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RiverWoods Senior Living Community Hosts Talent Show

September 6, 2006

A talent show was held August 24 at RiverWoods Senior Living Community involving residents, family members, and staff.

The morning started off with a lively performance by the “Turnup Bunch,” made up of a group of residents and volunteers, who played the bells, a washboard, maracas, small drums, and spoons.  Directed by staff member, Nancy Wise, the “Turnup Bunch” sang several favorite songs, such as “You are my sunshine.”  In between favorite choruses, residents asked trivia.  Included in the Bunch was, Mary Fisher, Marion Meixall, Clara Narehood, Betty Carter, Helen Hemrick, Ernest Kocher, Ruth Fritz, Elma Gill, and Veda King (volunteer).

Resident, Helen McClintock, followed the Gang by reciting the poem, “Somebody’s Mother.”  Marion Meixell recited a poem as well, “Minute.”  Amber Elbright (volunteer) played the saxophone.  Showing off his extensive knowledge of trees was resident Ernest Kocher, with assistance from his daughter.  To portray their wisdom was a leaf poster, showing the audience the differences between types of leaves, and a few interesting facts.  Hymns were played on the piano by Mary Hackenberg’s daughter, Nancy Matthews, while the residents sang along.

Surprisingly enough, some of the staff even joined in the entertainment.  Part of their act was the Hawaiian Hula Dance, where they dressed in grass skirts, leis, and coconut bras.  Afterwards, they did the Y.M.C.A. dance fully costumed as the Village People.  The staff that performed were, Nancy Wise, Recreation Assistant; Jinja Notargiacomo, Dietician; Sharon Stroup, CDM, Dietary; Kimberly Hyde, Social Services; and Dawn Martina, Social Services. 

Stacy Drum, director of Therapeutic Recreation, assisted in distributing Hawaiian punch at the conclusion of the event and took pictures.  Nancy Wise planned the talent show and would like to thank the staff that performed the Hula Dance and the Y.M.C.A.