Beech Tree News Network

On Friday, August 7th, at 7:30pm two Elders from Morgantown Care and Rehab were able to hear once again the music that they enjoyed long ago.

When CNA Christina Jones was working one day in our Rehab to Home wing she had a conversation with Elder, James Hunter. She asked him what kind of music he liked and he shared with Christina that he has always liked big band music. After a short discussion of the songs that Mr. Hunter remembered, Christina looked up music from the genre on her phone and left it for Mr. Hunter to enjoy. He listened for over an hour to artists and groups like: Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Mr. Hunter so enjoyed the music that it gave Christina an idea. Why not see if Mr. Hunter could go and hear this music for himself?

It just so happened that the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, the most sought after big band in the world today, would be performing at SKYPAC in Bowling Green. Tickets were ordered, plans were made, transportation arranged, and Mr. Hunter and another Elder, Bonnie McKinney were on their way to hear musical numbers like: Chattanooga Choo Choo, A String of Pearls, and Moonlight Serenade.

Bonnie McKinney said, “It was just wonderful! Big sound, snazzy looking clothes – you know they wore red tuxedos, the sheer sound of trumpets blowing. I wanted to get up and dance!” McKinney remembered her mother and older sisters dancing to that kind of music. The evening was a great opportunity to dress up and go out. McKinney wore a lovely purple and black jacket with black pants and black high heel shoes. “It made me feel uptown!” said McKinney. “It was just what I needed. And I wish we could do it again.”

Hunter used to listen to big band music years ago when he was a teenager. “There were two or three places to dance in my small town. I couldn’t dance much but I tried,” he said. This was also a special first for Hunter because he had never seen a band live before. A Glenn Miller Orchestra CD was purchased for Hunter and he has the case proudly displayed in his room. Another honor for Hunter was that they recognized veterans during the performance and Cindy Stewart, MCRC’s Assistant Social Services Director, helped Hunter to stand for special applause from the audience.

It was an incredible outing for Elders, McKinney and Hunter. “I wouldn’t take anything for that trip. It was awesome!” said Hunter. “I may not have very long to live but even if I live a long time, I will never forget that night.”

Writer: Chaplain, Derek Cain