Staying Power

The adage, “Age is just a number,” holds true for these local seniors who are staying sharp, fit and active in their golden years.

Jim MacPherson

Executive Director of the Maritime Museum Louisiana, Jim MacPherson, finds excitement in the nuances of the maritime community. When he began volunteering at the museum in 2016, little did he know that he would later go on to hold his current title. After spending 15 years in the Navy, followed by 22 years as a corporate executive and 12 years as a small business owner, MacPherson was ideally suited for the position.

In fact, MacPherson has led the museum through a boost in funding and membership, plus a name change and rebranding this year. “I think my biggest accomplishment has been generating excitement about the museum, which said more about the volunteers and staff than me,” he said. “They are the face of the museum, and I see my job as making their jobs easier and fun. That then radiates out to the visitors who then tell their friends about the museum. I think the word is spreading, causing the number of visitors and membership to grow exponentially. “ 

Regarding the rebrand, MacPherson points out that the museum is the only maritime museum in the state of Louisiana, hence the name change [from Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum] to the Maritime Museum Louisiana. “The name reflects the fact that we represent the whole of Louisiana and our rich maritime heritage,” he said. “We are working hard not only to preserve Louisiana’s maritime heritage, but to highlight all of the new and innovative work being done in the maritime community today. “  

Currently, MacPherson and his staff are working on a new exhibit that includes an environmental education program that will demonstrate the interaction of fish, shellfish and marsh grasses in our rivers, lakes and marshes. “This exhibit was funded by the state legislature after our educator made a presentation to them describing our goal,” MacPherson said. “Once operational, we will be able to contribute marsh grasses to other organizations who will use it for habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects.”

MacPherson also was instrumental in bringing the Wooden Boat Festival back to the north shore after the pandemic. “The festival has been held for 32 years and draws upwards of 100 wooden and classic boats,” he said.

MacPherson finds it important to stay active in his senior years (he will turn 74 in August) because, when he was retired, he found it easy to put things off without having a set schedule. “I found out pretty quickly that I was getting a little fluffy, and it was more difficult to get up and get going,” he said. “Once I started volunteering at the museum, I found the activity invigorating, lost a little fluff and don’t have any problems getting going.”

Betty Thomas

Director of Operations for the Giving Hope Food Pantries, Betty Thomas, who turns 64 in August, was born and raised in the Ninth Ward. In 2013, she began working as the executive director for Giving Hope—a nonprofit that addresses food insecurity for New Orleans families and senior citizens—and, in 2015, she moved to chief of operations, director of the food pantry programs.

Today, she oversees operations of all Giving Hope Food Pantries, opens new pantries in other states, hires staff, writes grants to sustain operations and solicits partnerships with other nonprofits that can assist clients with other basic needs.

“My passion has always been fighting food insecurity,” Thomas said. “In the richest country in the world, there should not be so much hunger. Yet we have senior citizens having to make the choice to buy food or buy medicine, when both are needed for health and wellness. We have children who are going hungry when out of school for not having access to free breakfast and lunch. It never made sense to me, so I wanted to do my part.”

Giving Hope provides nutritional hot meals (prepared fresh daily) five days per week, plus 75 to 100 pounds of nutritional food boxes to clients once per month. “We provide these free services until our clients are able to supply their own basic need for food,” Thomas said. 

Joseph Fay

Joseph Fay, who is 68, recently co-founded (along with his husband, Dan Garness) A Home Among Friends in order to provide affordable housing for low-income LGBTQ seniors in New Orleans. The organization is currently in the startup phase, but the board—consisting of Fay, Garness, Ellen Waguespack and Jim Meadows—has conducted focus groups among prospective clients, developed a case statement, created a website and secured 501(c)(3) status. 

“Low-income LGBTQ seniors suffer a host of challenges, including loneliness, poor health outcomes and inadequate housing,” Fay said. “Without children to rely on for support, we often have no one to count on other than our friends, who may be in the same position. Our goal is to create community housing for low-income LGBTQ seniors by renovating and repurposing existing shotgun-style homes and converting them into multiple private apartments with shared indoor and outdoor space. Our vision is to enable low-income members of our community to have happy golden years in safe communities that blend into existing neighborhoods with amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants within walking distance. We estimate there is a need for 600 housing units of the sort we propose in New Orleans.”

Fay also is involved with New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders, attending the organization’s events and monthly dinners. “Programs like NOAGE are critical to engaging LGBTQ seniors, as we hope ours will, too,” he said. “I believe our community can achieve far more than it has already by committing to help our most vulnerable members.”

Brent Mundt

Now 68 years old, Brent Mundt served on the volunteer board of PFLAG New Orleans from 2018 to 2021. He now volunteers as a communications and development resource for the organization, and he raises money for scholarships for LGBTQ students. 

Since 1992, PFLAG has invested more than $800,000 in awards for LGBTQ high school students and those continuing their higher education. “For 32 years, PFLAG New Orleans has awarded about 25 students [per year] with scholarships,” Mundt said. “It’s not unlike a university alumni relations operation, but specific to us helping them as they struggle with their orientation, coming out, etc. We have approximately 300 former recipients who are functioning adults.”

By far, Mundt said that he loves watching kids grow up happy, healthy and out of the closet. “Gay folks of my generation had no PFLAG to turn to for help,” he said. “In fact, we had nowhere to turn, period. We endured bullying and isolation, lived in a closet and ‘paid our dues’ in a society that shamed and often literally beat us into submission. Our board is chocked full of battle-scarred veterans of the culture war on LGBTQ people. We seek one thing: to help our kids avoid a repeat of that sad closeted existence.”

In addition to scholarships, PFLAG is known for its ubiquitous family support groups. “Watching a parent today take up for their LGBTQ child and tap the resources we offer is like re-imagining what could have been for us ‘gray gays,’” Mundt said. “There is a canard that things are better, yet [things] over a 32-year period haven’t changed one iota. I consider it my duty to advocate for these frightened shell-shocked kids watching a wave of hate sweep across the South.”

Fay also was active in planning Pride Prom, held in June, which invited LGBTQ youth ages 16-20 to attend. “It’s the one spectacular night of the year for our kids, where a same-sex couple or a nonbinary person can frolic freely,” Mundt said. “No guilt. No shame. No stares. The community owes a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Marc Behar and the Hyatt Hotel for this amazing experience. Fortuitously, this precise youth demographic, looking for a carefree non-judgmental fabulous evening, are the same students who should be applying for a PFLAG scholarship. The circle remains unbroken.”

Dr. Linda Green

Dr. Linda Green earned her doctorate degree in microbiology (specializing in parasitology) at LSU Medical Center. She did a post doc at Tulane Primate Center, and then she taught for several years at Xavier University of Louisiana. She retired early in 2011, and she has been volunteering at Audubon Zoo in the Louisiana swamp exhibit for 10 years. 

“I always wanted to work with animals, so, when I retired, I thought I wanted to either work at the zoo or an animal shelter,” Dr. Green said. “So I checked in to the Audubon volunteer program and took the orientation.”

Dr. Green helps the zookeepers by cleaning exhibits and dens, creating diets for some of the animals, answering visitors’ questions and giving talks during special events. “The keepers are amazing to work with,” she said. “They are very bright, dedicated people who care deeply for the animals, and they’re very knowledgeable about the animals in their section.”

At the age of 73, Dr. Green isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She also exercises five days per week (yoga, Pilates, kickboxing and pickle ball) at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center. She’s also thinking about revisiting hobbies like stained glass. 

“Retirement gives you the opportunity to pursue interests that you may have had when you were working, but you don’t have the time or life gets in the way,” she said. “So when you’re retired, that’s the time to pursue those interests. Find something you’d love to do or something you always wanted to do, and go for it.”

Betty Wells

If you have been to the Ochsner Medical Center in the past 18 years, you’ve probably met Betty Wells. She’s the sweet lady who has greeted patients and visitors at OMC since 2005.

“These patients and their families love Ochsner,” she said. “I have met veterans and greeted them each time, thanking them for their service. It is incredibly challenging and interesting, but I love the people I meet. I have had patients come back from 20 years ago to see me. They come back married with a family, and they remember me and compliment me. The patients are a strength to me, and we are a strength to each other. I have gotten a different perspective on life, especially after Hurricane Katrina, and the patients make it a wonderful one. You try to bring out the best in everybody that comes to this institution.”

While she has been a greeter since 2005, she has worked at the hospital since 1980 (previously in environmental services). “I want to thank Ochsner for hiring me 43 years ago and giving me a job,” she said. “When I was hired, I always did the first floor, and every day I would come in and look at all the pictures of the founders. I [decided] I wanted to be like them. I wanted to leave a legacy; I wanted somebody to know me. I consulted the lord before I accepted the job because I was going to retire, and I jumped up off my knees and made up my mind that I would continue to help people as long as I live and as long as God gives me the strength to do so.”

Indeed, it is helping people that Wells loves the most about her work. “I love getting up in the morning and coming here to help somebody today that I probably missed yesterday or that I might not see tomorrow,” she said. “If I can help people, I will enjoy life. I love education, and, when I come here, I come to an educational institution where learning is, and I hope that I can continue to teach, help and learn every day. I consider myself lucky that I can do this, and words cannot express the gratitude for the staff and patients.”

Now 88 years old, Wells works five days per week. In her free time, she enjoys attending church, going out to eat and visiting with friends.

Mackie Shilstone

A premier sports performance manager and career extension specialist, Mackie Shilstone has worked with more than 3,000 professional athletes and teams over the past 43 years. For example, he worked with Serena Williams—the 2019 Associated Press Female Athlete of the Decade—for 11 years. Shilstone also helped two-time Superbowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning, Hall of Fame NFL kicker Morten Anderson and boxing greats such as World Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Michael Spinks. Additionally, Shilstone has designed and directed fitness, nutrition, wellness and sports performance programs at medical facilities.

Health and wellness have always been important to Shilstone, but he got his start when he walked on to the Tulane football team in 1972. “In 1975, I earned a varsity letter,” he said. “I was the smallest player on a major university football team. After graduating from Tulane, I raised funds and built the first weight room under Tulane Stadium, and I became the school’s first strength and conditioning coach.”

Now 72 years old, Shilstone continues to stay active while maintaining a rigorous diet. “My eating strategy would be considered a modified Mediterranean diet,” he said. “Chez Nous fixes meals to my specifications and delivers once to twice weekly. I use a pre-workout powder in water, which was created by my son, Spencer Shilstone (maxwellnutrition.com).”

His typical routine starts with waking up by 5:30 a.m., followed by a cup of coffee while he studies research journals. He then works out for an hour and a half. Four days out of the week, he follows strength training with a run on the track.

Shilstone also volunteers at a secret military unit based at Fort Bragg. “For those that want to learn more, go to [my son’s website],” he said. “My TV segment, now in year 26, is every Wednesday at 8:40 a.m. on the WWL/WUPL Morning Show.”

His secret to staying healthy is a commitment to do so. “We only rent our body during our time on this planet,” he said. “The key is to make a decision to Stop Renting Your Health (people can get a free copy of my book with that title on my son’s website). Either you own your health, or it will own you.”

Shilstone suggests that other seniors who want to become more active should start with a complete physical. He said to start slow with some form of supervision. “Have a program that encompasses flexibility, strength and core stabilization with interval training,” he adds. “It must become something that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.”

Shirley Lee

Shirley Lee and her husband Tang ran the Royal China restaurant in Metairie for more than 40 years. While they sold Royal China in 2021 with plans to retire, they opened a new restaurant—Miss Shirley’s—one year later on Magazine Street at the former site of Jung’s Golden Dragon II.

“My daughter talked me into it,” Lee said. “I really missed my customers. When I retired, I traveled a lot and spent time with family. I loved it, but I knew eventually everyone needs to goes on with their schedule. I didn’t like having nothing to do. My loyal customers have been telling me for years that I needed to open a restaurant Uptown. My daughter found the place and told me about it. I always think things happen for a reason.”

The menu at Miss Shirley’s follows closely to what Lee cooks at home. “It’s everyone’s favorite dishes,” she said. “The ginger chicken and beef is my husband’s favorite; crabmeat udon is my youngest daughter’s favorite; my son-in-law likes the tong chow chicken; my older daughter likes the shrimp with bok choy; and my son-in-law likes the spicy seafood mushroom soup. My grandson loves the noodles I make for him, and that’s why they are named Logan Noodles.”

Now 64 years old, Lee is nowhere close to slowing down. In addition to sewing, gardening and traveling in her free time, she is at the restaurant every day, cooking and running errands. “I would be sad if I didn’t have anywhere to go and no one to talk to,” she said. “I need to stay sharp.”

Charlie Gabriel

The Musical Director of the Preservation Hall Foundation, Charlie Gabriel, turns 91 this month and still plays regularly (at least once per week) with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Gabriel, who began playing music when he was 11 years old, got his start playing gigs with the Eureka Brass Band. “I’ve been playing clarinet and saxophone since the beginning,” he said.

Gabriel began playing at Preservation Hall in 2008 after being away from New Orleans for much of his adult life. In his current role, he supports teachers with mentorship and guidance regarding the lessons they give to students among various musical community outreach activities. 

For Gabriel, music is a way of life. “I was born for one thing, and that was to play music,” he said. “God blessed me with that gift, and I’ve tried to nurture it the best way I know how. I’ve also always believed music is a universal language that transcends all barriers. When my horn is in my mouth, I change into a different person. I fill up with love and try to do everything that I’ve learned at least once. At my age, I’m able to separate what’s pleasing to the listener while also focusing on technique. I just want the listener to have an enjoyable experience and to make people happy.”

Gabriel also released his first album as a bandleader, titled 89, last year on Sub-Pop Records (famous for its Nirvana albums). “Making people happy is the main reason I recorded this album,” he said. “I’m lucky to be alive, so if I get an opportunity to reflect on my life and produce something, I’m going to take advantage of it. The album really expresses who we are as musicians. Recording during the pandemic was a way to express myself and live through those hard days. There are two originals (‘Yellow Moon’ and ‘The Darker It Gets’) and the others are jazz standards. The song ‘I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You),’ is my favorite. I heard Louis Armstrong sing that.”

This month, Preservation Hall Foundation presents Charlie Gras—a musical celebration for Gabriel’s 91st birthday—in three separate events. Catch him at a barbecue July 9 at Mother-in-Law Lounge; at an instrument giveaway July 10 at Preservation Hall; and at the Charlie Gras Show July 11 at Toulouse Theatre.