Our Story

"My dad used to sing that to me every night!"

Such are the words often heard at our Music and Memories class at Neilson Place. Every Thursday afternoon at 1 pm, Fawn leads a class with the residents. Each week is focused on a theme, and she plays and sings familiar music to the residents.

Not only do they join in singing, but toes are tapping and hands clapping. One resident, Myrtle, often plays her harmonica with the music. We also have May, our dancer! She is often in front of the seated crowd with space for dancing in her wheelchair and a bright smile on her face. May used to be a dancer and ice-skater along with her husband, but that was "way, way back" as she likes to remind us!

Some of the favorite songs to sing include classics such as "Down by the Old Mill Stream", "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", "You Are My Sunshine", etc. They also play some memory trivia games that help bring up memories and stories from their lives.

The most magical moments of the hour take place at the very end. Each week they close their session with the song "Let Me Call You Sweetheart." Its so heart-warming to watch everyone sing along, and share their memories of life and love.