Berland is a proud Jamaican. He loves music, dancing, and is also a creative person who paints on his own outside of the scheduled art classes at Forest Hills. He is an upbeat and positive person. “You got to really live. You won’t be able to again,” he says. “I’ve had experience in life; some are terrific, and others are surprising. I think people should be a bit more broad-minded.”
Nancy is 91 years old. She is from Virginia but grew up in DC. With a strong network of family and friends, she is considered a great connector of people. Earlier in her life, she was a professor at Cornell University where she taught consumer economics. Many of her former students, are also artists and she remains connected with them. Prior to being a professor, she worked at an organization called EBRI in DC writing brochures about work-related issues for older adults. She also worked at the Department of Agriculture as an Administrator. “There’s been a lot of good things in my life. I’ve been able to have a very good career,” she says.
Miriam is 60 years old and has worked here in the marketing office for two years. She considers herself an artist and doodles in her spare time for stress relief and relaxation. Recently she celebrated 33 years of marriage. Her advice for a good life is to, “Put God first. Just seek what he wants for your life.”
Visit the Digital Exhibit
To read all the resident and staff stories captured as part of our AARP funded public art initiative, “See Me, Hear Me: The Art of Living,” funded by AARP and in partnership with Marvin Bowser Photography, Art Against Ageism and Tenleytown Main Street, visit our digital exhibit here.
Berland
Nancy
Miriam
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