(Baby) Grand Performance is a hit

GREENSBURG, Pa. - April 25, 2019 - PRLog -- Five years ago, Pat Jackson sat down to play the Baby Grand Piano at Newhaven Court at Lindwood.

    Jackson and her husband Frank had just become residents at the senior living community. She was adapting to her new surroundings. Music always has been an important part of her life, so Jackson settled in and began tapping the ivory keys.

       Since that first impromptu performance, Jackson, 89, has become somewhat of a celebrity at Newhaven Court at Lindwood, where she performs on the piano regularly in the community lobby on weekdays and plays the organ during church services on Sundays.

       "Residents and guests enjoyed Pat's playing so much that we actually designed two entire programs that occur weekly around her playing," said Stacey Carr, LifeStyles Director at Newhaven Court at Lindwood. "Every Wednesday evening Pat plays the piano in our lobby for whomever likes to listen. At first Pat had a small little crowd of maybe four or five residents that would listen and request songs to which she could play from memory."

    "Now her beautiful tunes fill the lobby, so much that sometimes we run out of seats," Carr added. "There are residents, family and staff who gather around. The other program created around Pat was our 'Happy Hearts Singing Group' that gathers every Friday."

    Carr said Jackson's involvement in the "Happy Hearts Singing Group" and her willingness to play for others fits into the theme of National Volunteer Month in April.

    The residents are provided song books and they often sing along as Jackson plays. She takes requests. She'll play music from different decades. Carr said activities such as playing music are significant as residents and their family members transition to life in the senior community.

    "As residents move into our home, we take the time to get to know each individual as we would a new friend," Carr said. "As we get to know residents, we find out about hidden talents or passions and try to utilize those within our activity programming."

     Jackson's music has been well received by residents and staff.

   "Very shortly after Pat entered our building, she began playing our Baby Grand Piano and amazing everyone with her beautiful talent," Carr said. "As soon as Pat became comfortable in her new surroundings, she started playing our organ for church."

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