Celebrating Senior Women

It seems our lives run along certain themes. For example, the images seen on Bright Ideas is just a variation of how I used my Brownie to snap photos of my Girl Scout friends back in the day. The same may be said of Katrina Benny. Her “many-years-career” was in the printing business. Later, she fell in love with scrapbooking. “I especially loved to scrapbook precious memories of my children, and then my grandbabies.” Now, as a demonstrator with Stampin’ Up! Katrina holds paper-crafting classes in her home and, by request, in the homes of others. “It’s great to see a whole roomful of women enjoying their creativity and having fun at the same time,” she says. If you would like to hostess a Stampin’ Up! event in your home or attend one in her home, just email Katrina at katstamping@gmail.com. Katrina’s glowing smile says it all: She’s on a paper-art mission! 

Anne Da Vigo visited Gold Country Writers to tell us how she writes her prize-winning thrillers. I looked around the room at the relaxed, attentive audience and realized there was something special about Anne—besides her gift for writing. I wish I could captivate an audience like this, I thought. She has so much charisma. I wanted to learn from her—and I wanted to experience the calming yet stimulating effect of her presence again.  So, here she is on Bright Ideas. “It’s true,” Anne admitted, “promoting a book requires a whole different skill than writing. I do go over what I’m going to say the night before; but once there, I just enjoy the people. People ask such interesting questions—they get me thinking. I guess you could say when I bond with my friends—new and old—I easily get as much as I give.” Hey! That’s just how I feel about writing Bright Ideas. Maybe I also have charisma. Maybe, in your own way, you have charisma, too!

Every fall, three paper-crafting artist/instructors invite their followers to attend “Handmade Holidays,” and join with  other women in completing nine holiday paper-art projects. When I visited the Handmade Holidays party, I heard the friendly chatter of women focused on their one-of-a-kind, paper-art projects. They were obviously having the unique fun of creativity—when you’re so in the moment that you completley lose track of time. The paper-art instructors seen here, Susan Johnson, Janice Rosenthal-Rock, and Katrina Benny, are more than instructors—they are mentors, dedicated to encouraging women who may not think of themselves as artists to “just try,” then giving them clear-cut ways to unleash their creativity. Responding to my question: “What do you enjoy most about this crafting day?” One woman slipped me a note: This is a total escape from everyday life and all that is happening in the world … and I’ll enjoy looking at my creations! If you would like to join the fun now and next fall, just email Susan Johnson at ssnjohnson@comcast.net.   

Susan Rushton’s columns have been published in the Auburn Journal forever. Here’s the scoop:   Susan’s roots in Auburn are deep. She’s written her weekly newspaper columns for 36 years—in addition to a heartwarming book: Reflections from a Small Town. She’s been welcoming folks to “Silver Screens,” a (free) library-sponsored, monthly showing of classic movies for the last 26 years. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) welcomed her as a member 32 years ago and she’s been interviewing people for 20+ years on our local Auburn community television station, (found at youtube.com/actv20.) Children look to Susan too—in the Word Buster program, where she’s helped children learn to read for the past five years. You can contact Susan just to say, “You go, girl!” or for more information about the above activities at: goldcountrydenizens@gmail.com. She’s eager to hear from you.  We must not take this Auburn treasure for granted. Thank you, Susan, from a grateful community!

I was anxious to visit Jodie Osborne’s home–where  she collects, sorts, repairs, and mails out fashion treasures, selling through the social-commerce website, poshmark.com. “There are three levels of fashion,” Jodie explained. “‘Everyday,’ (i.e. Target); ‘Designer,’ (i.e. Nordstrom); and ‘Luxury,’  (i.e. Prada.) Then, there are rare treasures like these …” she showed me a stunning Levi purse. My eyes were wide as we walked through her bins, filled with cleaned, repaired, good-as-new dresses, skirts, pants, sweaters, tops, 2-piece outfits, boots, and jackets. Jodie photographs, then posts each item in her personal Poshmark.com “closet.” She prices garments below online competitors, thanks to a quick AI online research. Imagine Jodie’s treasure hunts as she discovers high-end fashions at places like Goodwill and flea markets! Not only does Jodie make $, she makes friends as she exchanges postings with her 23,000 Posh Ambassador followers. Through Posh, she also helps the environment through sustainable fashion. To visit Jodie’s online closet, send your email address to josborne2009@hotmail.com. She’ll send you a link. 

See that smiling woman in the Rock Creek Mobile Home Park library? That’s Marilyn Aubuchon, official librarian. She’s the reason our library doesn’t look like a hoarder lives there. You might see her in the RC kitchen, too, usually in the shadows. She makes sure we always have cups, plates, and everything else when we need it. I caught Marilyn by the sleeve before she slipped away one day. “You take care of our library and kitchen supplies,” I said. “What’s that like for you?” “Organizing is my happy-place,” she answered, “and I like to watch the fun from a distance. I’ve been a bartender, server, and even a caterer. In all those cases, I was behind the scenes, but still in the picture. I feel at home in the kitchen. At the same time, I’m a reader, so taking care of books is like being around good friends.” She may disappear after organizing, but the books and kitchen supplies at RC have Marilyn’s fingerprints all over them. Are we lucky!

Auburn’s popular writers’ group, Gold Country Writers, has hit the 100 member mark! It all started in 2011, when Chery and eight other bookworms met each Wednesday to discuss books in general. With her open heart, Chery publicized the meetings in the Auburn Journal, eager to welcome others. Each week, more bookish people showed up, overflowing one venue after another. At one of the meetings back then, Chery dared to read a story she had written. The rest is “writing” history. Other people began bringing their manuscripts to share. By 2012, the nonprofit Gold Country Writers, with a Board of Directors, critique groups on every genre, great literary speakers, writing contests, and lots of parties, was firmly established. Chery served as President for five years after being Vice President and Social Media Chairman. Her articles in the Auburn Journal are still bringing new people in the door every Wednesday. Come to GCW and meet Chery; she’s the smiling writer in the background—quietly making coffee. 

When I saw Celeste’s stunning stained-glass mosaic, “Piano,” featured on the Auburn Symphony program, I was anxious to welcome her back to Bright Ideas. Here’s how she described her creative vision: “Someone gave me an old window and the shape reminded me of a baby grand piano. After replacing the old window glass with plexiglass, I ran the piano ‘strings’ diagonally with colorful stained glass. The piano keyboard fell right into place on the even edge. Having my art displayed on the Auburn Symphony program was one of my goals for 2025. I was thrilled to have this piece chosen.”  And I’m thrilled to know such a creative and versatile artist. In fact, I often wear a cut-glass necklace which is a “Celeste” original. You can view Celeste’s art at Persimmon Art Gallery, 900 Lincoln Way, in downtown Auburn. She is also #20 on the map of the Placer Artist Tour, coming this weekend, November 7, 8, & 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maps are available at several locations. Brava, Celeste!

I was not a finalist for the Gold Country Writers nonfiction story contest. Oh well, I thought, I did my best. When I saw Barbara Young’s name, I cheered right up. “There were over 50 entries!” I said, hugging her. Her eyes were dancing. “I know! I’m thrilled to be a finalist!” At the ceremony unveiling the winners, Barbara was sitting right across the aisle from me. The announcer called seven finalists to the stage to receive certificates. Barbara was not among them, which meant she was one of the top three. Her face was so lit up, I hoped she wouldn’t faint. The third-place winner was called up—it was not Barbara. Drum-roll! The second-place winner was also … not Barbara! She dabbed at tears—and so did I! The first-place winner of the 2025 Gold Country Writers nonfiction story contest was Barbara Young! She read her real-life story, Light in the Storm, aloud, and it was easy to see why she won. Congratulations, Barbara. We’re so proud of you!