For more than two decades the melodic tones of a saxophone have re-energized the '30s at the Simi Valley Senior Center. The big band sound lives on through that golden horn in the hands of Bud Fischer, 85, and his rhythm section. One Wednesday a month, Fischer resuscitates our musical genre through his shifting fingers and vividly recalls a generation of a unique brand of music.

Fischer, born and raised in New York, has become an icon for the greatest generation ever. As each musical number begins, comprehension sets in at the center's lunch tables. Seniors put down their reading material, eyes brighten, and retirees sit just a little straighter in their seats. Tented eyebrows across a lunch table, a knowing smile, and a special secret is shared. "They're playing my song!" exclaims Jeanette. Seniors rise from their seats to swing dance and forget for a while, the geriatric limitations of aging.

Chuck Partamian, in his 70s with a pronounced limp, loses the affliction when Fischer's band performs the fast-paced "Havah Nagalia." Partamian's body comes alive, and to the amazement of the crowd, he flawlessly executes the dance, and captivates the crowd.

Other noontime diners tap their feet to the rhythm. The music swells, backs stiffen, and the dance floor fills with the teenagers of yesteryear. To the left of Fischer, Lou Yered, 88, taps the snare and his drumsticks dance on the skins of percussion instruments. On piano, Connie Vick's fingers move over the ivories, and Carl Lowenthal, 91 years young, wails in the blues on the trumpet, bringing us back to another time, an age of poodle skirts, penny loafers, duck-tail haircuts, Marcel-waved hair, flapper dresses, the Black Bottom, and the Charleston.

Escapism? Maybe, but for a little while, once a month, the time is priceless. Bud Fischer, who also plays a mean clarinet, is our genie in the bottle. When he arrives on Wednesdays and the group settles down on stage, the moment is breathless. Bud's wife, Cathy, snaps her tambourine and the scene is set. Let's dance!

Bob Hope's favorite theme song, the one he always closed his show with, was "Thanks for the Memories." What does it cost to rekindle a kinder more gentle time from our past? For Bud Fischer and Cathy, the gig is little more than carfare with today's prices.

Our hope is that Bud Fischer and his band will continue to find their way into our hearts and memory. As World War II veterans pass away at the rate of 1,500 a day, we are indeed blessed to be able to enjoy this savvy group of seniors who bring a unique gift into our lives.

A positive aide

On your next visit to Moorpark's Active Adult Center, make it a point to meet a 22-year-old gentleman, Gilbert Lozano. This aide is the most positive person I have ever met. He has made himself indispensable to the seniors of the city and is constantly involved in helping others. The population loves him!

Labor Day event

In Thousand Oaks, wake up early, and enjoy breakfast and entertainment on Labor Day, Sept. 3, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tickets for the special event are available now at the Goebel Senior Center. Sponsors are McDonalds, ResponseLink and the Goebel Senior Center Commission. Call 381-2744 for more on this.

— Star columnist David Nankivell may be reached by fax at 482-6167.