Jane Clarke loves old vintage clothing and Denise Thomas loves old people and they’ve both built their Austin based businesses around these passions. “The first time I walked into Amelia’s, I felt like I was entering another time and place”, a period when people dressed with a real sense of pride.” said Denise Thomas, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Austin. The thought of bringing our ladies, who are now in their 70’s and 80’s, for a tour was very exciting and immediately I started the preparations to make it an unforgettable day.

A medical study of elderly men and women over age 75 concludes what ballroom dance fans have always known - their favorite activity is great for health and happiness. The complexity and moving with the music lower the risk of dementia, the researchers say.

It is a very long way from County Mayo, Ireland to Austin, Texas.  Eva Church, Director of the Caregiver Resource Center for the Austin Groups for the Elderly grew up on a farm just three miles outside of the town of Claremorris. Her family lived in Carradoyne House, which her grandfather, Tom Brett, had purchased. Perhaps it has to do with growing up in the land of leprechauns, or the ready smile and soft Irish lilt to her voice, but Eva Church has an energy and wit that is tireless.  And yes, most days, she does have a twinkle in her eye.

   A man and his wife had a dream; with no small amount of effort, and with a lot of love, they found a way to make it come true.  Harry Granader once owned a lumber business and construction company.  He made a career by building things.  But it wasn’t until he reached the age of 75 that Harry, and his wife, Sylvia, achieved their most gratifying accomplishment – the creation of Cam Make-A-Dream, a medically supervised cost-free camp where children and young adults suffering from cancer can go and have some fun, and put their worries aside for a little while.