RE’FLECT, a fresh and inspiring look at aging successfully, is a documentary series that highlights six vibrant older adults living life by their terms.
This series provides insight into the active and engaged world of today’s seniors who are living out loud and defying stereotypes associated with aging.
Their stories unfold through interviews, day-in-the-life footage, and archival materials. Also featured are the many healthy living opportunities San Diego, California affords seniors, from work to play to volunteering, and everything in between.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: “Sharon Russakoff - Showing Up At Every Stage” repeats Thursday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Russakoff, 71, is an avid volunteer who lives with a chronic disability. This episode features Sharon volunteering with the San Diego Symphony, Cygnet Theatre, and singing with the Pacific Coast Chorale.
Sharon is also a member at the Jewish Community Center in La Jolla where she swims and engages in activities. Her husband Bob, children Mark and Jonathan as well as friends and colleagues are featured in this episode.
Episode 2: “Richard Williams - Going The Distance” repeats Thursday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Williams, 80, is a competitive runner in San Diego. He lives in Coronado where he volunteers with the Coronado Historical Society. He is also a member of the Florida Track Club West.
This episode features Richard at the Hotel del Coronado, running in Balboa Park, in and around Coronado, and in the America's Finest City Half Marathon. Richard's wife Kitt, sister Jeannie, daughter Sharon are featured in this episode as well as running friends and colleagues.
Episode 3: “Fred Davis - Putting Community First” repeats Thursday, August 6 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Davis, 70, is an active leader in San Diego. He is a member at West Senior Center in downtown San Diego where he mentors and assists fellow seniors.
He is also a member of the California State Senior Legislature and an ordained minister. This episode features Fred at the West Senior Center, working with the California State Senior Legislature, taking care of his grandson and with his very close friend Queen Johnson.
Fred's daughter, grandson and brother will all be featured in this episode as well as colleagues from the West Senior Center, the California State Senior Legislature, and his congregation.
Episode 4: “Carmen Bianchi - Unlocking Doors” repeats Thursday, August 13 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Bianchi, 69, runs one of the top Family Business Forums in the country. An immigrant from South Africa, Carmen moved to the states to raise her children with her then husband. Carmen is an active participant throughout San Diego sitting on several boards and teaching at San Diego State University.
This episode features Carmen at SDSU, with colleagues, in Denver with her family, and around the Del Mar area where she lives. Carmen's sons Nick, Gary, Bobby and their wives and children are featured as well as Carmen's colleagues and close friends.
Episode 5: “William Kelly - Making A Difference” repeats Thursday, August 20 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Kelly, 69, is an activist in the LGBT community who has worked to support and establish rights for LGBT seniors. He helped bring the first LGBT senior housing community to San Diego, only one of three in the country.
This episode features William's endless efforts to help those in need and his 37 year marriage with his husband Bob. William's husband Bob, colleagues and friends will be featured in this episode.
Episode 6: “Luis Monge - Intergenerational Action” repeats Thursday, August 27 at 8:30 p.m. on KPBS TV
Monge, 77, has lived and raised his family in Chula Vista for over 30 years. Influenced by his grandmother as a child, Luis has always understood the importance of intergenerational bonding and helping children grow.
From the time his children started school, Luis was active in their education, advocating for not just his but all the children in his community. Luis is an active gardener who helped create a community garden at his grandchildren's school.
In his career as a city housing inspector, he helped families stay in their homes and communities. Today as a member of the California Senior Legislature, Luis is using his influence to help build intergenerational relationships grow within our communities.
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Credits:
Created by Heidi Rataj and Theresa Hoiles. Director/Producer: Heidi Rataj. Writer/Producer: Theresa Hoiles. Line Producer: Ashley Morgan. Directors of Photography: Matt Nothelfer and Alicia Wszelaki. Editors: Matt Nothelfer and Alicia Wszelaki. Composer/Music Supervisor: Andy Reed. Still Photographer: Anna Owen. Researcher: Shannon Patel. “Carmen Bianchi” episode shooters: Sean Horton and Nolan Lee / Sound Mixer: Steve Vollbach.
