It’s a Show and Tell-avision for Book-Lover

Beverly Hills resident Connie Martinson loves books. In fact, she said, when considering a career, “I decided to focus on doing what I love, and that’s reading.” Her cable television show “Connie Martinson Talks Books,” which can be seen on cable stations across the United States and Canada, is in its 10th season.

During nearly 4,000 shows, Martinson has interviewed more than 2,000 authors, including Gore Vidal, Ray Bradbury, Jackie Collins, Betty White and Norman Mailer, on topics ranging from religion to cooking.

“As long as it’s a book, then the author is a potential guest,” she said.

Martinson attributes the show’s success to her ability to get the authors to open up. “I try to hold the audience’s attention by trying to put them in my seat,” she said. “I also want to know what makes the author tick, so I try to think how the ideas and rhythm came from each author.”

In between shows and reading, Martinson writes a weekly book column for Beverly Hills Today. She also serves on the board of the Friends of the English department at UCLA and is involved in several public service campaigns for literacy.

Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences has appointed Ruth Jenson as director of admissions.

Jenson, a former director of student activities at Salpointe High School in Tucson, has held a variety of positions in education. She has also received a presidential appointment and Senate confirmation to the National Advisory Council on Education Research and Improvement.

Duane Champagne has been named director of UCLA’s American Indian Studies Center.

An associate professor of sociology who has been serving as acting director, Champagne was born in Belcourt, N.D., and raised on the Turtle Mountain Reservation. He is a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa tribe.

Champagne, whose doctorate in sociology is from Harvard University, has done extensive research in American Indian societies, values and strategies of political and cultural survival.

“Professor Champagne is committed to the field of American Indian studies, and I am confident that under his leadership the center will flourish and be nationally recognized as the premier center for American Indian studies,” UCLA Chancellor Charles E. Young said.

Malcolm and Gabrielle Cosgrove have been selected as Sinai Temple’s Couple of the Year.

They will be honored tonight at the temple’s annual dinner dance in Los Angeles. Malcolm Cosgrove is serving his second term as president of the temple. The couple live in Westwood.

Martha Hellner, 95, the oldest living teacher from Santa Monica High, was recently presented with a scroll and trophy by the Santa Monica Historical Society. A teacher for 34 years at Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College, Hellner was honored for her community achievements and service.

The J. Paul Getty Museum has promoted two senior officials. Deborah Gribbon, former associate director for curatorial affairs since 1986, will become chief curator. She will be responsible for seven curatorial departments and three conservation departments. In addition, her duties will include supervising education and academic affairs.

Barbara Whitney, associate director for administration, will take on the additional duties of public information, press services, special events and reservations. She will also oversee operations not related to art.