JulieNachtwey.Blog

The Parkside neighborhood in Berkeley once again celebrated Independence Day with a parade and other festivities.  For the past 50 years or so, residents of all ages have joined together for songs, speeches, food and fun.  This year Adrian McEvilly helped make snow cones when he wasn’t cooking hotdogs from Star Market.  Adrian grew up in the neighborhood which is near and dear to his heart.

A picture’s worth a thousand words so here is goes…

During the riots in Athens came an email news flash from my husband, Fred.  He and seven of his nine siblings were there, to cheer for their sister in the Special Olympics.  The third of ten children, Mary Louise had walked her way through competitions in the Midwest before being chosen for the 400 and 800 meter events. Her nickname was “Lob” short for Louie Lobster.  Her siblings, in-laws and nieces and nephews wore matching  “Team Lob” t-shirts with pride.

Lou as always was totally on message: Go for the Gold. 

TEAM LOB CHEERED HER ON

“Lou won the gold medal for the 800 meters today!” reported Fred.
“She started off slow but passed her competitors one by one, and led the entire last lap. We were in  tears when we she came down the last hundred meters, totally focused, exhausted, exhilarated.”

CAN I WALK WITH YOU?

Lou had this to say: “I was always was a good walker. I loved to walk

home from school with my brothers, when they would let me be with  them.”

PERSONAL BEST

For Lou this experience was more than her personal best. As a toddler she had brain damage with some retardation from meningitis. She suffered from frequent seizures, and more than once her sisters pulled her out from the bottom of a swimming pool. Lou always took strong medications to control the seizures but the side effects slowed her down mentally and inhibited her personality.  Despite this disability, Lou kept a steady job for more than 15 years, cleaning rooms at the Drury Inn in Springsfield, IL.

MOVING ON…

A few years ago, Lou’s siblings decided it was important for her to become more independent gave the go ahead for Lou to have brain surgery in order to decrease the need for the meds.  Lou underwent successful brain surgery and really came into her own without the strong medications. 

Remarkably, Lou never complained despite her struggles. All her life people thought she couldn’t keep up, didn’t understand, and would never be independent, and always would be different.

Her father, Robert Nachtwey, a physician, made a point of telling everyone: “Mary Louise is my favorite child.”

Yes, Lou is different. Now and forever she’s a Gold Medalist. If only her parents could have lived to see this day!

Karen O’Neill, my friend since third grade in St. Louis, joined me for an Independence Day Concert performed by the Oakland East Bay Symphony www.oebs.org

The spectacular setting was the historic Craneway Pavillion on the edge of  SF Bay, perfect for viewing one of the best fireworks shows ever. Beforehand, people enjoyed food provided by Boiler House Restaurant www.boilerhouse.com  and strolled along the bike trail that runs from Emeryville to Richmond. http://www.baytrail.org/

For upcoming events at Craneway, feel free to visit www.cranewayblog.com

Pre-concert performances were by Khalil Shaheed and Oak Town Jazz Workshops.  The Symphony’s musical program included popular songs from The Sound of Music. Amazing was a piano concerto by 13-year-old Misha Galant, a winner of the OEBS Young Artist Competition.

When the fireworks began, Michael Morgan, music director of OEBS, led the orchestra in a rousing patriotic medley.  Afterwards, the symphony played more familiar songs for those who lingered.  Learn more about the upcoming season Subscribe & Save! www.oebs.org 510.444.0801. 

The title sponsor of this free event is Target along with other local sponsors, who make it possible to have incredible evening of entertainment.