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Meet Your Neighbor
Elly Wagner
Elly (and she will tell you that is Elly with a 'Y'), was born in New York City to Hungarian parents. Her father was a musician and played an instrument not often seen in the U.S., the beautiful four legged Cimbalom. When Elly was two the family, which included her parents and two brothers, moved to Atlantic City where Elly's dad led a small orchestra which performed in an elegant hotel.
Elly, the only girl, was the princess of the family. When she was four she was enrolled in the Dawson Dancing Dolls dance school in Atlantic City and about that time her father joined the well known band leader Paul Whiteman and he began traveling extensively.
At age fifteen Elly and the family moved to California. Her education continued there where she graduated from Hollywood High School, going on to receive her BA in Holistic Health Education from Antioch University in Los Angeles.
She married and had a son, Daniel. Her family has grown to include Daniel's wife Sherry, two wonderful grandchildren, Julian age 10 and Emma, age 4 who have lived in New Zealand for the last seven years.
Elly's background in dance opened doors for her dancing in the film industry. She was involved with Holistic Health Care at two community Colleges, Pierce College in Los Angeles and Cal Lutheran College in Ventura County. As an executive secretary for the California Legislative Conference she has worked with labor unions, women's groups, minority groups, small farm owners and the Railroad Brothers to mention a few. During legislative sessions she lived in Sacramento.
As a general partner in the Dyna Construction Company she participated in the building and selling of apartment complexes.
An avid volunteer, Elly was a nurse's aide during WWII and, eventually, the issue that became closest to her heart was universal health care. Very involved with campaigning for her cause she worked hard to help enact legislation which is now known as the 'single payer' healthcare program.
Elly held the post of President of People for a National Healthcare Program for eight years.
Her hobbies include reading and studying healthcare periodicals, lecturing, discussing politics and of course dancing as her health permits.
Her travels have led her all over the world. She has seen the Hawaiian Islands, England, Greece, France, Sweden, Israel, Spain, Mexico, Tahiti and of course New Zealand.
Elly says she is enjoying the luxury of "no deadlines". Her daily routine no longer includes schedules full of lectures, appointments or meetings.
She says she is "continually impressed" with the planning and providing of activities here at the Towers and the efficient manor in which the front desk and maintenance run.
Elly's greatest challenge comes from trying to gain an understanding of who she is and where her personality quirks come from. She has come a long way in acceptance of things she cannot change and has taken actions to make deliberate, positive changes in her life.
One wish? Funding for her worthy causes whether they be family and friends, the arts or medical research.
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