet overpopulation and do more to protect all animals. To complement the Doris Day Pet Foundation, she formed the Doris Day Animal League in 1987, a national non-profit citizens’ lobbying organization.

With Doris’ personal involvement in writing letters and calling legislators, DDAL soon became one of the most powerful voices for animals on Capitol Hill, responsible for landmark legislation on behalf of the animals.

One of Doris’ and DDAL’s proudest achievements is founding Spay Day USA in 1995. Now known as World Spay Day, the effort now encompasses 46 countries. In 2007, the Doris Day Animal League merged with the Humane Society of the United States for an even greater legislative voice in Washington.

In the meantime, Doris realized that her Foundation could also have a much more far-reaching impact for the animals nationwide. What began as The Doris Day Pet Foundation has evolved from a local, grassroots rescue organization to the Doris Day Animal Foundation.

Today, in addition to overseeing her charities, Doris stays busy running her household filled with her own precious “four-leggers” and happily reading and responding to the tremendous volume of fan mail she continues to receive.

HAPPY GIRLS: This is what edging 80 is. Being happy with my dear friend Carolyn See, a noble and renowned writer of novels and stories, currently reviewing books for The Washington Post (friends since 11 years old.)

I want to Talk about saying Aloha, the swaying syllables that say, “Hello, goodbye, I love you, ‘til we meet again” … the soothing word that brings one’s mind back to Hawaii and the prevailing spirits within. So, it’s Aloha to the Westin Maui with many new golden memories that I hope will inspire readers to take a special time with special friends. It’s never too late….

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: We, Carolyn See and I, started out surprising our friend Joan Weber with her first trip to Hawaii. All of us are edging eighty, with a wealth of old, and now new, memories of our long friendship. Of being girlfriends. Since World War II ended and we started our growing up at Thomas Starr King Jr. High.

Our week of Aloha was full of happenings and leisure and shopping. The Westin Maui is right next door to the Whalers Village, a terrific shopping area. They have anything from fancy to chancey, jewelry and surf shops, dining and fast snacking, and an ABC Store that offers everything from wardrobe to Maui potato chips to wine. My favorite Mumu store is there, Blue Ginger, so I could refresh my collection. (I always wear mumus, not just in Hawaii. I may look like a little old lady to some, but guess what! Edging eighty. The Hula Hut at Whalers is an island-y place to have a snack, and they have a Whale Museum (great for children), with much history of Lahaina when it was a bustling whaling town.

We all, the girls, along with our friends/escorts Barry Moss and Richard Jordon, visited Lahaina to stand under the famous Banyan tree, and case the colorful shops where Joan found a shark jaw (just the teeth part) as a gift for a grandson.

And of course, at the end of Front Street, right on the ocean (with a sea turtle haven), are MALA and HONU, our dining spots of divine delights. Our culinary hearts are with Mark Ellman, the owner-chef of these superb dining spots who treated us with supreme Aloha, of which he is an expert (Mark’s book, Practice Aloha, can be purchased online, along with his cookbook and very cool tee-shirts.) On Oscar night, we noshed on MALA salads and famous Pizzas in my hotel room. It was a delicious and memorable Oscars.

UPCOUNTRY MAUI: Talk about two different worlds, from the Ka’anapali Coast, up to cowboy towns, wineries, goat farms, and a big volcano, within an hour Maui transforms. There were two upcountry ventures, one with my Joseph Cousin, Rita Goldman, who is an important writer in Maui. We lunched at the celebrated upcountry restaurant, the Hailemaile General Store, and then toured the art institute and the cowboy town, Makawa. The other trip was to see goats and local dives. All a part of our “paradise come true.” So with those lyrics of Billy Barnes, the soul of our venture who is now part of the Hawaiian waters, we fulfilled and surpassed all hopes.

It was hard to say goodbye to the hospitable Westin, so it was Aloha, until we meet again. We all made our planes back to L.A., unlike the plane I missed heading there.

MISSED PLANE: Here’s how that went down … Going through the LAX security body scan, a nice TSA gent told me to remove the silk scarf around my neck. So I threw it into one of my bins and walked through. I made sure Carolyn got on the plane, attended to by Richard. Joan waited with me while I responded to an announcement to call TSA security area. While waiting for them to answer the call, I kept thinking that my scarf must have been left behind. Panic. My mind pictured the beautiful scarf that was a gift from David. I think he found it in Lugano. It would have been too terrible to lose it. Turns out, they weren’t even paging me. So we went to the gate and I cheerfully asked to get on the airplane. They told me, it already left. “Nooooooooooo,” I bellowed. (Chagrin, disbelief. reality.) I wangled a flight to San Francisco/ Maui and we were in time to meet the gang for dinner at MALA.

All’s well that ends well, and we’re still edging eighty.

Treasure old friends.

Aloha, we’ll Talk….

The only five fire dancers at the authentic Hawaiian experience, the Wailele Polynesian Luau.

I want to Talk about some further adventure of the edging eighty trio (JJ, Joan, and Carolyn, along with our chaperones, Barry and Richard) in Hawaii. Our one-week at the Westin Maui packed in so much memorable and exciting activity it’s truly possible to get a maximum dose of Maui without even leaving the resort. All styles of dining, from a beach bar to fine dinning. Let me rail on about two diverse dinners at our Westin home away from home.

WAILELE POLYNESIAN LUAU: When Joan asked, “What is a Luau?” we knew it was the perfect time and place for her to find out. The Wailele Polynesian Luau is right on the grounds of the Westin, overlooking a Kaanapali Beach sunset. We walked through a wing of the hotel, with temptingly lovely shops, right to the entrance of the Luau. We were greeted by sweet young women (and a pretty hunky guy), who gifted us with shell necklaces and led us to a variety of island drinks (including Maui Pineapple Rum). Then we moved outdoor, to our reserved table and watched the sun coming down behind the island of Lanai in the near distance. Before the show, a first rate, very Polynesian, entertainer keeps the audience happy, as if we weren’t happy enough alongside legendary Ka’anapali Beach with a stunning oceanfront backdrop. We enjoyed a generous Luau buffet with traditional selections for an authentic experience.

The newly revitalized Aloha Pavilion with cascading waterfalls, tropical gardens, and tiki torches allows a dramatic setting for guests to embark on a cultural journey to the Polynesian Islands where dance was considered not just a form of entertainment, but as a means of telling stories. The talent is sweet, amusing, and romantic, too breathtaking. The gentle hula, Hawaiian songs, and a special new performance dedicated to Wailele (meaning waterfalls). Featured dances from Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa reminded us that we’re not in Kansas! The breathtaking finale is Maui’s only extreme fire-knife dance performance led by fire-knife dance champion Martin Tevaga. It was an extreme fired-up Luau, enjoyed by all.

(I’d suggest reserving in advance if you are heading that way.)

HANGING: The best part of hanging around the Westin Maui Resort is you can just be a beach bunny (Carolyn loved the lounges on the beach where you can people watch.) I am an into-the-ocean type of girl and feel almost sacred in the Hawaiian waters. And Joan loved the art of nature with the lush foliage, the water flowers, and decorous carp. A parrot kept me shrieking “Aloha, aloha, aloha!” and the flamingo’s sometimes stood in a straight line. Small pleasures? Big to us.

TROPICA: After a farewell wine and sunset balcony gathering, our little troupe saved our last dinner for the Westin’s gorgeous fine dining restaurant and bar. The renowned Tropica is the resorts signature restaurant just off the beach walk, where we dined amidst flickering tiki torches, soft tumbling waterfalls, spectacular sunsets, and views of the neighboring islands and the dazzling Pacific Ocean. (This is so beautiful, please find it on the internet and see what awaits you; I just googled Tropica and below the dining data there are three pictures, click on the first one and it’s a little movie that covers the whole place.)

Tropica fine dining at the Westin Maui.

FLAVORS OF HAWAII: Tropica’s Chef de Cuisine, Jennifer Evetushick, predicts that we will fall in love with the fresh seafood and local produce that is prepared with Aloha. Jennifer, how about craven passion! The ahi & crispy pork belly is seared in my taste memory. I’d order that for a starter, entrée, and dessert. Still savoring the seared diver scallops. The pacific seafood “pho” was a flavor adventure (Joan ate my lobster) and we shared a roasted beet salad with truffle vinaigrette, local goat cheese, and macadamia nut croquette with island arugala. Just a hint of the enticing menu. Manager Barry Chu surprised us with a dessert sampler, aloha and oy! White chocolate banana bread pudding, pineapple/polenta genoise, kaffir lime, and lemongrass crème brulee, studies in chocolate, yuzu cheesecake, and sorbets and ice cream. Humbling and humiliating, so much tantalizing abundance. Oh, well, if one wants to have a lighter fare, the Tropica Bar, at the rear of the restaurant, backed by a shimmering water wall, is a destination itself, a romantic place to enjoy pupus & starters, tropical entrees, and desserts, not to mention the inventive cocktails.

I still have tons of tales of visits to the upcountry and the missed airplane (chagrin) … One more Hawaii column coming.

We’ll Talk….

THE HOUSING NOW! MARCH ON WASHINGTON. Valerie Harper gathered a planeload of supporters from Hollywood to help spotlight the occasion. (A few in the front row are Linda Evans, Jesse Jackson, and Jean Kasem.)

I want to Talk about the Valerie that I know; yes, Valerie Harper who is in the news and valiantly living every moment while battling a nasty brain cancer. We are hearing much praise for her worthy talent and career, and for her excellent family. I’ve been leafing through some old clippings and I want to offer my 2 cents on the Valerie that I know….

Over the years, society’s suffering would rise and hit us between the eyes, and one would want to step up and make life better, but didn’t know where to turn. That’s when we followed Valerie. Valerie Harper was like a clairvoyant of crisis. Her visions gathered the willing and pointed all in a specific direction to help the suffering subside.

Valerie Harper has an energy that makes the impossible possible … and now she’s using that inner power to live and love each moment and to gather strength to meet her brain cancer head on. That is a force to be reckoned with. That, plus the loving legions of cheerleaders, just may defy gravity.

Valerie is funny and passionate, intense and giddy. And she puts her money, and her very being, where her mouth is. I believe the good she has done worldwide should shine as bright as her Hollywood stardom. Here are some tips of the massive iceberg that are Valerie’s gifts to humanity.

The End Hunger Network: In 1983, Valerie and Jeff Bridges convened a group of like-minded folks, educated us about birth mortality rates worldwide and how ending hunger would eventually lower overpopulation. Really. Then the work began and it’s still going strong.

HOUSING NOW! Only Valerie Harper could give one a quick call and say, “We’re filling an airplane with Hollywood supporters to join the Rainbow Coalition Gala Birthday Celebration for Jesse Jackson and then join the Housing Now! March on Washington.” That was a thrilling couple of days in 1989, well worth the ticket. Thanks Valerie, and I’d love to take you to see the warehouse that Shelter Partnership has in Bell, which continues to support the fight for housing, now!

LIFE (Love Is Feed Everyone): In the mid-‘80s, LIFE was co-founded by actors Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper. Why actors, actors, actors? Because they get attention, attention, attention and the word gets out.

It was launched with the ambitious goal of salvaging tons of edible but unsalable food from stores … which lead to one of Los Angeles’ largest food banks. We spent a lot of time in department stores trading photos for donations of food. I remember Valerie’s food collecting visit at our local Vons and covering the little event for the Tolucan.

Heady times, fulfilling years and more to come. The last time I saw a glorious looking Valerie Harper was at the SAG Awards. She is a current member of the SAG-AFTRA Board and continues to serve with all her magnificence. My mind drifts to earlier years when somehow we shared stories of adoption and diets and her meeting Tony. I remember her and Mary, on their lunch break during the Mary Tyler Moore Show, doing their ballet class. And I’m looking forward to future memories with the much-loved Valerie.

So now, this issue of the Tolucan Times is a Real Estate issue. Let me thank Dorene Martin, of Coldwell Banker, for selling us our house in Sherman Oaks. This part of the Valley is a nice place to live, folks from the West Side — think about it?

Perhaps it’s time for us to think about a time-share at the Westin Maui’s Ocean Resort Villas? Dreaming.

Promises: I owe you a Part II of the Hawaii “Edging Eighty” column. I will share how I missed the plane and carry on about the trip in next issue.

We’ll Talk…

At sea, with the Girls and our Guys: Barry Moss, Joan Weber, Carolyn See, JJ, and Richard Jordan.

I’ve been talking about my planned trip to Hawaii with two of my girlfriends (from Thomas Starr King Jr. High School, since 1946!) Carolyn See, Joan Weber, and I still refer to ourselves as the girls and behave as such when we unite. This was a special holiday full of Aloha spirit as our original purpose, as we are edging eighty, was to experience Joan’s first visit to Hawaii. I can only wish the same fulfilling experience to all of you….

“DAMES AT SEA”: As the title of this jaunty musical suggests, we girls were up for anything and everything. The ocean, the town, the upcountry, the dining, and especially, doing nothing but enjoying the view from our ocean-view rooms at the Westin Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach (to me, the best beach ever). The General Manager, Gregg Lundberg, must be doing a lot of things right as we were treated with endearing respect by all the staff, with special Mahalos (thank yous) to the lovely and lively duo Sumithra Balraj (Director of Public Relations) and Venus Yi (Sales & Marketing Coordinator). Barry Chu (Tropic Restaurant Manager) made sure we had a meal to remember which adorable and patient Tracey served. Every morning we went to the Westin’s casual ‘Ono Bar and Grill (next to a huge pond filled with resplendent koi, a flock of flamingo including one passing duck, a black swan, and gorgeous tropical water flowers). We were served breakfast with endless smiles and friendly familiarity as the week passed, so big mahalos to Connie, Nazzy, and Melinda.

AND SO IT GROWS: When I say “we,” allow me to introduce two gentlemen who embellished our merry group. First, Barry Moss, New York Casting Director and devoted Billy Barnes friend and fan, came from New York to be with us and to visit his family who happen to own and operate the best restaurants in Maui (or anywhere, we all felt!) Remember their names; MALA OCEAN TAVERN and HONU on Front Street in Lahaina town in Maui and please have a Seared Ahi Bruschetta and think of me pining for more. (Check their website and see their beauty and the menus … luckily they are five minutes from the Westin and are a good reason to locate in that area of the island for a mind-blowing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. How can we thank owner-chef Mark Ellman and his wife Judy for such an amazing first night dinner and for catering our Oscar party? And Mark’s sister (Barry Moss’s really nice niece) whose choices for our lunch at Honu were so scrumptious? A Mahalo with much Aloha will have to do; they are forever in our hearts.

And speaking of heart, before leaving for Maui, I asked Richard Jordan if he would like to join us, as he was planning to take Billy Barnes’ ashes to Hawaii at some point. Thank goodness for all of us that he accepted, as Richard not only accommodated so many unexpected (or un-thought of) needs, but also was wonderful company and he allowed us to participate in a very private and loving service for his former partner. We went to sea with the only small charter boat in Maui, Captain Woody’s, who gently took us out to a quiet spot in the blue Pacific and played Billy’s favorite song, “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” recorded by the late Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Richard spoke from his heart, touching us all deeply. Barry, a long time pal, spoke of Billy’s’ light; Carolyn, a renown writer, read a piece she wrote that encompassed Billy’s talent and songs; I sang a bit of Billy’s song, “City of the Angels,” with a tilt of the lyrics, making The Waters of Hawaii be that “Paradise Come True.” Joan, a gifted artist, made a montage with photos of Billy and Richard and floated it out along with Billy’s ashes in to the waters of Hawaii. This was so perfect and peaceful. It set the tone and spirit of our whole trip.

I’ve barely started this piece and have to finish. I could fill the paper talking about our more and more magical trip, so this is just Part One of the Edging Eighty stories.

By the by, you can Google Captain Woody if you are planning to be in Maui and have a group of 6 or under who want to whale watch or whatever. The personal touch, with no waiting for a crowd, certainly beats an excursion. And pricewise, five or six tickets most likely adds up to Woody’s fee?

Part Two, next column. How, with my infinite and detailed planning, I managed to get Carolyn, who has a wicked knee, on the plane early, along with Richard, and then Joan (for whom I was planning the greatest pleasures), and I managed to miss the plane.

Nooooooo … We’ll Talk….

Kaye Ballard, Pat Carroll, Illeana Douglas, Anne Jeffreys, Charlotte Rae, delightful women who enchanted the full house at the Television Academy in NOHO.

I want to Talk about talented friends, old and new … and, the excitement of going to Maui with my group of Jr. High girlfriends edging 80. I can sense the deep massage from the waterfalls that pound into the pools; my neck feels better just thinking about it! The muumuus are in the suitcase along with goggles for snorkeling. The Westin Maui awaits. There will be much to Talk about!

David is off to winter by the sea in England. Poor me, I’ll just be floating in the sea in Hawaii. But before leaving, I made the best of my time … let’s dish.

“RETIRE FROM SHOW BIZ? NO THANKS!” This is the title of the vibrant panel that recently appeared at the TV Academy. It was immense fun for David and me, and it can still be fun for you! The Academy has this ready for viewing on the Internet.

The very Special Guests were: Kaye Ballard, The Mothers-In-Law, The Tonight Show; Pat Carroll, The Danny Thomas Show, The Little Mermaid; Anne Jeffreys, Topper, Falcon Crest; Marvin Kaplan, Top Cat, Alice; and Charlotte Rae, Car 54, Where Are You?, The Facts of Life! I have known them all, worked with them all so it was really a trip down memory lane, even though some of their stories went further down the lane than mine. Interesting and heartening. The gorgeous Anne announced that she just had her 90th birthday and the room gasped.

Jerry Lewis, a surprise guest at the Television Academy’s Panel of well-seasoned performers.

Moderated by Illeana Douglas, the very special Actor, Writer, Producer, she covered all bases plus, bringing Jerry Lewis as a special surprise guest. Congratulations to the Producer, Arthur Greenwald for an Original Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Webcast Program. He offered us a chance to meet five successful, wise, and funny veterans who shared their perspectives on the power of perseverance.

FACEBOOK FRIEND: A new veteran, Shelly Goldstein, dazzled at the Catalina Jazz Club. London loves her too. Trust this London METRO quote, “Shelly’s a combination of Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler. Take something to strap your socks on with, ‘cause she’s likely to blow them off!” Lucky London, she is heading there to do this new act. Look for her next hometown happening.

LOCAL MAGIC: Studio City’s Greg Wilson will be presenting Mysteries of Magic at the El Capitan from March 8-31. I’m going! (Oh yeah, there is that Oz movie also.) I’m so proud of Greg, the son of Mark Wilson and the enchanted Nani Darnell, who were my bosses in 1960 when I worked on CBS’s Magic Land of Alakazam. Now, Greg Wilson is a star and an important fixture at the Magic Castle.

PAUL ROGAN: My Sherman Oaks neighbor, quite a renowned actor, is currently appearing (and co-directing) in the Impro Theatre’s hit Jane Austen UnScripted at the Pasadena Playhouse’s Carrie Hamilton Stage. I attended the show last Sunday and I’m in awe of the talent. The whole ball of wax slid effortlessly (seemingly) into an impressive achievement, fabulous performance and creative enchantment. Jane Austen UnScripted is a completely improvised play in the style of beloved author Jane Austen. The cast writes and performs an original, all-new Jane Austen story based on an audience suggestion. Sunday’s suggestion was “peanut farming.” It was such fun watching the cast wittily weave a Jane Austen drama full of elegance, romance, and a happy ending based on a farming foray into the new fangled peanut.

This must-see show is running until April something … Google “Jane Austen UnScripted” for data. I just may have to go again and see a new surprising Jane Austen masterpiece/sillypiece.

I do love Improv. My first teacher, Viola Spolin, is still revered as the mother of Improvisation. I do love old performers. I do love new performers.

I’ll soon love Hawaiian performers while wending to the Westin (tomorrow!)

Mahalo, Aloha, and for sure,

We’ll Talk!

Ladies from “Downton Abbey,” winners of the SAG Awards Best Television Ensemble.

I want to Talk about the 19th Annual SAG Awards and the girlie time I had attending this starry event. You can only imagine how heady it was! What to wear, who will I know, and who will I see? I deeply cared about the event, but I’d be fudging if I didn’t admit, for a judicious time, it was all about me! So, let’s dish.

Pre-Show: I slowly got ready. When my car arrived early I grabbed my earrings and split. I had promised friends that I would do some updates on Facebook, so I’m sharing some with you, starting with “Ok, I’m off. Semi-ready, my jewelry in a dainty sack to put on in the car … seems one earring won’t clasp? I’ll be a one-earring person. And, like a contestant for ‘Mrs. Addled America,’ I went to the mall this morning and had some false eyelashes put on, and now one is hanging partway off. So far so good.”

Before I got there, I had enough material for a stand up act — all things strike me funny. I arrived early and went on the far right Red Carpet. The contemporary stars were on the left side (with their PR people guiding them hither and thither) to be available for the press and photographers. Parted only by a long shrub, I could gawk at the early arrivals. The bleachers were on my right and fans had to scream to get their favorites’ attention. I was pleased to see Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) get around the shrub and sign autographs.

After mooning around I entered the Shrine’s Exposition Hall and found my seat. Since no one was really seated as yet, I could wander. I nearly bumped into Robert Morse with his darling son Charlie, “I’m stargazing,” said Bobby as he trailed away. Standing by her husband was this gorgeous woman I met in the Ladies Room (when I helped her hide a dress tag). Jeepers. Dean Norris, who plays Hank Shrader in Breaking Bad. She kindly introduced us, which gave me the opportunity to sincerely pour it on about how fantastic his work is. Patter patter. Then I saw handsome Steven Michael Quezada (Gomez) talking with Jonathan Banks (who fused the character of Mike Ehmantraut with such casual energy, he created a unique villain that made you cry when he accidentally died). Facebook entry: “Jonathan Banks! He was sooo great as Mike in Breaking Bad … I blubbered admiration when we met and then he said, ‘Jackie, we know each other’ … and I said, ’We do?’” Just to complete the Breaking Bad circle, I was in the Ladies line (again) and so was Betsy Brandt, who plays Hank’s wife Marie. And, I got to tell her what a unique and dumbfounding actress she is. Whee.

Facebook: “I took a self portrait near the L’Oreal giveaway nook. (Freebies!!!) Almost made it this far intact, I dropped a shawl on the Red Carpet, a TV team waved at me and I amazingly thought they wanted an interview … But they were pointing at my dropped shawl.” Ah, well, I still could ogle Julianna Margulies and tell Hal Holbrook when I first saw him in 1959. Chris Messina liked me telling him he’s going to be such a big star. And I beamed at the SAG-AFTRA Co-Presidents; the magnificent Ken Howard (with snazzy wife Linda) and the sparkling Roberta Reardon.

The show started and everyone had a lovely plate to snack on. I was eating slowly and during a break, I went to give Dick Van Dyke a DVD he wanted. When I came back my plate was gone. Karma. The show itself was so entrancing that it was ephemeral, a heightened happening. The reality show was the Ladies Room. Had a quick meet with Michelle Dockery, Lady Mary of Downton Abbey, then found her at the post awards Gala with three of her co-players, Sophie McShera (Daisy), Phyllis Logan (Mrs. Hughes), and Amy Nuttall (Ethel). They were in a quiet nook and we had a chance to really chat and they were so enthralled at the company they were keeping, and very overwhelmed that their show won the Award for Best Television Show Ensemble. I must say that the housekeeper, the kitchen maid, and the ex-prostitute looked totally glamorous.

My hand is still glowing from shaking hands with Mandy Patinkin. And I got a nod from Jon Hamm. Stared at Daniel Day-Lewis. Longed for Hugh Jackman. Stalked Anne Hathaway and asked Victor Garber how to find Alan Arkin. I wanted to grab Jeff Daniels, but thought better of it. It was dear seeing Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, true girlfriends. Bittersweet to get my coach and depart this shindig for actors and by actors. Congratulations to Kathy Connell, Producer of this event and to all the staff and volunteers that made it happen. My first SAG Awards was when I was edging 60, I was on the SAG Board then, and nearly 20 years later, I’m now on the SAG-AFTRA Bd. It was with pride and love that I attended this now traditional happening.

We’ll Talk….

The E.E. Girls: Carolyn See, JJ, and Joan Weber, Edging Eighty, planning adventures.

I want to Talk about my current obsession. Knowing that the next birthday will be a landmark occasion, edging 80 makes me feel like, besides being lucky, enjoying my stacks of stuff, having silly good times, and seeing many old friends and loving them to pieces.

And, a bunch of beyond 80’s performers are a sellout at the TV Academy, Ta ra ta da!

SAG AWARDS: Did I mention luck? This coming Sunday, I’m dressing fancy and heading for the SAG Awards; yep, I was drawn from the Lottery, so the winner is … Me!

I’ll still TiVo the show: Jan. 27, on TNT & TBS and you know I’ll be Talking about it.

THE E.E. GIRLS: A trio of friends since (Thomas Starr King Jr. High School) we were 11, we’re plotting our week at the Westin Maui on Kaanapali Beach. (It’s where I honeymooned and is a favorite place.) Us girls plan to experience joy, frisk in the Pacific, and just relax on our balcony and stare at the ocean knowing how blessed we are to be lifelong friends and to be Edging Eighty. It’s a heightened happiness all the way around as we can give and receive and elevate memories of distant kindness.

One of us has never been to Hawaii and the other two know that this is not right and we have to make Hawaii happen for her. So the Westin Maui is a microcosm of Hawaii as they have waterfowl and koi in a huge pond surrounded by plunging waterfalls, colorful parrots that we can chat with on the way to the beach that faces two islands with clouds that can only be on the Kaanapali shore.

So two of us will be blessed to see this paradise through new eyes. When we were children, one of us had an intact family with means. The other two from single mothers with limited means. Our, we thought very rich, friend brought skirts and sweaters to school for the other two so we could fit in and not look too scroungey. Now, in a lifelong reversal of fortune, the other two can express endless appreciation for perhaps, a gesture that gave us self-confidence and help us set our lofty goals, a gift that cannot be measured. Counting down….

And talking about old friends, five longtime pals are doing a panel about their great careers, and making being seniors look pretty superb!

LIVE WEBCAST ON EMMYS.COM

RETIRE FROM SHOW BIZ: NO THANKS!: This is the title of a SOLD OUT show at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. So save the date, Jan. 31, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and watch on the Internet on Emmys.com. Meet five successful actors who debuted when TV was brand new. Discover what it takes to keep working through decades of auditions, economic reversals, and new technologies. These wise and funny veterans share their perspectives on the power of perseverance.

Enjoy Kaye Ballard, Pat Carroll, Anne Jeffreys, Marvin Kaplan, and Charlotte Rae. Google them all and refresh your memory of their amazing careers. I recently had lunch with Charlotte (who is more elegant than any role she has played) and Anne (endlessly gorgeous and we both were in love with Nelson Eddy). Pat Carroll has always been so dear and so funny (we worked in The Danny Thomas Show and With Six You Get Eggroll. Kaye is a tumultuous talent and I’m bringing her a Life Magazine with her on the cover, 1954 (we worked together in The Doris Day Show). And Marvin was my boyfriend (in a play at the Players Ring) when I was 15. Wondrous times.

Currently, it’s been a freezing business outdoors; we’re trying to save my dwarf citrus trees, and (futile I fear) my plumerias. That’s life, the adventure continues …

We’ll Talk.