Stars, Stars, Everywhere was the theme during the Senior Champions Program at New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg. This program is an Adult Day Care Pilot program managed by the Colonial Heritage Community Foundation.
We were honored to have two special guests, Kathryn Baerwald, Chief Philanthropist from National Lutheran Community and Services (NLCS) and Hannah, student intern. The session began with colorful star bean bags being tossed in rhythm to the song “Catch a Falling Star” … we moved to key phrases including “catch a falling star” “put it in your pocket” “tap you on the shoulder” “wanna hold her.” Then each senior was invited to share an item carried in their pocket … answers included “change, tissues, hands, nothing, chocolate, hanker chief, pocketknife, and keys.”
Then the seniors were given word cards to complete the “When You Wish Upon a Star” song lyrics. The residents worked as a team to read their word card and tape it to the lyric sheet. We discussed the mood of the song by the lyrics,tempo, style, etc. The Star Sound Shape drums were introduced as each senior tapped in rhythm while they sang. Then each senior was invited to draw one thing they wished for on their sound shape drum. Responses included “health, happiness, Friendship, Fellowship, Peace, Love and Kindness.”
Lastly the seniors played the song “How Great Thou Art” on Suzuki tone chimes followed by singing the hymn.
The seniors and volunteers shared comments and experiences from the program which included: “the volunteers treat us with dignity and respect, the activities are meaningful with a purpose, the fellowship is wonderful, I’m not sitting at home alone on Tuesdays, and enjoy all the programs, especially the music therapy group.” Our guests from NLCS were so proud and impressed everyone’s comments! #luvservingwithmusic
