It’s always a joy to visit the downtown San Jose Fire Museum, but being there for retired Fire Capt. Sam Seibert’s birthday celebration was really something special.
Seibert turned 105 on Monday, and he was the guest of honor at a party at the Market Street firehouse-turned-museum on Tuesday. He sat upon a throne, was serenaded by retired firefighter Jim True and blew out the three candles on his chocolate birthday cake. (Had there been 105, it might have set off some alarms.)
Seibert acknowledged that few people have lived to his age and enjoyed the life that he has, especially working as a firefighter and helping to create the San Jose Fire Museum, which has many items he contributed and includes a gallery in its lobby devoted to him.
“This fire department is very special to everyone who is in this building,” he said. “Most people came here because they want to see me kick the bucket, but I’m not going for another week or two,” he joked. “It’s a pleasure to be in this organization.
John McMillan, another retired firefighter who is president of the museum, said, “We are so lucky to have Sam in our life. He told me and some other friends his goal was 105. But I predict right now we can start planning for 110.”
Seibert may already be the oldest living firefighter in the United States, following the death in June of New Jersey native Victor Dransfield at age 110.
McMillan said Seibert looks better than he has in years and chalked that up in part to the people who look after him. But some of Seibert’s secrets to longevity were revealed at the party: He recommends not sitting around too much and says drinking too much water will rust your pipes. “He drinks beer and soda,” McMillan said with a laugh.
I don’t think my doctor would sign off on that. But Seibert’s managed to make it to more than twice my age, so you can’t really argue with the results.
CHEERS: Philanthropist Al Castellano had his own milestone birthday last weekend as he celebrated his 90th, partying with friends and family — including his new great-granddaughter — at the Saratoga Country Club on Saturday night.
Castellano is best known for winning a then-record $141 million California Lottery jackpot in 2001, which he and his late wife, Carmen Castellano, turned into a family foundation that provided millions of dollars in funding to Latino causes in the Bay Area and elsewhere for two decades.
Looking dapper in a black tuxedo, Castellano shared memories of growing up in Hollister, meeting Carmen and raising their three children — Armando Castellano, Maria West and Carmela Castellano-Garcia — in San Jose’s Cambrian Park neighborhood. Mariachi Azteca performed for the crowd but “Happy Birthday” was played by Armando Castellano on French horn and his son — and Al Castellano’s grandson — Wim Castellano on guitar.
STAGE PRESENCE: U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s book tour brought the San Francisco Democrat — certainly the most powerful female politician in U.S. history — and her autobiography, “The Art of Power,” to San Jose and a packed house at the California Theatre on Monday.
Pelosi spoke for more than an hour on stage with Bay Area philanthropist and education booster Laurene Powell Jobs, winding through her life in politics and her hope for the future. The appearance, sponsored by Kepler’s Literary Foundation, was punctuated by two standing ovations, many bursts of applause and some loud protesting in support of Gaza from the balcony that made Pelosi consider raising her volume to what she called her “mother-of-five” voice.
Attendees also got a glimpse into her personal life including her passion for chocolate. The former Speaker of the House fortified herself for the event with a dark chocolate milkshake from the “My Milkshake” shop just a few blocks away.
CURSES: There apparently weren’t enough protective spells around the Guggenheim family, who operate 3Below Theaters in downtown San Jose, to keep COVID at bay. Illness has unfortunately forced 3Below to cancel all its “Back to Hogwarts” plans for this weekend, including a Harry Potter party and a 22-hour, eight-movie marathon.
Their intention is to try again next year, but in the meantime, there are still movies running at the theater — fortunately, the Guggenheims don’t have to be around for movies the way they do for events. Check out the schedule at www.3belowtheaters.com.
ROARING FUN WEEKEND: The Tech Interactive is going downright prehistoric this weekend with a “T.REX Takeover,” inspired by its newest educational IMAX film, “T.REX,” about three kids who discover a juvenile T. Rex speciment. Tyler Lyson, the paleontologist featured in the movie, will be on hand for Q&A sessions following the 11 a.m. screening on Saturday.
Later Saturday, Lyson will be joined by fellow paleontologist Nathan Smith for “Dino Fight Night,” a fun talk, moderated by author/illustrator Ted Rechlin, about a topic dino-fans will love: Which dinosaurs would win in a fight? There’ll also be activities like fossil tracing and making a dino egg bath bomb going on all weekend, along with visits by Azul and Rex, the Tech’s resident dinosaur mascots.
Stomp over to thetech.org/trextakeover for more details and ticket information.
