“Been There, Done That” is a regular feature of the Marblehead Current, which spotlights the memories and life lessons of Marblehead seniors. To nominate the next senior to be featured, email us at info@marbleheadnews.org.
Name: Janice Rand
Age: 89
Place of birth: Mary Alley Hospital, Marblehead
How long have you lived in Marblehead? About 75 years all together. We moved away for a few years for my husband’s job, but we always moved back again.
What is your fondest childhood memory? Sailing or skiing with my dad. When I was little we had a small boat like a Town Class. Then we had a Lightning, a 210 and then we got a cruising sailboat. For skiing, we’d go to Cranmore and Wildcat and Cannon and sometimes over to Laconia. I just absolutely loved skiing. It’s so quiet. I loved the feel of my feet in the snow, in the skis.
What jobs have you had and what was your favorite? I taught special education for years and really loved it. I worked for the North Shore Special Education Consortium in Peabody and at Beverly High School. I also worked in Huntington Beach, California. Oh my goodness, I loved all the kids. When I started, I thought to myself, ‘This is it. I’ve found home.”
Who is the most famous person you’ve met? In college, I worked summers at the Molly Waldo restaurant where Cafe Italia is now. Marblehead had a summer theater program that brought in Hollywood stars. I waited on many of them, including Zsa Zsa Gabor and Basil Rathbone. Rathbone brought his little dog into the restaurant and sometimes ordered a steak for him. He often sent the steak back, saying it wasn’t prepared properly.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the world? Technology. I try to keep up with the times. I have a laptop and a cell phone and smart watch. Every once in a while when I have a problem with my computer I call my grandkids.”
What moment in history is most vivid in your memory? The bombing of Pearl Harbor. I was at home with my parents and grandparents. I remember being terrified that the Japanese were going to bomb us that night.
What’s your biggest accomplishment? My four daughters. They are marvelous. I am so pleased they all wound up with careers that weren’t available to me. They work in computers, manufacturing, the military and one is a chef.
Another accomplishment, I suppose, is getting involved in things and enjoying what I get involved with. I’ve always volunteered. When my kids were younger, I volunteered at the YMCA. I was in the League of Women Voters and I work at the Food Pantry. I volunteer here at the COA, monitoring the exercise room. When people come in, I show them the machines. It’s for safety purposes. I still work out, but not as often as I did before. My favorite machine is the rower.
What piece of advice do you have for young people today? Work hard and you can get to where you want to go. Have a goal and then work towards it.
