Diana “Wendy” Kleros
Age 72
“Talk to your grandparents, talk to your cousins, and find out about your family history. Get to know their medical issues and what it’s like to be brought up in their household, whether they’re Jewish or Italian or Irish or whatever. Learn about their community and traits. Now we grow up all over the place; it’s not as communal as it used to be.”
“Be kinder to people, be more respectful, listen to your peers. People are more into themselves now, they don’t open the door for people, they don’t say thank you. If someone does something nice they think it’s normal.”
“Kids should play outside and do more outdoor work.”
“If you can’t go to college then get a trade, because we always need a plumber, carpenter, or mechanic.”
“Just be happy - do what makes you feel good, take a breath, smell a flower, take a walk and enjoy nature. Do something you like and be creative.”
George Joseph Kleros
Age 80
“Growing up, I was taught to respect others, to treat them the way you want to be treated.”
“Learn from your mistakes and share them with your children and grandchildren."
“Kids, show respect to everyone, especially police officers when you’re being stopped.”
“One of the big things I learned, from volunteering in the RTM, is how to agree to disagree.”
“Learn to help others, learn to work with groups of people. It creates a better understanding of each other and a better lifestyle for all of us.”
“Be a good listener. One of my best jobs was walking the beat [as a police officer]. Once people trusted me, they conveyed their concerns about what’s going on around town. So I could explain why things are a certain way, and I had a better relationship with the community.”
“It’s a good feeling, to be there for others."
Norakit Smitobol
Age 79
“I earned money and I saved a lot, so I taught my son to save.”
“We try to be polite to everyone and listen. We contact our family all the time - it’s a good feeling when people keep in touch and help each other.”
“Education is the main thing. If kids have the opportunity to get a higher thing, life can be better. Save for a college fund and for education.
“Having friends is important so you’re not by yourself.
“Help each other. I help anyone however I can and it makes me feel good. When people get help it makes them feel good."
“Do not stay on the computer all the time. Do a sport, do an activity.”
Jack Klinge
Age 83
“Take advantage of all life offers - try new things, take chances, challenge yourselves, find out what works for you and what doesn't; but don't leave saying to yourself ‘Gee, I wish I'd done that or gone there or…’"
“READ! I try to read one book at least every two weeks - fiction and non-fiction. Also, read some good newspapers every day and evaluate their different editorial positions - keep an open mind and think for yourself.”
“Get married and raise some new generations - pass on your acquired values. It’s also nice to have someone to come home to!”
“You will have to take a position and get involved in the consequences of climate change. Try to be proactive and work for the better good - if you don't want to be part of the solution at least get out of the way of those who do.”
“Don't be afraid of change as many older generations often were - embrace new ideas and technology.”
“Pick your friends carefully - they will be a source of comfort, enjoyment, and trust your whole life.”
“When it comes time to pick a profession, find something you really enjoy. I know it sounds trite, but it's much more fun getting up in the morning and going off to a job you enjoy.”
Susan L. Pfister*
Director, Westport Center for Senior Activities
“Always be kind and thoughtful. Kindness goes a long way and unfortunately, we’ve lost a bit of this thoughtfulness and have become a more self-centered society.”
“One of the easiest yet hardest things to do is to simply stop and listen. We all need to do a better job at listening. How many times have you asked someone how they’re doing but moved on to something else before they’ve had a chance to answer?”
“Stay positive, hopeful, and optimistic and chances are, you’ll smile a lot more!”
“Do whatever you need to do to maintain an open and honest relationship with your family.”
“Learn how to have constructive conversations with your loved ones even if you disagree.”
“Respect each other’s differences and opinions.”
“Support one another through the good times and the more difficult ones. Make sure loved ones know they can always come to you if they need to talk.”
“Explore, create, and challenge your intellect, but make sure you do it all in a balanced manner.”
“Don’t always look for monetary rewards or raises. A lot of accomplishments and rewards come from positive feedback and words of appreciation.”
*Sue retires from WCSA on January 1, 2023