Doree Steinmann B.S., M.A.

TV Producer, Author, Teacher, Volunteer

Doree Steinman came to Capitola in 1992, bringing with her many years of experience in the world of television communications. She had just retired from 22 years spent developing and teaching Communications Media at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento.

She had entered the television world in 1959 as the Storybook Lady on a PBS station in Sacramento and had progressed to hosting “Women’s World” and then gone on to becoming the first woman anchor on KXTV IN 1963. This was while raising four daughters.

Doree promptly plunged in media matters in Santa Cruz County. She taught an eight-week after-school class “News About your School” for SPECTRA that played on Community TV. At the same time, she was teaching “Acting for the Camera” for the Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Department in the summer months.

Her volunteer work includes being chairperson of the Sand Sculpture Contest for the Begonia Festival and Docent at the Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center, working with the Santa Cruz Symphony League and attending all of their concerts, as well as the Shakespeare performances at UCSC. She served as president of the UCSC Lifelong Learners Group for three years and is still active in many of their interest groups.

Doree videos local events for and about local seniors and makes DVD copies for the people involved. This includes the regular performances of the Mid County Senior Center Choraliers.

However, she may be most known for producing and hosting her weekly television program “Your Second Fifty Years” which airs on Community Television on Thursdays and Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. These programs highlight the interesting activities of seniors in this area, including intriguing interviews with the men and women involved. She has developed a rather unique method in her interviewing. Once she has introduced her subject, Doree stays entirely in the background, asking questions and making suggestions only when it is necessary to move things along. This is a refreshing change from most TV interviewers who often spotlight themselves and ask long elaborate questions.

The big news is that, having recently completed the 525th program, she has published a book about the people involved. It is entitled “Your Second Fifty Years” and is now available for $5 at Amazon.com and Bookshop Santa Cruz. In addition to the interesting stories about local energetic seniors, you will find inspiration and ideas for spending your own second fifty years.

A new project for Doree is her “Video Memories.” This provides an opportunity for seniors to provide their families with 2 two-hour sessions of looking at photographs about their lives and making comments on them. The set includes 4 DVDs of two visits made about a week apart. In addition to old photographs, there could be new pictures of family heirlooms, pets, memorabilia, and collections. Also included could be action shots of you at work on your hobby, playing a musical instrument or whatever interests you.

At 87 years old, Doree is a perfect example of an active vital senior. Besides all the professional work detailed above, she regularly works out in a water exercise class, on a stationary bike and the Circuit Chairs and plays Bridge twice a week. She has always loved to travel, but these days her travels are limited to driving herself to visit her four daughters, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren all living in various places in California.

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Doree may be contacted at tvdoree@sbcglobal.net