Music program creates joy

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, March 27, 2019

I felt so much joy at Music Mends Minds recently, I wanted to make sure the community is aware of such a wonderful program.

It was a regular Tuesday afternoon for the Music Mends Minds program. We had already started singing when a volunteer wheeled his friend in, both singing on the move. Then right behind them, the founder strolled in, also singing on the move. Everyone was smiling, most were participating, and the afternoon was in full swing. From Bob Dylan and The Beatles to Cole Porter and Hank Williams, most of the songs were familiar to everyone. All 98 songs!

Every week the participants are lead in approximately 40 songs during the hour-long program. There are violins, a ukulele, guitar and most times, the piano. Participants are given shakers, tambourines and other hand-held instruments to assist with the beat.

This is a program that helps patients with neurocognitive disease and is open to the public. There are many people who also come to the program for the joy of singing. It’s an upbeat hour as staff, caregivers and volunteers sing along. Even staffers can be seen dancing in the hallway. This is the epitome of spreading joy with love, song and laughter.

Thank you, Vashon.

— Lornie Walker

Music Mends Minds, founded in 2014, is a collaborative of people who love to sing and play music. The sponsors, Vashon Island Rotary Club and Music Mends Minds, are volunteer-led nonprofits.

Vashon Community Care hosts this program every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.