🍷2024 Round Up of the Centenarian Playbook: 🥂

Explore memorable stories that connect past generations to future well-being.

At Vidovich Vineyards: Following a March talk I gave about the Gemello history, the Gemello and Vidovich families pose with Mario Gemello’s widow, Grandma Kay, 102, seated.

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It’s been quite a year! After publishing monthly for two years, I added a second regular post mid-month focused on health and longevity, and eventually renamed the newsletter, The Centenarian Playbook.

I gave several speeches about the Gemello Winery history, including a speech to a luncheon crowd of 70 members of the Italian American Heritage Foundation of San Jose. It went so well that they invited me back to speak at their 42nd Annual Italian Festival six months later. I also spoke at the Vidovich Vineyards tasting room at the peak of Montebello Road in Cupertino. As many readers know, this road is at the heart of my grandfather’s origin story. What’s more: Grandma Kay, who turned 103 in June, made it out to the speaking event!

To end this year with a celebratory bang, I’ve rounded up all twenty posts that went out this year below. Here’s a chance to dip into the archives and read any posts you may have missed.

Gemello Winery History (7)

• Inspiration of a classic wine label going back to 1960

• A young winemaker's perfect timing in a historic deal

• Discover Gemello Winery's legacy at the 42nd Annual Italian Festival

• Grandma’s shenanigans: a letter to my late grandfather

• Reefers in the vineyard

• From Montebello to Paris glory

• Small details triggering ah-ha! moments: Grandpa Mario’s origin story

Heath and Longevity (10)

• 5 Longevity tips from a centenarian enclave

• The Sardinian secret to living to 100

• How family albums trigger grandma’s hidden history

• Dementia's financial warning signs

• A 100-year-old’s sly tactics to family games

• A 100-year-old’s walking ritual

• Grandma Kay shenanigans: to much to do

• Why are we seeing more centenarians?

• Making it to 100

• Announcing The Centenarian Playbook

Prohibition (3)

• Bootlegging & speakeasies in Mountain View

• A neighbor tries exploiting a family secret

• Banking on the American dream during Prohibition

If you’re new here—hi, I’m Kevin!

I’m the author of 🍷 Rain on the Monte Bello Ridge,🍷 my forthcoming memoir about health, aging and winemaking. (Read the origin story of the book.) 🍇 The Centenarian Playbook is my newsletter, which features longevity tips and stories from Grandma Kay’s long life. It also includes stories of the Gemello Winery, which her late husband, Mario, ran for nearly half a century. 📖 I’m sure you’ll find my maternal grandparents are quite lovable characters.

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