Community Birthday Celebration and Appreciation Day for Nan Tolbert
Please come appreciate and celebrate Nan Tolbert, recently awarded as an Ojai Living Treasure. Details are below.
I first was introduced to Nan in 2001, at the Ojai Birth Resource and Family Center. She is a co-founder along with Marilyn Ryan. I was asked to produce a CD that would assist in funding the organization. "Heart of the Mother" was released the following year. Since then 30% of every sale benefits their efforts. Last Friday, the Ojai Valley News had a beautiful article about Nan and the contribution she has made to our community. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and has undergone surgery. Friends and family have come to her side to assist in her recovery and have worked together to create this day of celebration. I will be playing some music in honor of Nan as well.
Community Birthday Celebration and Appreciation Day for Nan Tolbert
Sunday, May 28
Nan will turn sixty on May 28, and you’re invited to be part of the celebration and to express your appreciation for someone who has given so much to the community as a pediatric nurse at Ojai Valley Hospital for many years, co-founder of the Ojai Valley Birth Resource and Family Center,
promoter of breast feeding, as well as affecting a multitude of lives in this valley in so many other ways.
Nan has brain cancer and has recently had surgery at UCLA to remove a tumor.
On May 28, we will also celebrate the sixtieth birthday of her friend Katy Meigs, who was born a day later than Nan in 1946. They have celebrated their birthdays together, and it was Katy’s idea to hold this event—and Nan who insisted that Katy be honored too. We hope Nan will be able to attend the celebration in person--it will depend on her medical condition.
Continue Reading for location, details, FAQ, and contact info.
WHEN: Sunday, May 28, 2006 (Memorial Day weekend), from 12:30 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Soule Park, area #4, the large picnic area near the entrance. (Parking fee: $4.)
WHAT: Lunch will be from 1-2 p.m. It’s a vegetarian potluck. (OK to bring beverage, but no alcohol allowed). Bring your own serving utensils and condiments if needed. We’ll provide plates, cups, plastic cutlery, napkins, and the birthday cake (supplemented by your desserts). There will be an oak fire in the fire pit for vegetarian barbecue if you want to bring it.
TIME: From 2 to 4 p.m. or so, there will be a brief time for appreciations of Katy followed by appreciations of Nan. Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring personal expressions of appreciation:
Memories, stories, prayers, poems, songs, artwork, photographs,
or whatever expresses your appreciation that we can share in a circle of love and support.
The afternoon will include:
A special book put together on that day of photos and memories of children and parents who have benefited from Nan’s love and care.
Please bring your photos (non-returnable) for the book.
Time for a professional group photo of parents and children organized by Brooke Masters.
Music by people who are moved to contribute (may need to be scheduled, so contact hosts if it's amplified or not very short).
A Guest Book for you to sign your name, which will then be given to Nan after the picnic.
The celebration will be videotaped.
When the appreciations are done, we will celebrate with a Happy Birthday song, birthday cake, and desserts.
(Help with the cleanup will be very much appreciated!)
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Is there a charge? There is a $4.00 parking fee. (Consider carpooling, or walk if possible.)
What about activities for children? They can participate in making a memory book, as well as birthday cards, for Nan. High school students and others are being recruited to help with child care and activities. And, of course, they can participate in expressing appreciations.
What if I’m unable to attend? Expressions of appreciation can be sent to Nan at the following address:
Nan Tolbert c/o Marilyn Salas, P.O. Box 1075, Ojai, CA 93024.
Gifts? Your presence and appreciations are very welcomed! Additional recognitions can be sent to Nan via Marilyn Salas at the aforementioned address
What about dogs? No dogs are allowed in the county park.
Restrooms? There are clean restrooms and water nearby.
Anything else I should know? There will be tables to sitting and eating, but if you wish you can bring a blanket and set up a picnic on the lawn. There will be coolers available if needed for food or drink. The event will be videotaped. Nan will be there for all or part of it, depending on how much she’s up for, but even if she’s unable to attend, the day will go on as an appreciation day and birthday celebration that she can see on video and look at in the books and group photo.
How can I help?
Please spread the word to others. Feel free to e-mail or copy and distribute this information to those who know Nan. Help is needed to plan the day and during the event.
If you would like to help with the memory book or children’s activities and care, contact Kim Hoj: 640-8333; hojfamily@sbcglobal.net. For more information, to help, if you have ideas for the day, or would like to receive updates about this event, contact Katy Meigs or John Raymond: 646-7097; katymeigs@sbcglobal.net. You can also contact Marilyn Ryan: 646-0368; marseed3@hotmail.com, Brooke Masters: 729-1015; or Marilyn Salas 640-7101, masalas@ojai.net.
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