Lu Ann Gabel is a SHINE (serving health insurance needs of everyone) counselor at the Marblehead Senior Center. A number of years ago, Lu Ann’s daughter was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses — diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. This created the need to adeptly navigate the insurance world. Lu Ann considered taking a course to gain further knowledge and ended up immersed in a 40-hour program… and with lots of insight. She loved it, and realized then that she could give back to those who need help navigating insurance, particularly the elderly. Being a SHINE counselor accomplishes exactly that.
LISTENING: “Eclectic mix. But, after 35 years of marriage I’ve finally given in to being a Bruce Springsteen fan! It’s now a family thing. (And Bruce looks pretty good for being 73!)”
WATCHING: “We just started ‘Succession’ (Amazon Prime & Hulu), but I’m in mourning for ‘Derry Girls’ (Netflix) — a show about Northern Ireland and all its troubles. So good.”
READING: “Been in a book group for 30 years. Just started ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver — our book group pick.”
SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR CAREER: “I am a closet ‘Jeopardy’ junkie. I try out every year.”
WHAT YOU ENJOY ABOUT MARBLEHEAD: “The ocean. Being from Ohio (and next to Marblehead, Ohio), I was told to check out Marblehead, Mass., and I’ve now lived here for 34 years!”
Weekly Recommendations is a column created by Frances Roberts Hill, who selects one Marbleheader each week to interview for entertainment recommendations. Originally from Philadelphia, Frances has lived in Marblehead, where she met her husband and raised their son, for over 40 years. She has a background in advertising and education, and has always loved to write.