In This Article
Subscribe to Human Interest Updates
Radio City Music Hall, George Kalinsky/AP
The interior of New York's Radio City Music Hall
The interior of New York's Radio City Music Hall
Lifelong Dreams Don’t Die with Age
August 02, 2008 08:02 AM
A 67-year-old man has spent his life savings to perform at Radio City Music Hall, one of many people pursuing lifelong dreams far into adulthood.
30-Second Summary
Jack Moelmann, a retired Air Force colonel, has spent his entire life savings, a total of $120,000, to perform on the venue’s celebrated Wurlitzer organ on August 9. Moelmann “has a passion for playing the pipe organ,” according to the New York Post.
The Wurlizer at Radio City has been there since the venue opened in 1932, and Moelmann has long imagined playing it himself. “One day back in February, I looked in the mirror and said, ‘Jack, you have a dream, go for it,’” he said.
Moelmann considered inviting the Rockettes to perform with him, but could not afford the extra $5,000. He expects to earn his money back from ticket sales, and plans to give any extra to charity.
Many others are also refusing to give up on their dreams, pursuing goals later in life. Celebrities like Billy Crystal and Garth Brooks have played baseball with the pros, and Bill Gates is reportedly considering a trip to outer space when flights become available.
Everyday people are also using retirement years to go after their dreams. The New York Times has dubbed the intrepid retirees “silver entrepreneurs.”
The Wurlizer at Radio City has been there since the venue opened in 1932, and Moelmann has long imagined playing it himself. “One day back in February, I looked in the mirror and said, ‘Jack, you have a dream, go for it,’” he said.
Moelmann considered inviting the Rockettes to perform with him, but could not afford the extra $5,000. He expects to earn his money back from ticket sales, and plans to give any extra to charity.
Many others are also refusing to give up on their dreams, pursuing goals later in life. Celebrities like Billy Crystal and Garth Brooks have played baseball with the pros, and Bill Gates is reportedly considering a trip to outer space when flights become available.
Everyday people are also using retirement years to go after their dreams. The New York Times has dubbed the intrepid retirees “silver entrepreneurs.”
Headline Link: Moelmann takes Radio City
The New York Post reports that a 67-year-old retired Air Force colonel has just spent close to $120,000 to perform on Radio City Music Hall’s iconic Wurlitzer organ. Jack Moelmann has had a lifelong reverence for the venue, calling it “the mecca of places to play,” and said he emptied his savings account to pay for the gig.
Source: New York Post
Related Topic: Living life to the fullest
In March 2008, comedian Billy Crystal fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing with the New York Yankees. Crystal suited up for a spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and fouled off a pitch before striking out in one at bat.
Source: Reuters
In April 2007, the New Scientist reported that Microsoft impresario Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, was considering a flight into space. “The first slot for a potential Gates flight would be in 2009,” according to the article.
Source: New Scientist
In 2000, country singer Garth Brooks joined the New York Mets for spring training, signing a minor league contract with the team. One year earlier, Brooks played with the San Diego Padres and racked up a .045 batting average.
Source: ESPN
Randy Pausch was a Carnegie Mellon professor who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2006, and told he had three to six months of good health left. Rather than wallow in self-pity, Pausch offered inspirational lectures on how to achieve life goals and be happy, one of which, his “Last Lecture,” was posted to YouTube and became an instant sensation. Pausch died on July 25, 2008, after inspiring millions.
Source: findingDulcinea
An article in The New York Times focused on “silver entrepreneurs or senior entrepreneurs,” people age 55 or older who start their own businesses, pursuing life goals instead of relaxing during their retirement years. “Many … have carefully planned their transition from lifelong careers,” said the article.
Source: The New York Times
Reference Material: Radio City Music Hall
The official Web site of Radio City Music Hall has information about upcoming performances, as well as a section called “About Radio City,” which includes historical background on the venue.
Source: Radio City Music Hall
© 2009 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
