#uss fullerton

[spockeye-fierce]

On the USS Fullerton, California Class the Captain's yacht is the "Leo Fender" and the shuttles are the Esquire, Broadcaster, Telecaster, Stratocaster, Jazzmaster, Jaguar, Mustang, Starcaster and the Bronco.

[livinginlandmarketing]

When Rachel Solorio was 4 years old, her mother enrolled her in a dance class. Although the initial reason was because her mother had always wanted to be a dancer, it turns out Solorio loved it. She spent the next 14 years training in tap, jazz and ballet at the Freddie Finn Dance Studio before continuing to study in college.

Born and raised in Riverside, Solorio received her bachelor’s degree in theater arts from Cal State Fullerton before moving to New York. While pursuing her theatrical career, she found she was struggling with singing auditions.

“I know auditions are hard for everyone but I found I would get more nervous than all of my friends,” she said. “I took audition classes but felt nothing was getting to the root of the problem. It became such an issue that I decided to go to a therapist.”

Solorio was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety that stemmed from perfectionism.

Riverside’s Rachel Solorio performing in a parade at Disneyland (Photo by Sandra Solorio)

“I still consider myself a recovering perfectionist,” she said. “This was a huge ‘aha-Oprah’ moment for me. I naturally have high energy so when I’m nervous, I’m bouncing off the walls. It all finally made sense why I felt so shaky sometimes in auditions. I can’t say it’s something I’ve completely overcome but I’ve found some tools that have helped. I would love to one day help other artists who are struggling with mental health through coaching or some other outlet.”

Solorio returned to California and got her master’s in counseling psychology from California Baptist University. Afterward she was doing a counseling internship and needed another job to help pay her bills.

“Through a friend of a friend, I kind of fell into a teaching job at a dance studio,” she said. “I’ve always loved working with kids and found that I loved sharing my passion of dance with them.”

One of Solorio’s favorite accomplishments as a dancer has been getting to perform at the Disneyland Resort.

“As a kid, I remember going to Disneyland and dreaming about one day dancing there, so it was a really special time to be able to see that dream come true,” she said, explaining that she auditioned four times before they hired her.

“Then I was there for four years performing in parades, special events and in ‘Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular,’” she said. “It never lost its magic for me. Seeing the faces of kids and adults light up during performances was so special.”

Dancer Rachel Solorio captured during a routine (Photo by Sandra Solorio)

Solorio was also in the national tour of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular.” She had gone to the Los Angeles audition and was cast as a singer and dancer in the ensemble.

“During rehearsals I remember getting teary eyed the first few times I watched the Rockettes do their famous kicks,” she said.

Besides teaching and performing, Solorio is also a portrait photographer.

“I’ve been focusing a little more on photography since the pandemic started,” she said. “I know it sounds like I’m all over the place with different interests but I think that’s common with creatives, right?”

Solorio loves the idea of encouraging young people who have a passion for dance to pursue it. She admitted that she is not the most flexible dancer and that it takes her longer than most to pick up choreography.

“Those frustrations have helped to shape me as a person,” she said. “I’m a more patient dance teacher because of it. When a student is struggling to remember dance moves, I understand. There is only one of you and the things which feel like a weakness may end up being a strength.”

Patrick Brien is executive director of the Riverside Arts Council.

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-on January 29, 2021 at 12:00AM by Patrick Brien

[lifenetinsurance]

World War II Veteran Thriving at Sunrise of Fullerton

In celebration of Flag Day in the U.S. on June 14, we're recognizing one resident of Sunrise of Fullerton, CA, who served honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II, as well as in the Air Force Reserves later in life.

Bill Meardy, a Peoria, IL native, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. This was the beginning of a lifelong journey in which he traveled around the country and the world, met his wife, and built a career in public education before eventually retiring to southern California.

During his time in the Navy, Bill sailed aboard the 624-foot battleship USS Colorado, serving in the Pacific Theater, where he managed the flood control systems for the ship's ammunition. Bill and his fellow sailors executed the U.S. strategy of “island hopping” as they bombarded Japanese forces, enabling U.S. ground troops to land and occupy islands in the Pacific.

One day, while on leave in Los Angeles, Bill went to see the Woody Herman Orchestra and noticed a pretty girl in the crowd. Her name was Joyce, and she was in town from Buffalo, NY, visiting some friends and family. Sprinting over to meet her before any of the other sailors had a chance, Bill introduced himself, and the pair danced the night away until 1:00 a.m., neither knowing at the time that they'd one day marry.

Two days later, they met in person once again before Joyce returned home to New York and Bill returned to duty. For 18 months, they stayed in touch by sending letters back and forth. After the war ended, Bill left the Navy in 1946 and traveled to Buffalo to see his soon-to-be wife and her parents.

After tying the knot, the newlyweds moved to California, where Bill attended college and earned both a bachelor's and master's degree. He took jobs as an administrator of a high school and as a teacher at a number of local colleges.

Bill went on to work for the National School Board Association near Washington, D.C., before retiring and moving back to Whittier, CA.

Nowadays, Bill is a proud military veteran and has enjoyed calling Sunrise of Fullerton home for each of the past eight years.

His favorite thing about living at Sunrise? “The staff and service,” said Bill. “You ask for it and you get it. Satisfaction guaranteed.”

In fact, oftentimes when friends and family come to visit, Bill prefers to stay in the community to enjoy a meal rather than dine out. “It's as good as any nice restaurant,” he said.

Bill is also a community ambassador and regularly helps to welcome new residents and guests to the community. He has even helped to work the Sunrise booth at a senior expo, handing out freshly baked cookies and telling families why Sunrise of Fullerton is so special!

We'd like to thank BIll and all of our veteran residents for their bravery and courage in service to our country.

Spread the Word about Veteran Benefits

Sunrise communities across the country are home to many of our nation's veterans, and we are proud to have the opportunity to serve those who served our country so well. Many veterans and their spouses are unaware of the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help them with the expenses associated with senior care.

If you are trying to help a veteran in your family determine if they are eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, we can help. One of our team members at a community near you can answer your questions and connect with you with additional resources for support. Call today to learn more!  

[periodcraftsmen]

A little history on Mr. George Fullerton (who is on the right of Phil Lowe) who touched many hearts and taught many masters at NBSS. I have friend researching information on Mr. Fullerton who once lived in Arlington, MA. Mr. Fullerton was known as one the leading experts in the furniture industry, served on the USS Grady, worked at Paine Furniture in Boston, and was the youngest to be welcomed in the carving and chair making department. I attend the Furniture Institute with Master Lowe and I once shared a shop for many years with Master Will Neptune. These two men till this day still get emotional talking about Mr. Fullerton. I can only imagine I'll have the same emotion 50 years from now.