Vol. 6 🎺
Notes from the Founder
This newsletter comes to you as we reflect on all the wonderful moments we’ve shared over the summer and prepare to dive into a bustling season full of autumn and holiday festivities.
We are eagerly anticipating the many celebratory programs and bookings in the months ahead. Thank you for accompanying us on this musical journey as we strive to bring the joy of music to those who need it most.
Throughout June, July and August, we conducted 86 interactive music sessions in Senior Living Facilities and continued our bi-weekly sessions for adults with special needs. Additionally, we booked 42 entertainment programs. One standout memory from this summer was when our volunteer Sing Along Choir was invited to join the clients and staff at Engaging Days Senior Enrichment Center’s Fourth of July celebration! It fills us with immense pride to support them in their efforts to provide meaningful activities and opportunities to seniors suffering from dementia.
We also celebrated the grand opening of Harmony Adult Day Care Center in Centerville. With the projected increase in adult daycare centers in the coming years, we are committed to promoting the benefits of music and providing services to the clients and families of these establishments. I invite you to explore this newsletter to delve deeper into our experiences, listen to our latest podcasts, and view some of our photos.
With gratitude and warmth, Krissy O’Malley
Musician Spotlight
We are shining a spotlight on a special musician, Donna Hangen! You may recognize her name from emails and Facebook, as she is a valued member of Senior Music Connection, contributing not only as a partner musician but also providing bookkeeping and administrative services.
This is the perfect time to highlight Donna as she is a skilled flute player and will be busy with upcoming holiday performances.
Donna Hangen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Humanities (Music Emphasis) from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She has also completed therapeutic music training to become a Certified Music Practitioner (flute and alto flute) through the Music for Healing and Transition program (MHTP). Donna is an advisor and reviewer for MHTP, and she is actively involved in the Piqua Civic Band and has previously been a member of the Springboro Wind Symphony.
In addition to her musical pursuits, Donna works full-time as an Administrative Secretary for the Ohio Education Association. Join us in celebrating Donna and thanking her for bringing light to the community through her music, and for playing a big role in our very own Senior Music Connection!
Grace Notes
Celebrating people for who they are at their core is something we always keep in mind as we do our work. We enjoy engaging with them and their family members who visit during our music sessions.
Getting to know the residents better and listening to their stories as they share their memories is something we truly love. Here is a recent example.
— Krissy
A Southern Gospel Legacy…
“One man’s wife shared that her husband, in the advanced stages of
Parkinson’s, used to sing in a Southern Gospel band. We wheeled him to the piano, and together, we sang and played many standard hymns.
People gathered around, reminiscing about their childhood memories of church and Sunday dinners. Before I left, his wife gave me a treasured CD of his band’s recordings from 25 years ago. The next time I visited, he had passed away. Listening to that CD now, I hear him singing strong and clear, a testament to the enduring hope and beauty of Southern Gospel music.”
We had the pleasure of hosting Abby Osborne from Engaging Days Senior Enrichment Center on our podcast. She discusses the new service they offer to individuals and families dealing with dementia. Abby advocates for the use of music to keep minds healthy and active. Click the button below to listen to learn more about Engaging Days and the impactful work they are doing to change lives in the Miami Valley.
There’s more! Check out this interview with Rev. Lynn M. Labs, a dear friend and fellow music-lover.
In this episode, we discuss her experience and observations about the importance of sacred music in the lives of senior adults.
Replay
We’re so grateful to Dayton Daily News for featuring us as a Miami Valley Community Gem! It’s truly heartwarming and inspiring to feel the community’s support every step of the way. The article sheds light on our founder and owner, Krissy O’Malley’s journey and the path that led her to establish Senior Music Connection.
A Little Pitchy
Get ahead of the holiday rush and book your Christmas entertainment now! Don’t wait for the stores to start promoting the holidays – we’re already preparing to bring the magic of the season to you.
Music is one of the most special ways to celebrate, and we’re here to make your holiday season unforgettable. We’ve already booked the Centerville Community Chorus‘ Holiday program at eight senior living facilities, and our carolers are already warming up their voices. We have many more musicians who want to bring their seasonal programs to you!
Don’t miss out on the chance to make your holiday celebrations memorable. Click the button below to request your holiday entertainment today!
Sync Up
Did you know that We have a Spotify Channel?
We create themed and seasonal playlists just for you to enjoy. To see what we’re listening to and just for something a little different, check it out!
Our latest playlist is themed Celebrations because last month, we were celebrating something VERY special, and that was National Assisted Living Week. We are fortunate enough to spend time with the staff and residents in Assisted Living homes on a daily basis, and there is so much good work, smiles, and joy within these communities near and far. We can tell you, Assisted Living is worth celebrating everyday! #NALW